New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels Predictions: Johnson’s Warriors to sink Eels

The return of playmaker Shaun Johnson looks set to give the New Zealand Warriors a significant lift when they host the Parramatta Eels on Friday morning (09:00 kick-off).

Back from an Achilles injury, Johnson returns to the No.7 jersey for this clash at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, with a struggling Eels side heading to the North Island this week. With a strong recent home record and with Johnson back in the pocket, all signs point to a convincing home win to keep the Warriors in the running for a top-eight finish.

Rugby League Odds

Team News

The big news for the Warriors is the return of their star playmaker Johnson to the half-backs.

Friday’s hosts will also be boosted by the return of full-back Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad from a calf injury, meaning Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moves back to the wing.

As for the Eels, interim coach Trent Barrett has stuck with the same squad that suffered a 32-14 defeat at the hands of Melbourne Storm last time out.

After making his debut in the NRL last week against the Storm, Dan Keir looks set to make his second appearance in the competition off the bench in Auckland.

Match Odds

The Warriors are the 2/9 favourites to win in Auckland, while the Eels are 100/30 to head back across The Tasman with the victory.

A draw at Go Media Stadium is available at 22/1, while under 49.5 total points is currently 10/11.

New Zealand Warriors -14 handicap @ 11/10

The Eels have a strong record in this fixture with four wins in their last five games against the Warriors.

However, these sides have not faced each other in New Zealand since 2017 and the Warriors’ recent home form suggests they will take some stopping to be denied an important win on Friday.

The Warriors have won three of their last four games at Go Media Stadium and with Johnson pulling the strings in the backline, the hosts should not only claim to win but overcome the -14 handicap they are asked to cover.

New Zealand Warriors under 33.5 total points @ 5/6

While the Warriors should pose more of an attacking threat with Johnson back in the No.7 jersey, this has not been a side that posted big numbers on the scoreboard often this season.

The Warriors have averaged 21.5 points per game in attack, while they managed 28 points in their last home game against rock-bottom Wests Tigers.

With that in mind, going under 33.5 total points at 5/6 looks to be the way to go in this one.

Rugby League Betting Tips with Betfred Insights.