Warriors vs Sharks Prediction: Wahs to win by KO but KL to cross for Cronulla

The New Zealand Warriors could make a real statement on Saturday as they look to strengthen their claim for a top-two spot in the NRL Premiership against the Cronulla Sharks at Mount Smart (8pm local, 11am BST, Sky Sports+).
Despite having seen their six-game winning streak come to an end against the league-leading Panthers last time out, the Wahs’ quality this term has stood them out as a real challenger. Read on for my Warriors vs Sharks predictions, full team news and Betfred’s match odds.
Warriors vs Sharks Betting Tips
*odds correct at time of publishing
The hosts are huge favourites at 4/9, implying a 69.2% probability of a Warriors win. The Sharks are a 2/1 bet, with the draw priced at 16/1.
Team News
Andrew Webster is without captain James Fisher-Harris due to a calf injury and Leka Halasima, who has a hamstring strain.
Sam Healey’s thumb issue means that Makaia Tafua will come off the bench for his NRL debut, while Tanner Stowers-Smith and Marata Niukore start for Fisher-Harris and Halasima.
The Sharks are without Origin call-ups Briton Nikora and Addin Fonua-Blake, so Billy Burns and Jesse Colquhoun start.
Jesse Ramien is back among the outside-backs after a knee injury, so Mawene Hiroti is listed as a substitute.
Warriors by 13+ @ 6/5
The Sharks are on a good run under Craig Fitzgibbon, with wins over the Bulldogs and Manly being backed up with a comeback victory against the Dragons.
But the Warriors are one of the best sides in the business just now, and even without Fisher-Harris and Halasima boast one hell of a starting XIII.
Their strike power, particularly in wingers Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Lofi Khan-Pereira, is so dangerous. And I’m tipping them to blast a fair-sized hole in the Sharks.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
KL Iro Anytime Tryscorer @ 5/4
There’s obviously not loads of value in DWZ and Khan-Pereira to cross the line at any time, although you can get 11/2 about both in the First Tryscorer market.
The Sharks have their own threats, and KL Iro has scored seven tries in his last five matches. Given that the ball will get some air as it so often does at Mount Smart, I like the look of the Cronulla centre for a four-pointer at any time at 5/4 with Betfred.
Odds correct at time of publishing.






















