Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The final match of Round 20 sees the Newcastle Knights host the high-flying New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Newcastle Knights team news
After a successful late switch in Round 19, Dane Gagai wears the No.1 jersey and captains the Knights. Fletcher Hunt will once again play in the centres, while Brodie Jones joins the starting side in the back row. He replaces Dylan Lucas, who suffered a season-ending foot injury in Newcastle’s last outing. Tyson Gamble slots onto the bench while Phoenix Crossland starts at lock, with Tyson Frizell also on the bench. Jayden Brailey, with Crossland in the No.13, starts at dummy-half.
Squad: 1. Dane Gagai 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Brodie Jones 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Mathew Croker 16. Tyson Frizell 17. Jermaine McEwen 18. Thomas Cant 19. James Schiller 20. Elijah Leaumoana 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Kyle McCarthy
New Zealand Warriors team news
Only a single change for Andrew Webster’s side. Rocco Berry is out after injuring his shoulder in Round 19, with returning Origin star Kurt Capewell slotting into the centres.
Squad: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 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. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Samuel Healey 20. Eddie Ieremia 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Kayliss Fatialofa
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors prediction
The Newcastle Knights (13th) are on a two-game slide after a 32-14 defeat to the Melbourne Storm last round. Their recent form of two wins out of five has seen them slip well out of finals contention.
The New Zealand Warriors (4th) continued their strong season with a comfortable 34-14 victory over the Wests Tigers. This was their third win in the past five.
Knights winger Dom Young has scored 26 tries in 27 games at this venue and has grabbed three scores since his mid-season return to Newcastle.
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan has been pivotal to the Warriors' success, leading the team in tackles (672) and dummy-half runs (88), controlling the ruck on both sides of the ball. His ball running could prove dangerous late in the match around tiring forwards.
The Warriors hold a narrow 26-25 lead in the all-time head-to-head record. They defeated the Knights 26-12 when the teams met in Round 8 of this season. The Warriors have also won three of the past four encounters.
The Warriors' slick attack and confidence will be hard for a struggling Knights side to contain. While Newcastle will be motivated at home, the Warriors' form suggests they should be too strong in this one.
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors tip: New Zealand Warriors to win
