FMG Stadium Waikato will play host to Saturday's Round 24 NRL game between Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with New Zealand Warriors heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Wests Tigers vs. New Zealand Warriors game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday August 12, 2023 at 5:30 pm

Where: FMG Stadium Waikato

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Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors Odds

Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors Preview

The Warriors have escaped with late wins after throwing away big leads in their last two matches, but they can take a big step towards a top-four finish with a victory in over a Wests Tigers side that has made life difficult for some finals hopefuls in recent weeks.

The Tigers take their home game across the Tasman to Hamilton in search of their first win since Round 12.

The likely wooden spooners have given Souths (32-18) and Canberra (22-18) a scare in the past fortnight – coinciding with the return of departing halfback stalwart Luke Brooks.

The Tigers’ pack is boosted by Stefano Utoikamanu and Shawn Blore, but Charlie Staines is out with Asu Kepaoa coming in at centre and Junior Tupou shifting to the wing.

Shaun Johnson kicked the Warriors to a golden point eclipse of Canberra in Round 21 after conceding two tries in the last three minutes, while they came out of the bye rusty on the Gold Coast as they struggled to put away a 12-man Gold Coast.

Surrendering an 18-6 lead, they found two tries in the last six minutes to prevail 28-18.

Again the overwhelming positive with the masterful performance of Johnson, who scored two tries and laid on another two.

The Warriors’ only change sees Taine Tuaupiki – impressive as the activated 18th man against the Titans – start in the place of fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who was concussed in the Fotuaika incident.

The Warriors have won their last five against the Tigers, most recently carving out a 22-2 victory in their emotional Mt Smart return in 2022 after the previous four clashes had been decided by six or less.

The Warriors’ biggest hoodoo here is overcoming a dismal record at alternate New Zealand venues: they have just nine and drawn one of 33 matches, including an 0-4 record in Hamilton.

It’s a significant mental hurdle, but after a couple of close calls the third-placed Warriors should be keyed up for this one and their third-ranked defence is likely to prove too difficult for the Tigers’ competition-worst attack.

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