Go Media Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 21 NRL game between New Zealand Warriors and Wests Tigers. 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. Wests Tigers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday July 26, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Where: Go Media Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers Odds
New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers Preview
The Warriors are in absolute must-win territory after a couple of agonising defeats but they wont receive a better opportunity to recalibrate than hosting the last-placed, under-strength Wests Tigers.
The Warriors followed up a brave golden point loss to the Bulldogs before the Round 19 bye with a 20-18 defeat in Canberra, hamstrung by a poor start that saw them trail 14-0 and errant goalkicking.
Injuries continue to eat into the Warriors playing stocks. Taine Tuaupiki and Adam Pompey have been added to the casualty ward, which sees Roger Tuivasa-Sheck start at fullback, Ed Kosi come in on the wing and Moala Graham-Taufa slot in at centre for his second NRL game.
The Tigers have conceded 180 points in losing their last four games, most recently a 42-28 defeat to Souths last Saturday in Gosford after trailing by just four points at halftime.
The Tigers get Api Koroisau and Isaiah Papalii back but have lost Adam Doueihi, Aidan Sezer, David Klemmer and John Bateman.
The Warriors are on a six-match winning streak against the Tigers, though only one of those matches was decided by more than eight points. The high-flying Warriors were given a late-season fright in a 30-22 win in Hamilton last year.
The Tigers have travelled extremely poorly this year, however, and look desperately thin in several departments this week most notably with teenagers Lachie Galvin and Latu Fainu steering a leaky ship in the halves.
The Warriors are a disappointing 3-1-3 at Mt Smart in 2024, but given what is at stake and the strength of their forward pack and bench, it would surprise if this was close.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers Tip
We're tipping New Zealand Warriors to win at $1.26 odds.
New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers Teams
Warriors team: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Moala Graham-Taufa 5. Edward Kosi 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Jackson Ford 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Leka Halasima 18. Tom Ale 20. Bunty Afoa 21. Demitric Sifakula 22. Setu Tu 23. Ben Farr
Wests Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Starford To’a 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Reuben Porter 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Alex Twal 18. Heath Mason 19. Justin Matamua 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Solomon Alaimalo 22. Tony Sukkar