Mt Smart Stadium will play host to Sunday's Round 8 NRL game between New Zealand Warriors and Nth Queensland Cowboys. The game kicks off at 2:00 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. Nth Queensland Cowboys game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday May 2, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Where: Mt Smart Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

New Zealand Warriors vs Nth Queensland Cowboys Odds

New Zealand Warriors vs Nth Queensland Cowboys Preview

The New Zealand Warriors continue to battle injuries with Nathan Brown effectively conceding their 42-20 loss to the Storm before it happened last week. Meanwhile, the man the Warriors wanted, Todd Payten, has managed back-to-back wins with the North Queensland Cowboys as they bounce back following a poor start to the 2021 NRL season.

Nathan Brown played the best fullback his club has ever had on the wing to blood an 18-year-old rookie last week. While Reece Walsh played well, he has been named at five-eighth with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returning to fullback. In promising news, Tohu Harris returns in the #13 jersey. Jason Taumalolo has been named to return for the Cowboys, but we’ve been here and done this before already this season…

The final scoreline flattered the Warriors last week but a more settled lineup is encouraging. Walsh will be tested in defence, but no more than Scott Drinkwater who is famously poor defending in the line. Walsh’s frailties in that area are cancelled out this week. A lot hinges on Taumalolo. Without him, the Warriors should have enough through the middle to control the match. Harris is a huge in for the Kiwi club. The result is a little bit more of a lottery with Taumalolo involved. Both sides have their moments in attack and defence which suggests the points will flow regardless of who finishes on top.

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