Warriors vs Cowboys Prediction & NRL Betting Preview

Following back-to-back narrow defeats, the New Zealand Warriors will be looking to reignite their challenge at the top of the NRL Premiership when the host the North Queensland Cowboys in Christchurch on Sunday (4pm local, 5am BST, Watch NRL).

The Warriors remain second on the ladder, but the deficit to leaders Penrith is now six points, while the Cowboys have slipped out of the top eight for now. My Warriors vs Cowboys predictions follow with the latest team news and match odds from Betfred.

Warriors vs Cowboys Betting Tips

Handicap 3-way Alt 2: Warriors -14 @ 11/8
Te Maire Martin Anytime Tryscorer @ 6/4

*odds correct at time of publishing

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Warriors vs Cowboys Odds

It’s the second-placed Warriors who are big favourites, with a 73.3% probability implied by their 4/11 price with Betfred.

The Cowboys are 9/4, with the draw an 18/1 chance.

Team News

Lofi Khan-Pereira is a big absentee for the Warriors after suffering a quad injury in the 10-8 loss to the Sharks last week. In comes Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on the wing in place of the nine-try flyer.

Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell could be included having been announced as part of the reserve panel following on from their involvement in Game II of the State of Origin on Wednesday.

There’s still no James Fisher-Harris or Leka Halasima. Sam Healey is fit enough to be included on the bench after recovering from a thumb problem.

Rugby League Odds

Jeremiah Nanai is back after six weeks out in the Cowboys’ main squad news. The second row has recovered from a shoulder injury, with Sam McIntyre stepping down to the bench to make way.

Zac Laybutt switches to the centre to allow Braidon Burns to line up on the wing after overcoming a hamstring strain, and Jaxon Purdue shifts to stand-off. That means Liam Sutton will start from the bench.

Handicap 3-way Alt 2: Warriors -14 @ 11/8

I just don’t see the Warriors not winning here, and in their search for a big response to two nail-biting disappointments they ought to do it with a bit of style.

While Khan-Pereira’s absence is a blow, Nicoll-Klokstad remains a significant replacement.

And with seven of their nine wins thus far coming with three scores to spare, I reckon another one is coming with the 11/8 implying a relatively-modest 42.1% probability.

Te Maire Martin Anytime Tryscorer @ 6/4

There’s a few to choose from for the Wahs when it comes to the Anytime market. And with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Nicoll-Klokstad both understandably being odds-on, it’s half-back Te Maire Martin whose prices looks big to me.

Martin came off the bench to score in his season debut against the champion Broncos in Round 11 and has since added three more tries in three starts.

That trend can continue here, and the 6/4 about that eventuality is generous for us punters.

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New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get £30 in Sports Free Bets & £20 in Bet Builder Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs Apply.