NRL 2026 – Round 26 preview, predictions and tips
It’s the penultimate round of the regular season this week, and the top eight could be sewn up depending on how results go.
Manly kept their season alive last week, but they’re clinging on by their fingertips. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs need to win at Penrith this week to have a realistic chance of sneaking in.
There should be some crackers this week, so let’s get straight into it…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 26th August 2026.
- Thursday 27th August – Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm
- Friday 28th August – Manly Sea Eagles vs St George Illawarra Dragons
- Friday 28th August – Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Saturday 29th August – Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Saturday 29th August – Sydney Roosters vs The Dolphins
- Saturday 29th August – North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers
- Sunday 30th August – New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights
- Sunday 30th August – Parramatta Eels vs Cronulla Sharks
Thursday 27th August – Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm
Form guide
The Broncos finally banished any chance of a wooden spoon with an impressive 34-30 comeback win over the Raiders last week. That saw them climb a place to 15th.
Any remote hope Melbourne had of a top eight spot was finally extinguished in their 22-14 loss to the Panthers. The Storm remain 11th on the ladder.
Team news
Broncos team: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Ben Hunt 8. Xavier Willison 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Aublix Tawha 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Va’a Semu 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Gehamat Shibasaki 20. Ben Talty 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Luke Gale
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 3. Tyran Wishart 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Cooper Clarke 18. Angus Hinchey 19. Marion Seve 20. Davvy Moale 21. Hugo Peel 22. Hayden Watson
My prediction – Brisbane Broncos 24-20 Melbourne Storm
At the start of the year this would have looked a mouthwatering prospect in Round 25 with both sides comfortably inside the top eight. As it is, this is nothing more than a dead rubber between two teams who have seen better days. With nothing to lose, this one could go either way, but after their comeback win last week I’m edging towards Brisbane.
Betting tips
If I’m putting my money where my mouth is, I’m backing a Broncos win at 13/10. I fancy Kotoni Staggs for an anytime try as well, which is 7/5.
Friday 28th August – Manly Sea Eagles vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Form guide
Manly finally ended a run of six straight losses with a very impressive 44-24 win at the Knights last week. The Sea Eagles can still make the Finals, but they need to win both of their remaining games and hope other results go their way.
The Dragons’ wooden spoon was all but confirmed after last week’s 44-14 hammering by the Bulldogs. They can still finish level on points with the Titans, but the points difference looks far too big to make up.
Team news
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Josh Feledy 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Clayton Faulalo 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Simione Laiafi 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Nathan Brown 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nicholas Lenaz 16. Corey Waddell 17. Caleb Navale 18. Onitoni Large 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Blake Wilson 21. Jackson Shereb 22. Hugo Hart
Dragons team: 1. Daniel Atkinson 2. Mathew Feagai 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. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Jacob Webster 18. Blake Lawrie 19. Setu Tu 20. Luciano Leilua 21. Kade Reed 22. Ryan Hutchinson
My prediction – Manly Sea Eagles 36-12 St George Illawarra Dragons
There really is no margin for error now for Manly, so I expect them to get the job done here ahead of a huge trip to Auckland in Round 27.
Betting tips
I’m backing Manly to stay alive in the top eight battle with a -8 handicap at 10/11. I’m tipping them to win by 13+ as well, which is 6/4.
Friday 28th August – Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Form guide
The Panthers bounced back from their defeat to the Roosters in Round 24 to remain 2nd. Only a one-point swing is keeping them below the Warriors in top spot.
The Bulldogs beat the Dragons 44-14 last week to their top eight hopes intact. They sit in 9th, two points below the Cowboys.
Team news
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 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. Luke Garner 17. Billy Phillips 18. Blaize Talagi 19. Jaxen Edgar 20. Kalani Leuluai-going 21. Tom Ale 22. Jesse McLean
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Enari Tuala 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. Jake Turpin 15. Alekolasimi Jones 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jack Underhill 21. Logan Spinks 22. Jed Reardon 23. Cooper Toy
My prediction – Penrith Panthers 28-16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
It’s tough to call this game at this stage, as there are stories out of the Bulldogs camp that the squad’s been hit by a COVID outbreak. Whether any players are missing as a result or not, I’m still backing the Panthers to get the job done as they hunt down the Minor Premiership. The scoreline could be much higher or lower though depending on the final team news.
Betting tips
I’m getting straight on the Panthers with a -10 handicap at 10/11. If the Bulldogs are missing players to COVID, that handicap will get much wider. I’m also backing Brian To’o for an anytime try at 10/11.
Saturday 29th August – Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Form guide
The Titans were beaten 30-22 by the Sharks last week to drop to 16th. The wooden spoon looks highly unlikely though.
The Rabbitohs were beaten 45-26 by the Warriors, which means their top eight spot still isn’t secured. A win this week should be enough though.
Team news
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Klese Haas 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Josh Patston 12. Kurtis Morrin 13. Cooper Bai 14. Moeaki Fotuaika 15. Chris Randall 16. Bodhi Sharpley 17. Luke Sommerton 18. Sialetili Faeamani 19. Arama Hau 20. Max Feagai 21. Jett Liu 22. Adam Christensen
Rabbitohs team: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Tallis Duncan 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Junior Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 23. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jye Gray 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Jamie Humphreys 18. Adam Elliott 19. Latrell Mitchell 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Ed Kosi 22. Peter Mamouzelos
My prediction – Gold Coast Titans 10-30 South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs should win this one without too many issues. They face the Roosters next week, and they don’t want to go into that game needing a victory. The Titans’ season was over a long time ago, and the Bunnies will be bang up for this.
Betting tips
I’m taking the Rabbitohs all day long with a -10 handicap at 10/11. Matt Dufty looks tempting for an anytime try at 17/10 as well.
Saturday 29th August – Sydney Roosters vs The Dolphins
Form guide
The Roosters suffered a shock 25-24 loss to the Tigers last week, which meant they dropped to 3rd after just one week at the top of the ladder.
The Dolphins’ 34-16 win over the Eels cemented them firmly in the top four, and they can still mathematically finish top of the pile. A win here could see them go above their opponents if they can overturn a 24-point swing.
Team news
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. Lindsay Collins 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Nat Butcher 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Egan Butcher 17. Taylor Losalu 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Rex Bassingthwaighte 22. Toby Rodwell
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. Tom Gilbert 11. Max Plath 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Ray Stone 15. Francis Molo 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Brian Pouniu 18. Brad Schneider 19. Jake Averillo 20. Tevita Naufahu 21. Sebastian Su’a 22. Kurt Donoghoe
My prediction – Sydney Roosters 26-20 The Dolphins
This should be the game of the round, and I’m struggling to split the two. The Roosters were stunned by the Tigers last week, but I can’t see them suffering a second-straight home loss. It should be close though.
Betting tips
I think this will be close, so I’m backing the Roosters to win by 1-12 points, which is 21/10. I’ll also back them to score first, lead at half-time and win, which is 7/5.
Saturday 29th August – North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers
Form guide
The Cowboys had a a bye last week, which kept them in 8th, two points above the Bulldogs.
The Tigers ended a run of eight straight losses with a remarkable 25-24 win over the Roosters. They remain 14th.
Team news
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Zac Laybutt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Griffin Neame 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. John Bateman 17. Coen Hess 18. Kai O’Donnell 19. Ethan King 20. Kaiden Lahrs 21. Mason Kira 22. Liam Sutton
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Junior Tupou 3. Solomane Saukuru 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jock Madden 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Seyfarth 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Ethan Roberts 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Tristan Hope 19. Sunia Turuva 20. Faaletino Tavana 21. Charlie Murray 22. Vaka Aho
My prediction – North Queensland Cowboys 24-14 Wests Tigers
The Cowboys can’t afford any slip-ups and I can’t see them making one here. The Tigers picked up a great win last week, but two in a row seems unlikely.
Betting tips
Jaxon Purdue is very tempting for an anytime try at 11/8. I like the look of the Tigers to score under 19.5 points as well, which is 10/11.
Sunday 30th August – New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights
Form guide
Luke Hanson’s 79th-minute field goal in the Warriors’ 45-26 win over the Rabbitohs last week was enough to lift them to the top of the ladder. Their +295 points difference is one better than the Panthers and 133 better than the Roosters, who are both level on points.
The Knights suffered a surprise 44-24 defeat at home to Manly, but with two points guaranteed next week from their bye round, they are certain of a top eight spot.
Team news
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 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. Adam Pompey 20. Morgan Gannon 21. Makaia Tafua 22. Luke Hanson 23. Jett Cleary
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Hunt 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Harrison Graham 10. Trey Mooney 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker 14. Thomas Cant 15. Cody Hopwood 16. Lachlan Crouch 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Toby Winter 19. Diesel Hagan 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Elijah Leaumoana 22. Brodie Jones
My prediction – New Zealand Warriors 32-16 Newcastle Knights
The Warriors have been magnificent this year, and now they’re top they won’t want to let it go this close to the finish line. The Knights will cause problems, but they’ll have one eye on their week one Finals game.
Betting tips
I’ll back the Warriors with a -10 handicap at 10/11. I’ll get on Leka Halasima for an anytime try again as well, which is 11/8.
Sunday 30th August – Parramatta Eels vs Cronulla Sharks
Form guide
The Eels were beaten 34-16 by the Dolphins last weekend to remain 13th.
The Sharks saw off the Titans with a 30-22 victory that keeps them within two points of the top four.
Team news
Eels team: 1. Apa Twidle 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 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. Saxon Pryke 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Ryda Talagi 16. Teancum Brown 17. Dylan Walker 18. Jack de Belin 19. Bailey Simonsson 20. Kelma Tuilagi 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Ryley Smith
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Niwhai Puru 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Riley Jones 21. Riley Pollard 22. Toby Rudolf
My prediction – Parramatta Eels 12-24 Cronulla Sharks
This is another one of those games where I’m expecting the team with something to play for the get the job done. The Eels’ season has been over for a while, and even if the Sharks don’t make the top four, they’ll want to head into the Finals with some momentum.
Betting tips
The Sharks should be safe with a -6 handicap at 10/11. I’ll back the first half to be the highest scoring as well, at 1/1.
