NRL Round 3 preview: NZ Warriors v Sydney Roosters betting tips

Warriors vs Roosters NRL R3 best bets

NRL Round 3: Warriors v Roosters betting preview

The New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters come into this NRL Round 3 matchup off the back of huge wins, setting the stage for an exciting contest in Auckland on Friday, March 21.

The Warriors put together a dominant 36-16 performance against Manly, while the Roosters shocked four-time premiers Penrith 38-32 in the biggest upset of the season so far.

History strongly favours the Roosters in this matchup, with eight straight wins over the Warriors, including their last two visits to Go Media Stadium without conceding a point (14-0 in 2023, 32-0 in 2018).

The Warriors haven’t beaten the Roosters since 2017, highlighting how much they’ve struggled in this matchup; however, due to the Roosters losing a lot of key players last season, the NRL betting odds have the Warriors as $1.87 favourites.

Defensively, both teams have been shaky, with the Warriors conceding 46 points in two games and the Roosters leaking 82 points in the same period.

Given the attacking firepower on display and both teams’ defensive issues, expect plenty of points in this one, with the top rugby league betting sites setting the line at 49.5 total points.

Warriors vs Roosters Round 3 team news

New Zealand Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Taine Tuaupiki
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Adam Pompey
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Marata Niukore
13. Erin Clark
14. Dylan Walker
15. Jackson Ford
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Leka Halasima

The Warriors stick with the same 17 for the third straight week, with Rocco Berry and Bunty Afoa again named in the extended squad.

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Mark Nawaqanitawase
4. Robert Toia
5. Dominic Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Spencer Leniu
9. Connor Watson
10. Naufahu Whyte
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley
14. Zach Dockar-Clay
15. Salesi Foketi
16. Blake Steep
17. Lindsay Collins

The Roosters get a major boost with Spencer Leniu (suspension), Victor Radley (concussion), and Lindsay Collins (illness) all returning. Their presence significantly strengthens the forward pack, while Salesi Foketi is out through suspension, with Taylor Losalu expected to take his place on the bench.

Warriors v Roosters betting predictions – Round 3

The Roosters have won their last eight meetings against the Warriors, all by at least eight points. With Leniu, Radley, and Collins all returning, the Roosters will have the edge in the middle, allowing their playmakers James Tedesco and Chad Townsend to dictate terms. The Warriors looked good last week, but Manly were well below their best, and a full-strength Roosters team poses a far greater challenge. The -107.53 odds with BetOnline looks promising.

Mark Nawaqanitawase has looked dangerous in the Roosters’ attack and has been growing in confidence with each game. With the Warriors’ edge defence struggling early in the season, he could see plenty of opportunities down the left side. With the new halves combination the Roosters’ have been favouring the left side and Nawaqanitawase should have plenty of opportunity to score at +160 with BetOnline.

The Roosters’ attack clicked into gear last week, putting 38 points on Penrith, while the Warriors scored 36 against Manly, proving they are a threat with the ball in hand. Given the lack of defensive resilience from both teams and the attacking talent on display, this game is set up to be a high-scoring shootout. Over 49.5 total points looks like one of the best bets of the round with BetOnline.

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