NRL: Capewell, Barnett in as Warriors desperately seek win

Both Kurt Capewell and Mitch Barnett will front up for the New Zealand Warriors on Friday evening, having played in game three of the 2024 State of Origin series two days prior.

The pair will be looking to help boost their club’s finals hopes, which hang by a thread as the Warriors languish in 12th place.

The New Zealand side face the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium to open round 20 of the NRL, with the home team $1.67 favourites to win at rugby league bookmakers.

Barnett to captain in Harris’ absence

The Warriors’ returning Origin stars will be much needed, considering captain Tohu Harris has been sidelined for the remainder of the season with a wrist injury.

Barnett will captain the Warriors instead of Harris, with the No.10 given a starting role in Friday night’s match.

Capewell, meanwhile, is lucky to be playing at all after receiving two penalties for dubious tackles in the State of Origin decider on Wednesday.

Other changes to the Warriors team include a shift of 2018 Dally M Medal winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the wing.

Desperate times as Warriors look to avoid embarrassment

After making the semi-finals in 2023, the Warriors were expected to back up with another strong season in 2024.

That has not happened, leading to NRL bookmakers lengthening their odds from $19 pre-season to $67 for the Kiwi side to win the premiership.

That makes their round 20 match a must-win, given they are three points adrift of eighth place on the NRL table.

Considering their season ends with matches against the Dolphins, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs and Sharks, all top-eight sides, a win against the Raiders is critical.

Back up the next two weeks against the Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels, and the Warriors could well prove wrong the NRL bookies’ odds of $3.60 for them to make the top eight.

Raiders v Warriors betting tips