Moreton Daily Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 12 NRL game between New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights. The game kicks off at 3:00 pm with New Zealand Warriors heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the New Zealand Warriors vs. Newcastle Knights game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday May 28, 2022 at 3:00 pm

Where: Moreton Daily Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights Odds

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights Preview

Both sides are coming into this make-or-break showdown in Redcliffe at a low ebb.

The 4-7 Warriors have won just one of their last six and have been little short of diabolical, despite narrow losses to Souths (32-30) and St George Illawarra (24-18) in the past fortnight. Shocking edge defence and lack of cohesive attack have emphatically overshadowed any individual positives.

Meanwhile, the Warriors have lost elite front-row pair Matt Lodge (released) and Addin Fonua-Blake (injury) in a matter of days. Jazz Tevaga is the surprise prop replacement, though mid-season pick-up Dunamis Lui is in the extended squad and could be a late addition.

Freddy Lussick is named to start at hooker while Chanel Harris-Tavita returns at five-eighth despite announcing his rugby league hiatus from the end of 2022. Expect under-pressure Nathan Brown to bring Jesse Arthars and/or Daejarn Asi from the reserves into a battling backline.

Newcastle have lost eight of their last nine, copping some terrible Bunker calls but nevertheless crumbling in disappointing style 36-12 to a Reynolds-less Brisbane outfit at home in Round 11. Kalyn Ponga’s form resurgence continued, while Anthony Milford’s inclusion provided genuine improvement in the halves.

Jake Clifford comes in at halfback for Adam Clune, while Enari Tuala replaces injured centre Bradman Best.

The Knights grabbed a pair of late wins over the Warriors in 2021. Best set up a go-ahead try Hymel Hunt with five minutes left in a 20-16 victory in Gosford in Round 2, while Brodie Jones scored a deadlock-breaking try with four minutes left for a 10-6 win in horrendous Newcastle conditions in Round 15.

Expect the loser of this match to duke it out with the Bulldogs for the wooden spoon. It’s a lottery with the NRL’s two worst defences on display – and there’s a sense whoever wins the fullback duel/Origin selection audition between Ponga and Reece Walsh will get the result. The underdog Knights look better head-to-head value.

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