New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights Verdict
The Warriors should win this on head to head records having six of the last seven meetings, but the Knights have some in-form weapons who can hurt them in this semi-final. Greg Marzhew anytime tryscorer is tipped along with over 44.5 points.
- The Warriors have lost five of their six games played at Eden Park
- The Warriors have conceded 28.5 points per game across their last four.
- The last Warriors-Knights clash finished 46-32.
- Five of New Zealand's last seven games have cleared 44.5 points.
- Greg Marzhew has scored five tries across his last four matches.
Head to Head
The Warriors have controlled this matchup in recent seasons, winning six of their last seven meetings with Newcastle.
They have won the last four meetings, including both clashes this season. New Zealand won 38-12 in Newcastle in Round 3 before producing a 46-32 victory at home in Round 26.
New Zealand Warriors Form
The Warriors' 26-16 loss to the Dolphins snapped a six-game winning streak, but there was plenty to like about the first hour.
New Zealand controlled possession and led 16-8 before two pieces of individual brilliance from Herbie Farnworth and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow changed the match.
The Warriors had 55 per cent possession but converted too many attacking opportunities into penalty goals rather than tries.
Their season-long attacking numbers remain elite. The Warriors rank first for points, second for linebreaks and first for completion rate, while also ranking second defensively.
The concern is their recent defensive trend. New Zealand have become much easier to score against late in the season.
Newcastle Knights Form
Newcastle's 20-10 win over South Sydney was arguably their most complete performance in weeks.
The Knights had entered the finals with major questions surrounding their defence after conceding 44 points to Manly and 46 to the Warriors, but they restricted one of the competition's best attacking teams to just 10 points.
Ponga was outstanding and Newcastle's young forwards held their own despite the absence of several regulars. Jermaine McEwen scored twice, while Francis Manuleleua produced another powerful performance on the edge.
Their attack has rarely been the issue. Newcastle averaged 30.4 points across their previous five matches and rank sixth for points and third for linebreaks.
New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights Team News
The Warriors lose Jackson Ford after he suffered another injury against the Dolphins.
Leka Halasima has been named among the reserves after withdrawing during the warm-up last weekend because of a hamstring issue, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is also pushing for a return from his broken collarbone.
Newcastle have named the same core squad that defeated South Sydney, while Dylan Lucas has been included among the reserves as he pushes to return from a fractured ankle.