New Zealand Warriors vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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St George look to continue to play the role of spoiler when they head to Auckland to tackle the New Zealand Warriors.
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New Zealand Warriors team news
Te Maire Martin will sit out due to a head knock, which sees Tanah Boyd take his spot in the halves. Wayde Egan returns after battling a shoulder injury, but Kurt Capewell has been sidelined. In his place, Leka Halasima will start in the back row with Eddie Ieremia-Toeava has been named on the pine.
Squad: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Charnze Nicoll-klokstad 5. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 6. Chanel Harris-tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Eddie Ieremia-toeava 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-smith 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Edward Kosi 21. Tom Ale 22. Kayliss Fatialofa 25. Bunty Afoa
St. George Illawarra Dragons team news
Mat Feagai returns from a groin injury just in time to replace Moses Suli who suffered an MCL injury in Round 23. After a strong game on debut, Hayden Buchanan has been named in the centres once again. Michael Molo returns from an ankle injury which sees Jacob Halangahu lose his place on the bench. Meanwhile, Loko Pasifika-Tonga has been named on the bench.
Squad: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Hayden Buchanan 4. Mathew Feagai 5. Corey Allan 6. Lyhkan King-togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Jack De Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Michael Molo 16. Hame Sele 17. Loko Pasifiki Tonga 18. Ben Murdoch-masila 19. Lachlan Ilias 20. Jacob Halangahu 21. Nathan Lawson 22. Christian Tuipulotu
New Zealand Warriors vs St. George Illawarra Dragons prediction
Having slipped out of the top four on the back of three straight losses, the New Zealand Warriors face a dangerous opponent in the St George Illawarra Dragons who have taken on the role of giant killers in the past fortnight.
After a season characterised by narrow losses the Dragons have buried those demons with hard-fought wins over the Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks to move within two games of the top eight with four games to play. They have also claimed the scalp of the Melbourne Storm in Melbourne that highlights their ability to match it with anyone when they bring their “A” game.
The New Zealand Warriors were never really in the contest against the Canterbury Bulldogs last week, falling 32-12. They have lost their past two home games against the Titans and Dolphins so the motivation will be high to put in a big one for their loyal fans on Friday.
The Warriors have won three of their past four games against the Dragons and in fact the Dragons have not won in New Zealand since 2017.
The Warriors have lost four of their last five games at Go Media Stadium. Warriors’ winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has feasted against the Red V, scoring seven tries in his last six games against the Dragons.
Another defeat could see the Warriors drop as low as seventh if the Broncos and Sharks come up with victories. Wayde Egan’s inclusion is not to be underestimated, and we think the Warriors can sneak home in this one.
New Zealand Warriors vs St. George Illawarra Dragons tip: New Zealand Warriors to win
