New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos Predictions: Broncos can add to Warriors’ woes

After suffering a 66-6 defeat at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans last time out, things don't get any easier for the New Zealand Warriors as they prepare to host last season’s NRL Grand Final runners-up Brisbane Broncos on Saturday morning (06:00 kick-off).

Winning just two of their six games at Go Media Stadium this season, their Auckland base has hardly been a fortress for the Warriors and the Broncos will fancy their chances of coming away with the spoils. Read on for my New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos prediction as well as the latest team news and odds.

Rugby League Odds

Team News

No sooner had the Warriors welcomed star playmaker Shaun Johnson back from injury, the Kiwi international is now back in the treatment room with an Achilles injury.

Johnson’s absence means Te Maire Martin will start in the half-backs alongside Chanel Harris-Tavita.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has served his suspension and returns to the wing, while Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell are back in the squad after State of Origin duty.

As for the Broncos, Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas will all be rested after the second game of the Origin series on Wednesday.

Tristan Sailor will look to fill the void at full-back, while Xavier Willison and Kobe Hetherington will both feature in the starting pack for Brisbane.

New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos Odds

Despite their disappointing home record, the Warriors are the 8/11 favourites to claim the win, while the Broncos are 11/10 to head back to Queensland with the victory.

A tie on Saturday is available at 22/1, while over 47.5 total points in the game is currently 5/6.

Brisbane Broncos to win @ 11/10

The Broncos are on a run of three consecutive defeats but they can look at their recent record against the Warriors for hope ahead of the weekend.

Brisbane have managed to win three of their last four games against the Warriors and should fancy their chances of winning at Go Media Stadium, given the Warriors’ disappointing record on their own patch this season.

The loss of Johnson to injury is another key factor in this selection and the Warriors will also miss his creativity with ball in hand and his deft kicking ability.

Brisbane Broncos over 24.5 total points @ 11/8

Defence has been the major issue for the Warriors in recent weeks, with the Auckland outfit conceding no less than 104 points over their past two games.

Even with the Broncos missing some of their Origin stars, they should have the strength in depth to cause this leaky Warriors defence significant problems.

With finishers like Selwyn Cobbo, Jesse Arthars and Deine Mariner in the backline, the Broncos are good value to score over 24.5 total points in Auckland.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.