Go Media Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 17 NRL game between New Zealand Warriors and Brisbane Broncos. 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. Brisbane Broncos game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday June 29, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Where: Go Media Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos Odds
New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos Preview
Coming off arguably the most horrific loss in their history, the Warriors season is firmly on the line in Saturdays home showdown against an Origin-impacted Brisbane Broncos outfit who are desperate for a win themselves.
The Warriors club-record-equalling 66-6 defeat to the then-last-placed Gold Coast defied all explanation but featured some of the worst defence you could hope to see in professional rugby league.
No player emerged from that one with their reputation unharmed.
Nevertheless, they are only three points adrift of the Top 8 and the memories of their gutsy wins over the Panthers and Dolphins remain relatively fresh.
Andrew Webster has resisted any axe-swinging, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak returning from suspension for Ed Kosi, Chanel Harris-Tavita slotting in for the injured Shaun Johnson and Blues squad member Mitch Barnett coming into the second-row in the only starting line-up changes.
Freddy Lussick and Maroons back-rower Kurt Capewell join the bench with Tom Ale and Jacob Laban making way.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are teetering on the edge of the Top 8 after three straight losses, going down to the Sharks and Rabbitohs by identical 22-12 scorelines prior to the Round 16 bye with Reece Walsh missing both matches and the absence of Adam Reynolds looking increasingly crucial.
The wildcard here is the availability of Origin trio Walsh, Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas, all named in the reserves.
Tristan Sailor is named at fullback, but the pack looks rather thin without Carrigan and Haas, given Jordan Riki has been rubbed out by suspension.
Fletcher Baker and Martin Tauapau are new faces on the bench, while the side has been boosted by winger Jesse Arthars return from injury.
The Broncos have won five and drawn one of the teams last 11 clashes, prevailing in their last three encounters in New Zealand. Last year an Origin-hit Broncos team pulled off a 26-22 upset in Napier before powering to a 42-12 prelim victory at Suncorp.
As bad as the Warriors were last week, it was a performance out of the blue and the club has won its last four the week after conceding 50-plus points, including after incurring their original club-record defeat in a 70-10 loss to Melbourne in 2022.
The Broncos Origin stars could lift them over the line in Auckland, but the reality is the heavyweights have been patchy at best since April, so beware the chastened home underdogs.
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New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos Tip
We're tipping New Zealand Warriors to win at $1.65 odds.
New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos Teams
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Marata Niukore 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tohu Harris 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Dylan Walker 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Kurt Capewell 18. Tom Ale 20. Jacob Laban 21. Edward Kosi 22. Taine Tuaupiki 23. Moala Graham-Taufa
Broncos team: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau 18. Joshua Rogers 19. Blake Mozer 20. Reece Walsh 21. Payne Haas 22. Patrick Carrigan 23. Corey Oates
