Brisbane Broncos vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction, Tips & Odds

The Broncos will be eager to avoid becoming a mere speedbump in the path of the rampaging Warriors.   

FORM: The Broncos have lost 11 of their last 12, blowing a 24-point lead in a 40-32 loss to the Dolphins last week.   

The third-placed Warriors have won four of their last five, backing up a 42-6 rout of the Titans with a 28-12 statement win over the Panthers.  

INS AND OUTS: The Broncos’ starting line-up is unchanged with Adam Reynolds still sidelined. Aublix Tawha comes onto the bench.  

The Warriors’ starting side is also unchanged, but Demitric Vaimauga returns on the interchange for Morgan Gannon.  

KEY MATCH-UP: Leka Halasima has been a revelation at centre, setting up a mouth-watering clash against Kotoni Staggs.  

HISTORY: The Warriors have won three of their last four against the Broncos, including a 42-12 thrashing in Magic Round in May.  

KEY STAT: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored in seven straight games against the Broncos, including doubles in three of his last four. Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored seven tries in six career appearances against the Broncos.  

VERDICT: The Broncos’ early surge against the Dolphins showed what they are capable of, but the subsequent capitulation says a lot more about the defending premiers’ current plight.  

The Warriors have turned a corner after a patchy few weeks, the injection of Halasima and Metcalf has provided them with extra impetus, and they relish getting in front of a big, Kiwi-heavy Suncorp Stadium crowd. They are 9-4 away from Auckland with eight wins by 18-plus margins.  

Prediction: Back the Warriors to Cover the Line (-7.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: WARRIORS BY 13+ / OVER 46.5 TOTAL POINTS / LEKA HALASIMA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / KOTONI STAGGS ANYTIME TRYSCORER / ALOFIANA KHAN-PEREIRA AND DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK TO HAVE 3+ COMBINED @ $35.23