New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters meet at Go Media Stadium, Auckland in Round 1 of the 2026 NRL season this Friday, 6 March 2026. Check out our preview and tips below.
New Zealand Warriors Vs Sydney Roosters Match Prediction
New Zealand +4.5 ($1.90)
Despite some curious selection calls by Warriors coach Andrew Webster, the Warriors remain one of the best bets of the week getting a big start at Mt Smart.
Selecting Dallin Watene-Zelezniak over Alofiana Khan-Pereira is borderline madness – the Warriors win and cover rates drop 15% when he plays – while Tanah Boyd at halfback was an ultra-conservative call with some promising young players waiting in the wings.
Despite the questionable calls, the Warriors are in a bang-up spot here with home underdogs of four or more in the first four rounds covering at 66%. Interstate favourites cover at just 38% in Round 1.
The Roosters have won eight of nine against the Warriors but New Zealand have won three of four head-to-head at Mt Smart. The Warriors have covered 12 of 16 getting more than four points the last four years while they cover at 60% the last four years.
With Trent Robinson teams covering at just 36% in Round 1, the Warriors are an excellent bet.
Chanel Harris-Tavita comes off his best tryscoring season with eight in 24 games. Adam Pompey has six tries in his last nine games.
Tips
Best: New Zealand +4.5 ($1.90)
Next: New Zealand Win ($2.55)
Tryscorer: Chanel Harris-Tavita ($29 First, $5.60 Anytime)
SGM: Adam Pompey Try/Chanel Harris-Tavita Try ($18.79)