Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors Verdict
It's a top of the ladder showdown to finish Round 13 with the Tri-Bet the play and either team by 1-12 points. I'm expecing points to flow too between the in-form sides.
- The model projects 49.6 total points against the line of 46.5.
- Penrith have averaged 28.6 points across their last 5 games and the Warriors have averaged 31.2.
- The Warriors rank 1st and Penrith 2nd for Points.
- Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 12 tries in his last 7 games.
Head to Head Stats
Penrith have won four of the last five head to head games. The Panthers beat the Warriors 24-8 in the opening week of the 2025 finals and have won 10 of their last 11 games against this opponent.
The Warriors counter that with current road form, having won their last four games in Australia.
Penrith Panthers Form - 5 Straight For Panthers
Penrith have won five straight and have averaged 28.6 points while conceding just 14.8. They are still the most complete team in the competition when their forwards get on top and the spine controls field position.
The team-list wrinkle is Origin. Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Casey McLean and Brian To'o are named in the reserves and will be monitored after Game One, while Jack Cogger is named to play halfback if Cleary does not back up.
Liam Martin returning from a knee injury is a major boost on the edge. Penrith also have Thomas Jenkins named on the wing, which puts him into the tryscorer multi given the expected attacking volume in this matchup.
New Zealand Warriors Form - Wahs 6 And Counting
The Warriors have been brilliant this year and have won six straight, averaged 32.3 points and conceded only 15 per game across that run.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is out for the season with an ACL injury, so Adam Pompey comes into the centres. Marata Niukore has been added to the bench, while Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell are set to be rested.
Even with those changes, the Warriors still have enough strike to keep this close. DWZ has scored 12 tries in his last seven games, Alofiana Khan-Pereira is on the other wing and the spine has been generating points consistently.