McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Sunday's Round 6 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and New Zealand Warriors. The game kicks off at 6:15 pm with New Zealand Warriors heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs. New Zealand Warriors game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday April 9, 2023 at 6:15 pm
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors Odds
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors Preview
Another early-season repeat between two teams that have overachieved to varying degrees. The Warriors kicked off their renaissance with a gritty 20-12 defeat of Newcastle Knights in Wellington in Round 1, twice coming from behind with Wayde Egan starring.
Since then the Knights have been beset by injuries and suspensions but have lost just once more (to the Dolphins), while grafting out wins over the battling Tigers and Raiders, and pulling off a gallant draw against Manly in Mudgee last week where they were unlucky not to win.
Dom Young scored four tries after getting a late reprieve, while Jackson Hastings and (after an early gaffe) Lachie Miller were again excellent in the 32-all stalemate. Tyson Gamble is out this week, replaced by Phoenix Crossland, while Kurt Mann returns on the bench.
The Warriors’ bubble looked to have burst as they followed up four superb defensive displays by falling 20-0 behind at Cronulla last Sunday. Again showing their character and belief under new coach Andrew Webster, though, the Warriors rallied to a stunning, last-gasp 32-30 triumph.
Shaun Johnson was again phenomenal, while Jazz Tevaga and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad were integral for a team that struggled in yardage and possession, and was missing Tohu Harris, Mitch Barnett and Te Martin. The Warriors are second on the ladder with a 4-1 record.
Marata Niukore copped a suspension but Harris (who is still under a cloud) and Martin have been named to return.
The Knights’ season-opening loss ended a three-match winning streak against the Warriors. The Knights have won five of their last seven against the Warriors in Newcastle. The teams’ last four clashes were decided by eight points or less with totals of 40 points or less.
Narrow favourites here, the Warriors are an emphatic 5-0 against the line in 2023. The Knights have shown similar resolve to the resurgent New Zealand outfit under duress, if not quite the same cohesion. Expect the Warriors’ irresistible momentum to carry them to another W.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping New Zealand Warriors to win at $1.82 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Dominic Young at $7.50.
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors Teams
Knights team: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Phoenix Crossland 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Jack Johns 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Mathew Croker 17. Brodie Jones 18. Enari Tuala 19. Dylan Lucas 20. Thomas Cant 21. Hymel Hunt 22. Ryan Rivett
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Curran 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Tom Ale 18. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Ronald Volkman 23. Demitric Sifakula