Catch Warriors vs. Panthers live: Free stream, TV details, kickoff time, and how to watch this thrilling NRL showdown!
In Round 16 of the 2025 NRL season, fans can look forward to an exciting matchup between the New Zealand Warriors and the Penrith Panthers. This much-anticipated clash is scheduled for Saturday at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium, with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m. local time in New Zealand (NZST). For viewers in Australia, the game starts at 3:00 p.m. AEST, 2:30 p.m. ACST, and 1:00 p.m. AWST.
Currently riding high in third place on the ladder, the Warriors have found their stride, winning seven of their past eight matches. With strong momentum behind them, they’re looking to consolidate their position among the NRL’s elite. However, they’ll be managing their squad carefully for this fixture. Kurt Capewell will be rested following his involvement in Game 2 of the State of Origin series earlier in the week, allowing Moala Graham-Taufa to return to the side for the first time this season. In another boost, Wayde Egan is nearing full fitness and is expected to return in the hooker position after overcoming a hip injury.
On the other side of the field, the Penrith Panthers—reigning NRL premiers—have had a rocky start to their title defense. With just one win from their first six matches this season, they’ve had to play catch-up. Nonetheless, a string of improved performances has lifted them to ninth place, placing them just outside the finals contention. The team is hungry for a top-eight berth and will be heading across the Tasman Sea with that goal in mind.
However, the timing and travel logistics pose a challenge for the Panthers. With Game 2 of the State of Origin played midweek in Perth, the players face a tight turnaround and a long-haul flight to New Zealand, which could affect their preparation and performance.
How to Watch the Warriors vs. Panthers Game
Fans keen to catch the action have a few options when it comes to tuning in. In Australia, the match will be broadcast live on the Fox League channel. For those preferring to stream the game online, Foxtel and Kayo Sports offer digital streaming services. Kayo, in particular, is an appealing choice, currently offering new customers a free trial period.
Kayo’s subscription starts at $25 per month, with no long-term contracts, making it an attractive platform for sports lovers. In addition to NRL games, Kayo streams live coverage of other major sports, including AFL, cricket, Formula 1, and much more, making it a great value for fans who want a wide range of sporting content.
As of now, there is no confirmation of any free-to-air television coverage for this match.
Kickoff Times for Warriors vs. Panthers
This Saturday’s fixture takes place in Auckland at 5:00 p.m. NZST. Below are the equivalent start times across Australia’s different time zones:
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) – 3:00 p.m.
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) – 2:30 p.m.
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) – 1:00 p.m.
Team Lineups for Round 16 Matchup
Here are the squads named for both teams ahead of the game:
New Zealand Warriors:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Moala Graham-Taufa
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Marata Niukore
11. Leka Halasima
12. Jacob Laban
13. Erin Clark
Interchange:
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Jackson Ford
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Tanner Stowers-Smith
Penrith Panthers:
1. Daine Laurie
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Izack Tago
4. Casey McLean
5. Paul Alamoti
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Brad Schneider
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Isaiah Papalii
13. Matthew Eisenhuth
Interchange:
14. Trent Toelau
15. Liam Henry
16. Luron Patea
17. Luke Garner
Upcoming Fixtures for Both Teams
With the regular season heating up, both clubs have key games ahead that could shape their finals ambitions. Below is a glance at the upcoming five matches for each team:
New Zealand Warriors’ Next 5 Matches:
Saturday, June 21 – vs. Panthers (3:00 p.m. AEST)
Saturday, June 28 – at Broncos (3:00 p.m. AEST)
Sunday, July 13 – vs. Wests Tigers (2:00 p.m. AEST)
Sunday, July 20 – at Knights (4:05 p.m. AEST)
Saturday, July 26 – vs. Titans (3:00 p.m. AEST)
Penrith Panthers’ Next Matches:
While the exact upcoming fixtures for the Panthers beyond this round aren’t fully detailed in the original release, their schedule will likely be similarly demanding, as they continue pushing for a top-eight finish.
Final Thoughts
Saturday’s match between the Warriors and Panthers promises to be a key encounter in the 2025 NRL season. For the Warriors, it’s an opportunity to further assert their position in the top four, while for the Panthers, it’s about staying in the hunt for a finals berth. With multiple players backing up from State of Origin and the logistical challenges of cross-country travel, the match will test the depth and resilience of both squads.
Viewers can catch all the action through various broadcasting and streaming platforms, with Kayo Sports offering one of the most accessible options through its free trial and affordable monthly plans. Don’t miss what’s sure to be a hard-fought battle in Auckland as these two formidable NRL teams go head-to-head in Round 16.
Catch Warriors vs. Panthers live: Free stream, TV details, kickoff time, and how to watch this thrilling NRL showdown!
