New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers Predictions: Hosts can boost top-eight hopes

Injuries have not helped the cause of the New Zealand Warriors of late but they can get back to winning ways when they host Wests Tigers on Friday morning (09:00). Despite outscoring their opponents by four tries to three, the Warriors suffered an agonising 20-18 defeat to the Canberra Raiders in the Australian capital last time out.

Although more injuries were sustained in that defeat at GIO Stadium in Canberra, the Warriors should still fancy their chances of getting back to winning ways against a Wests Tigers side who are currently on a four-game losing streak. Read on for my New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers predictions.

Rugby League Odds

Team News

Taine Tuaupiki picked up a head knock against the Raiders, meaning Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moves from wing to full-back, while Ed Kosi comes in on the flank for the Warriors.

Adam Pompey is out with a knee injury, so Moala Graham-Taufa comes into the backline in the centres alongside Ali Leiataua.

Warriors will have to continue without injured star playmaker Shaun Johnson, meaning Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita will start in the half-backs.

As for Wests Tigers, their own playmaker Aidan Sezer is suspended, with Latu Fainu joining Lachlan Galvin in the half-backs.

Adam Doueihi is being rested so Star To’a comes into the centres, while skipper Api Koroisau has recovered from a calf injury and will start in the pack.

Reuben Porter comes in for John Bateman, Isaiah Papali'i is back from an ankle injury, while Alex Seyfarth has recovered from a head knock to take up a spot on the bench.

New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.

The Warriors are 2/9 chances to win in Auckland, while the Tigers are at 100/30 to cause a major upset.

A draw on Friday morning at Go Media Stadium is currently available at 22/1.

New Zealand Warriors -12.5 handicap @ 20/21

The Warriors have an impressive record in this fixture and will be going in search of their seventh consecutive NRL win over the Tigers on Friday.

Wests Tigers have a poor record in New Zealand, having failed to win a competitive match across the Tasman Sea since 2018.

The last two meetings between these sides in New Zealand ended with the Warriors winning 22-2 and 48-12.

A similarly one-sided affair might well be on the cards on Friday and the hosts should have little trouble covering the -12.5 handicap on offer.

Over 48.5 total points @ 10/11

In the last two NRL games between these sides, 60 points were scored in one, while their last competitive meeting realised a total of 52 points.

Another high-scoring game looks to be in the offing on this occasion and over 48.5 total points certainly looks achievable.

Rugby League Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.