New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers: NRL Saturday preview

Penrith Panthers will be without their State of Origin stars when they travel to Auckland to take on New Zealand Warriors on Saturday.

The Panthers are back in form following a poor start to the season, and their premiership defence is still alive.

They sit just outside of the top eight, but face a massive test when they take on the Warriors with their Origin stars rested.

The Warriors continue to go from strength to strength this season and sit third on the ladder with seven wins from the last eight.

However they will be well aware of the strength in depth the Panthers possess and will be taking nothing for granted at Go Media Stadium.

New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers betting preview

Warriors have home comforts

The Warriors are going well home and away this season, and Go Media Stadium in Auckland has turned in to a fortress.

They have won four of the five games they have played in New Zealand this season, and are the hot fancies to keep that run going.

The last time the two side met in Auckland, the Warriors won it by two points, but they are priced at 1.80 to win by a more convincing 13+ points on this occasion.

They have not picked up consecutive wins against the Panthers since 2012, and this looks a great opportunity to snap that streak.

Luke Metcalf is the Warriors' leading try-scorer this season with eight tries in 13 games, and is priced at 2.35 to score again at anytime.

Panthers depth to be tested

The Panthers will rest their Origin stars as there is too much travelled involved getting them from Perth to Auckland.

So winning a game without Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo and Brian To’o, will be a huge ask.

However, if anyone can do it, Penrith can, as the players that step in are more than capable of getting a job done.

Penrith can be backed at 6.00 to nick a tight game by 1-12 points.

Paul Alamoti is set to come in and play on the wing in the absence of To’o, and can be backed at 2.65 to grab a try at anytime.

The Panthers have won nine out of 18 games played at Go Media Stadium, but have not turned out at the venue since 2019.

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New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers odds

New Zealand Warriors - 1.21
Penrith Panthers - 4.50

View the full market and more odds for New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.