Panthers vs Warriors NRL Round 4 betting predictions

Panthers vs Warriors NRL betting preview

The Penrith Panthers blew a fantastic chance to win three straight games to start their NRL 2020 season and ended up in a dogfight with Newcastle last Sunday.

By the time they take the field against the New Zealand Warriors, they will be facing the dreaded five-day turnaround.

Add in no Nathan Cleary again and the Panthers may continue to struggle for continuity and scoring options.

Penrith will also be without first-choice fullback Dylan Edwards, with the capable Caleb Aekins taking his place.

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You would expect Penrith to do enough to remain undefeated, but taking the Warriors with the six-point start should be considered given their fantastic performance last start.

Already missing a host of NRL experience, New Zealand have been forced to name Karl Lawton, usually a hooker, in the centres, while Josh Curran and loan player Poasa Faamausili join the interchange bench.

The veteran leadership of Agnatius Paasi and Peta Hiku will be sorely missed, but the Warriors showed in their first game back that you underestimate them at your peril.

Panthers vs Warriors total points betting

Without their starting halfback and fullback, the Panthers may find themselves short of a spark in attack. Taking under 37.5 points at $1.90 could well be the order of the day.

Panthers vs Warriors try scorer tip

Viliame Kikau usually attracts plenty of attention in the try scoring market and should again when you consider Tohu Harris, the Warriors’ best defender, will be situated on the opposite edge. Kikau is the Panthers’ biggest threat out wide, so you should feel comfortable backing him as an anytime try scorer.

Panthers vs Warriors value bet

You could be forgiven for not recognising a few of the names in the NZ side this week, but take note of Eliesa Katoa. He scored a sensational try off a Kodi Nikorima pass last week and could become a source of points in a team who lack strike outside of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. He will have a long price for first tryscorer, but don’t be afraid to throw a few bucks down.