Warriors v Sharks NRL tips, odds & predictions | March 8, 2024

March 6, 2024 3:02 pm.by Jack Hudson

NZ Warriors v Cronulla Sharks preview


New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks NRL Betting Odds & Game Info
Best odds	Warriors -181.82 at Bet365 \| Sharks +150 at Neds
When	Friday, March 8 \| 8pm NZDT
Where	Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Last time they met	Warriors 44–12 Sharks (R20, 2023)
Watch live	Fox Sports, Kayo

Warriors v Sharks best bets

NZ Warriors -4.5

-111.11
@
Neds

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2+ tries

+300
@
Bet365

Over 39.5 total points

-111.11
@
Unibet

Warriors v Sharks match preview

Friday’s NRL action kicks off in Auckland with the New Zealand Warriors hosting the Cronulla Sharks at Go Media Stadium.

The Warriors will begin the season without Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback, with Taine Tuaupiki starting in his place. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck makes his return to the NRL in the centres, former Broncos second-rower Kurt Capewell is set for his club debut, and Addin Fonua-Blake lines up against the team he is set to join in 2025.

The Sharks will begin their season with new club captain Cameron McInnes starting in the lock position. Meanwhile, Teig Wilton will return to the starting side after rupturing his ACL against the Warriors midway through the 2023 season.

Warriors v Sharks betting predictions

Having won their two matches against the Sharks in 2023 by a combined 76-42, the Warriors have been backed in from +155 into -181.82 favourites with the top NRL bookmakers. NZ have also won each of their last six matches in New Zealand. With all the data on their side, the Warriors should easily cover the -4.5 line at -111.11.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had his most prolific season in 2023, scoring 24 tries in just 20 games for the ‘Wahs’. On Friday, he will be attacking the Sharks pairing of Siosifa Talakai and Ronaldo Mulitalo, who were both guilty of committing costly errors in defence against the Warriors last season. If they have not fixed this issue, the +300 for Watene-Zelezniak to score two or more tries is great value.

Dry weather is predicted for Auckland in the lead-up, which will suit both sides and their attacking brand of football. Each of these teams made finals last year, and they will both be eager to stake their claim as potential premiership contenders. The -111.11 for more than 39.5 points to be scored is great value.