NRL 2026 – Round 24 preview, predictions and tips

There’s just four weeks of the regular season to go, and there’s still abit to be decided.

This weekend starts with a 1st vs 2nd blockbuster, which could go a long way to seeing who wins the Minor Premiership.

The battle for the top eight is probably even more interesting with the Rabbitohs, Cowboys and Bulldogs fighting it out for two spots. The Knights could still slip out and Manly will feel they still have a chance of sneaking in, but I’m writing the Sea Eagles off at this point after five straight defeats.

It’s all to play for, so I’ll dive in and say how I see things going…

*All odds are taken from Sky Bet and correct at time of writing on 12th August 2026.

Thursday 13th August – Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters

Form guide

The Panthers were beaten 28-12 by the Warriors last weekend to see their lead at the top of the ladder wiped out. It was just their fifth defeat in 20 games.

The Roosters are the side who have drawn level after they squeezed past the Bulldogs, 20-18. The Chooks have won seven games in a row heading into this one.

Team news

Panthers team: 1. Jaxen Edgar 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Izack Tago 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Liam Henry 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Lindsay Smith 14. Billy Scott 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Luron Patea 17. Billy Phillips 18. Jack Cole 19. Blaize Talagi 20. Dylan Edwards 21. Jesse McLean 22. Kalani Leuluai-going

Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Billy Smith 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Nat Butcher 17. Egan Butcher 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau 20. Rex Bassingthwaighte 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Taylor Losalu

My prediction – Penrith Panthers 14-18 Sydney Roosters

This really could go either way, and I’d expect whoever wins it to see the job through and win the Minor Premiership. Usually I’d tip the Panthers at home, but after last week’s loss, and given the Roosters’ seven-game winning run, I’m leaning towards the away side, just.

Betting tips

The Panthers are big favourites here, so I’m jumping straight on a Roosters victory at 6/4. I’m backing Mark Nawaqanitawase for an anytime try as ell, which is 11/10.

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Friday 14th August – Manly Sea Eagles vs The Dolphins

Form guide

Manly’s top eight hopes are in tatters after a horror run, which has seen them lose their last five games. The latest was a 42-20 loss to Melbourne last week, which has left them four points outside the Finals spots.

The Dolphins saw off the Broncos in a see-saw encounter last week as they won 40-32. It was their third-straight victory, and means a first ever Finals finish is almost confirmed.

Team news

Sea Eagles team: 1. Clayton Faulalo 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Joey Walsh 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Simione Laiafi 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Nathan Brown 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Corey Waddell 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nicholas Lenaz 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Jackson Shereb 18. Josh Feledy 19. Hugo Hart 20. Onitoni Large 21. Caleb Navale 22. Blake Wilson

Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Max Plath 15. Ray Stone 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Felise Kaufusi 18. Brad Schneider 19. Jake Averillo 20. Sebastian Su’a 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Brian Pouniu

My prediction – Manly Sea Eagles 18-28 The Dolphins

It’s last chance saloon for Manly this weekend, but I can’t see them getting the win against a Dolphins side that’s flying. Manly are more than capable, but I think this will be the final nail in their coffin this week.

Betting tips

The Dolphins have been given a -10 handicap, which I’m not entirely convinced by. Manly are playing for their season after all. That said, I can’t see the Sea Eagles actually winning, so I’ll go with the 1-12 winning margin at 9/4. It’s also 11/10 for the Dolphins to score first, lead at half-time and win, which looks very tempting.

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Friday 14th August – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Form guide

The Bulldogs were narrowly beaten 20-18 by the Roosters last week, which has seen them drop out of the top eight. A defeat here could be fatal to their hopes of Finals footy in 2026, especially with the Cowboys having a bye week still to come.

The Rabbitohs were very lucky to see off the Eels in a 28-24 win last week, but it’s kept them in 7th, and two points above the Bulldogs. A win here will go a long way to securing their Finals spot, and probably finish off their opponents in the process.

Team news

Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Enari Tuala 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Harry Hayes 17. Alekolasimi Jones 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Jake Turpin 21. Jack Underhill 22. Sean O’Sullivan 23. Jonathan Sua

Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Tallis Duncan 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Adam Elliott 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jye Gray 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Euan Aitken 18. Peter Mamouzelos 19. Edward Kosi 20. Jonah Glover 21. Liam Le Blanc 22. John Radel

My prediction – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30-20 South Sydney Rabbitohs

This is another one of those games which is hard to call, but I can’t see past the Bulldogs. The Bunnies have lost a couple more players to injury this week and they concede too many points as it is. Only one other team in the top 10 has conceded more (the Cowboys), and that can be partly explained by their record-breaking loss a couple of weeks ago.

Betting tips

I’ll take the Bulldogs with a -4 handicap at 10/11. I like the look of a Bulldogs/over 41.5 total points double as well, which is 13/8.

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Saturday 15th August – Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders

Form guide

The Sharks suffered a shock 24-16 loss to the Dragons last week, but they remain 4th. That defeat has all but ended any hopes of a Minor Premiership though.

The Raiders were beaten 30-24 by the Knights at home, which has seen them drop to 12th. Last year’s Minor Premiers are just about cooked for 2026 after that defeat.

Team news

Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Hohepa Puru 15. Billy Burns 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Michael Gabrael 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Savelio Tamale 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Ata Mariota 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Zac Hosking 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Joseph Roddy 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Daine Laurie 18. Vena Patuki-Case 19. Sebastian Kris 20. Coby Black 21. Sione Finau 22. Jordan Uta

My prediction – Cronulla Sharks 30-18 Canberra Raiders

I’m expecting a response from the Sharks after last week’s humiliating defeat to the wooden spooners. On their day, Canberra can be more than a match for the, but they haven’t had enough of those days this year, and the Sharks can be a genuine Premiership contender this year.

Betting tips

I’m backing the Raiders to score under 20.5 points here, which is 4/5. KL Iro looks the best-priced in the anytime tryscorer market at 1/1.

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Saturday 15th August – Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys

Form guide

The Eels came within a whisker of the greatest comeback of all time last week, but fell just short in a 28-24 loss to the Rabbitohs. They remain 13th after that defeat.

The Cowboys bounced back from a record-breaking defeat against the Roosters in Round 22 to beat the Titans, 30-8. The win also saw them climb back into the top eight, where they have a two-point cushion over the Bulldogs.

Team news

Eels team: 1. Apa Twidle 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Dylan Walker 15. Saxon Pryke 16. Teancum Brown 17. Jezaiah Funa-Luta 18. Toni Mataele 19. Sean Russell 20. Kelma Tuilagi 21. Harrison Edwards 22. Ryley Smith

Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Jaxon Purdue 8. Griffin Neame 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. John Bateman 17. Coen Hess 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Ethan King 20. Kaiden Lahrs 21. Mason Kira 22. Liam Sutton

My prediction – Parramatta Eels 12-26 North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys responded as I expected last week, and against another side with nothing to play for I’m expecting them to win this one as well.

Betting tips

I’m backing the Cowboys with a -5 handicap at 10/11. Jaxon Purdue also looks well priced at 15/8 for an aanytime try.

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Saturday 15th August – Brisbane Broncos vs New Zealand Warriors

Form guide

The Broncos put up a good fight against the Dolphins last week, but ultimately their 40-32 loss saw them slip to 16th. It was Brisbane’s third defeat in a row.

The Warriors made a statement with their 28-12 win over the Panthers last time out. They remain 3rd, but a win could see them move up to 2nd, and they still have a chance of winning the Minor Premiership.

Team news

Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Xavier Willison 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Pat Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Aublix Tawha 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Va’a Semu 18. Blake Mozer 19. Ben Talty 20. Gehamat Shibasaki 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Hayze Perham

Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Adam Pompey 21. Morgan Gannon 22. Luke Hanson 23. Makaia Tafua

My prediction – Brisbane Broncos 18-32 New Zealand Warriors

The Broncos showed what they were capable of in attack last week, but their defence let them down again. I can see something similar happening this week. The Warriors won’t blow a chance to climb to 2nd against a side sitting in 16th, even if it is at the imposing Suncorp.

Betting tips

Again, I’m happy to back the handicap market here. The Warriors are 10/11 with a -7. Leka Halasima will be my anytime tryscorer pick as well, at 11/8.

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Sunday 16th August – Newcastle Knights vs Gold Coast Titans

Form guide

The Knights made it back-to-back wins with their 30-24 victory at Canberra last week. They remain 6th with a four-point cushion to 9th-placed Canterbury.

The Titans were beaten 30-8 by the Cowboys, which saw them slip to 15th. It was their 14th loss in 20 games.

Team news

Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Cody Hopwood 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Lachlan Crouch 17. Thomas Cant 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Diesel Hagan 22. Toby Winter

Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Josh Patston 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Klese Haas 16. Cooper Bai 17. Bodhi Sharpley 18. Sam Verrills 19. Jaylan De Groot 20. Arama Hau 21. Sialetili Faeamani 22. Jett Liu

My prediction – Newcastle Knights 30-10 Gold Coast Titans

The Knights should be licking their lips at the prospect of this one. A win this wee will just about seal their top eight spot, and they’re facing a side whose season has been over for months. Anything other than a routine home win would be a big surprise.

Betting tips

The Knights should be safe with a -13 handicap at 10/11. I’m backing the Knights/under 50.5 total points double as well, which is 5/4.

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Sunday 16th August – Wests Tigers vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Form guide

The Tigers had a bye last weekend, which meant they finally got two points at least. They’ve lost seven games in a row, but their bye round points saw them climb to 14th.

The Dragons pulled off arguably the shock of the season in their 24-16 win over the Sharks last weekend. It was just thier third victory in 20 games for the team whose wooden spoon fate can be mathematically sealed this week.

Team news

Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Junior Tupou 3. Solomane Saukuru 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Sunia Turuva 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Twal 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Tristan Hope 19. Faaletino Tavana 20. Ethan Roberts 21. Javon Andrews 22. Charlie Murray

Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Toby Couchman 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Jacob Webster 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Mathew Feagai 20. Josh Kerr 21. Blake Lawrie 22. Christian Tuipulotu

My prediction – Wests Tigers 10-18 St George Illawarra Dragons

This could potentially be the worst NRL game you’ll ever watch quite frankly. The Tigers have fallen off a cliff since news broke of Jarome Luai’s departure a few months ago, while the Dragons’ season never got started. That said, they’ve won twice since the Tigers last managed a victory, so I’m leaning towards the away side here, but not very confidently.

Betting tips

This one’s split straight down the middle, so I’m jumping on the Dragons to win, at 10/11. It’s the same price for Setu Tu to score an anytime try, and I’ll be on that as well.

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