Go Media Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 1 NRL game between New Zealand Warriors and Cronulla Sharks. The game kicks off at 6:00 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. Cronulla Sharks game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday March 8, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Where: Go Media Stadium

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New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks Odds

New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks Preview

The euphoria around the Warriors’ incredible 2023 renaissance has barely subsided and Cronulla Sharks will be greeted by a full house at Mt Smart Stadium as they get a make-or-break season underway. 

Finishing in the top four for the first time in 16 years and reaching a prelim, the Warriors’ squad only looks stronger in 2024 with the return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – who will line up at centre – and the acquisition of second-row veteran Kurt Capewell. 

But the early injury absence of fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (with the green Taine Tuaupiki his replacement) and Marata Niukore, who was set to join the front-row rotation, are significant setbacks for Warrior whisperer Andrew Webster. Luke Metcalf beat out a hot field for the five-eighth spot. 

The Sharks lost ground on their 2022 achievements, limping into sixth spot and making a week one exit at home, with the knock on Craig Fitzgibbon’s side their inability to compete with the NRL’s better teams, which got worse as the season wore on. 

Cronulla lost its last six games to teams that finished higher on the ladder by a combined 178 points to 40. 

The Sharks have one of the NRL’s most stable rosters, with no newcomers lining up in Round 1. Wade Graham, Matt Moylan and Connor Tracey have departed, however, and Braden Hamlin-Uele is injured. 

After losing 10 of the teams’ last 12 clashes, the Warriors banked two memorable victories over the Sharks in 2023: a comeback from 20 points down to win 32-30 on the road in Round 5 and a 44-12 Mt Smart carve-up in Round 20. 

The Warriors have won five of their last seven Round 1 fixtures; the Sharks have struggled in season openers over the past decade, winning just one of their last 10. 

The Sharks will have their hands full slowing the roll provided by their 2025 recruit Addin Fonua-Blake and co. while Nicho Hynes (who was under a cloud) must have the same sort of influence as opposite Shaun Johnson when the going gets tough, rather than starring only when his team is running downhill. 

The Warriors and high expectations have not traditionally been good bedfellows, but they were outstanding in the trials and look solid value to build on last year’s 8-2 record at Mt Smart in style. 

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New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks Tip

New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks Teams

Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Dylan Walker 18. Adam Pompey 20. Jazz Tevaga 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Jacob Laban

Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Dale Finucane 15. Jack Williams 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Kayal Iro 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Daniel Atkinson 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Jayden Berrell