There's a heavyweight contest between two NRL title contenders to look forward to on Friday as New Zealand Warriors prepare to host Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium.
The Warriors have struggled in this fixture over the years, losing 11 of their last 12 encounters with the Panthers.
However, following a 20-18 defeat on the road at the Panthers earlier this season in the NRL, there's reason to believe another tight affair is on the cards in Auckland this week.
New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers Tips Summary
Best Bet - New Zealand Warriors +5.5 handicap @ 1.86
Alternative Bet - Alofiana Khan-Pereira anytime tryscorer @ 2.20
Bet Builder - Under 40.5 total points, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak & Thomas Jenkins anytime tryscorers @ 11.00
New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers Prediction
Best Bet: New Zealand Warriors +5.5 handicap @ 1.86
These talented sides played out a thrilling clash at CommBank Stadium this term, with the Panthers withstanding a comeback from the Warriors to edge the encounter in New South Wales.
The Warriors go into this week’s game in good home form, having won five of their last six matches on their own patch, while only losing 10-8 to the Cronulla Sharks in that time.
Given how strong the Warriors have been on home turf in recent months, and how their last encounter with the Panthers panned out, the hosts with a +5.5 handicap get the green light here.
Alternative Bet: Alofiana Khan-Pereira anytime tryscorer @ 2.20
Playing an important role in the Warriors’ success so far this season, Alofiana Khan-Pereira is one to keep an eye on in the anytime tryscorer market.
Khan-Pereira has scored 13 tries in 12 appearances this term and given that form, it would be little surprise to see the Warriors winger go over for another try on Friday.
New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers Bet Builder Tip
Under 40.5 total points
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak anytime tryscorer
Thomas Jenkins anytime tryscorer
Pays 11.00
The Warriors have conceded just 42 points in their last four games and with that sort of defence, going for the under 40.5 total points appeals here.
While it might be a game that comes in at under 40.5 total points, both Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Thomas Jenkins are hard to ignore in the anytime tryscorer market.
Scoring in four of his last five games, Watene-Zelezniak is backed to add another try to his collection on Friday, as is Jenkins, who has a remarkable 28 tries to his name already this term.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
Penrith Panthers have won 11 of their last 12 games against the New Zealand Warriors
New Zealand Warriors have not beaten the Panthers in Auckland since 2018
The Warriors have conceded only 42 points in their last four games
Penrith earned a 20-18 win when these sides met in the NRL earlier this season
Read more rugby league betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
