NRL 2025 – Round 20 preview, predictions and tips
Where’s the time gone? There are just eight rounds left of the regular season, with Finals footy firmly on the horizon now. And with Origin behind us, there are eight games per week all the way through as well, and it all starts with the return of Thursday night games again this week, and a fascinating Queensland derby…
- Thursday 17th July – The Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Friday 18th July – Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters – Sharks Stadium, Sydney
- Friday 18th July – Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
- Saturday 19th July – Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels – GIO Stadium, Canberra
- Saturday 19th July – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Saturday 19th July – Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles – AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Sunday 20th July – Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans – Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
- Sunday 20th July – Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors- McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
*All odds taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 15th July 2025.
Thursday 17th July – The Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Form guide
The Dolphins were beaten 24-12 by the Sharks in Round 19 – a loss which saw them drop to 10th. They’re just two points outside the top eight though, and still right in the thick of it as far as Finals goes.
The Cowboys only narrowly lost 8-12 at home to the Bulldogs last weekend, but that defeat made it five from six, and leaves them down in 12th – five points shy of the Finals spots.
Team news
Maroons star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is back in the fullback role for the Dolphins, so Jake Averillo shifts to the wing. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is out with an injury and Mark Nicholls misses out through concussion. Harrison Graham and Peter Hola come into the 17.
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jake Averillo 6. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Aublix Tawha 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Harrison Graham 15. Ray Stone 16. Josh Kerr 17. Peter Hola 18. Tevita Naufahu 19. Kenny Bromwich 20. LJ Nonu 21. Trai Fuller 22. Ryan Jackson
Jordan McLean has been ruled out for the Cowboys, so Thomas Mikaele will start and Kaiden Lahrs joins the bench. Winger Robert Derby has been dropped, with Jaxson Paulo replacing him.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Braidon Burns 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Ryan Rivett 19. Robert Derby 20. Temple Kalepo 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Dane Aukafolau
My prediction – The Dolphins 24-10 North Queensland Cowboys
This feels like a make or break week for the Cowboys, but I just can’t see them getting the win here. The Dolphins’ attack has been superb in most of their recent games, and the return of the Hammer at fullback will only help.
Betting tips
The Dolphins have been given a -4 handicap, which I’m jumping straight on at 10/11. Jaxson Paulo has two tries in two games this year, and at 13/10 he’s very good value for an anytime try compared to the rest of the backlines for each team.
Friday 18th July – Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters – Sharks Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
After back-to-back defeats the Sharks responded with an excellent 24-12 win over the Dolphins last weekend to move up to 9th – level on points with the two sides above them.
One of those sides is the Roosters, who occupy the last Finals spot. Their 24-31 win at the Dragons made it three wins from their past four games.
Team news
Daniel Atkinson takes Billy Burns’ place on the bench in the only change to last week’s 17 for the Sharks. Sam Stonestreet is back in the extended squad as he eyes an NRL return after a successful comeback in NSW Cup last week. Addin Fonua-Blake will play his 200th first grade game this weekend.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 19. Chris Veaila 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Jayden Berrell
For the Roosters, veteran Chad Townsend will play his first NRL game since Round 5, with Hugo Savala out injured. Sandon Smith can only make the extended bench.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Chad Townsend 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Sandon Smith 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Tom Rodwell
My prediction – Cronulla Sharks 20-18 Sydney Roosters
This one feels too close to call, but with home advantage I’m backing the Sharks – just.
Betting tips
The bookies have this one down as a close contest too, so I’m going with the Sharks in the outright market, at 4/6. I like the look of them to win by 1-12 points as well, which is 2/1.
Friday 18th July – Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Panthers managed to pull away from near neighbours, Parramatta, last week in a strong second half showing. Their 10-32 win made it five on the bounce, but they remain just one point clear of the chasing pack inside the top eight.
The Rabbitohs had a bye in Round 19, but they’ve lost six straight going back to mid-May, and they currently sit way down in 16th. They’re six points outsode the top eight, which looks a very unlikely prospect now.
Team news
NSW stars Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo are rested for the Panthers this week, but Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o are back after Origin duty. Liam Martin is ruled out still with an injury suffered in Game III, while Izack Tago is suspended. Paul Alamoti will play in the centres, Scott Sorensen is back from suspension in the back row, while Daine Laurie drops to the bench.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Daine Laurie 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Jack Cole 19. Luke Sommerton 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Harrison Hassett 22. Preston Riki
Englishman Lewis Dodd is named on the bench for the Rabbitohs, for what will be just his fourth NRL game if selected on matchday. Latrell Mitchell returns from Origin duty, so there’s a backline reshuffle with Campbell Graham missing out through injury. Euan Aitken returns, but Brandon Smith is ruled out after suffering a knee injury on debut two weeks ago. Davvy Moale is also ruled out, so Sean Keppie comes in to the 17.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Tallis Duncan 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jacob Host 13. Jai Arrow 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Lewis Dodd 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Thomas Fletcher 20. Ryan Gray 21. Shaquai Mitchell 22. Ammaron Gudgeon
My prediction – Penrith Panthers 28-12 South Sydney Rabbitohs
Even with the likes of Nathan Cleary and Isaiah Yeo missing, it’s hard to see the Panthers not winning this one. They’re in red-hot form, whereas the Bunnies have been on the slide for some weeks now. This weekend’s likely to put the final nail in their coffin when it comes to Finals footy this year.
Betting tips
The Panthers have been given a -8 handicap, which looks good to me at 10/11. There’s some good value in the try market too, and Brian To’o is my top pick, at 4/5, for an anytime score. I’m also backing the Panthers to win by 13+, at 6/4.
Saturday 19th July – Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels – GIO Stadium, Canberra
Form guide
The Raiders had a bye last weekend, but their win over the Dragons the previous week made it seven straight victories for the ladder leaders.
The Eels were excellent in the first 40 last weekend against the Panthers before ultimately going down, 10-32. They sit in 15th – six points off the top eight.
Team news
Josh Papali’i and Hudson Young are back from Origin duty, so Noah Martin and Trey Mooney drop out of the 17 for the Raiders.
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Trey Mooney 20. Noah Martin 21. Danny Levi 22. Ethan Sanders
Dylan Brown has dropped out of the 17 for the Eels in a clear sign they’re looking ahead to 2026 already – Joash Papalii replaces him in the halves. Ryley Smith is back from suspension at hooker, while an injury to Kitione Kautoga has opened up a spot on the bench for Jordan Samrani.
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Bailey Simonsson 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Dean Hawkins 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Jordan Samrani 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Dylan Brown 19. Dan Keir 20. Toni Mataele 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Haze Dunster
My prediction – Canberra Raiders 38-10 Parramatta Eels
This is one of those games where the home side should be sniffing blood. The Raiders are on a superb run and full of confidence, whereas the Eels’ campaign is all but done, and the dropping of Dylan Brown is proof of that. I’d expect a routine home win here.
Betting tips
The Raiders are 1/1 with a -14 handicap, which I’m happy to back. Kaeo Weekes scored a hat-trick in his last game, including one of the greatest tries you’ll ever see. At 1/1 for an anytime core here, he looks the best value out of the likely scorers.
Saturday 19th July – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Accor Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Bulldogs got back to winning ways last week with a narrow 8-12 win at the Cowboys, which followed on from back-to-back defeats. They remain 3rd, just two points off top spot.
The Dragons, meanwhile, were beaten 24-31 by the Roosters, which made it one win from their past five games. They sit in 11th – four points outside the Finals spots with time running out.
Team news
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo appears to have nailed his colours to the mast this week, with Lachlan Galvin named at halfback and Toby Sexton dropped from the 17. Elsewhere, Stephen Crichton and Kurt Mann return from Origin duty with Crichton coming straight in for the injured Bronson Xerri. Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Sitili Tupouniua are both back on the extended bench as they eye a return to first grade.
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Bailey Hayward 19. Sitili Tupouniua 20. Blake Wilson 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton
The Dragons are unchanged from 1-17. Mat Feagai is back in the extended squad after returning from injury in NSW Cup last weekend.
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Michael Molo 18. Corey Allan 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Nicholas Tsougranis
My prediction – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30-16 St George Illawarra Dragons
This is another one of those games where the home side should be sniffing blood in their quest for the Minor Premiership. A Bulldogs win would be a big dent in the Dragons’ finals chances too.
Betting tips
I’m getting straight on the handicap market again here, where the Bulldogs are priced at 10/11 with a -8 disadvantage. Stephen Crichton is well overdue a try, and I’m getting behind him anytime, at 7/4. I also have a sneaky feeling that Lachlan Galvin will go over. This week marks a fresh start for the youngster, and I can see him getting on the scoresheet. He’s a very well-priced 12/5.
Saturday 19th July – Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles – AAMI Park, Melbourne
Form guide
The Storm continued their charge towards yet another top four finish last weekend with a 14-32 win over the Knights. It was their sixth win in a row, and keeps them in 2nd.
Manly had a week off in Round 19, but they’ve won their previous two games before that. Those victories and their bye round points have lifted them into 7th, although they’re level on points with the two sides below them.
Team news
Xavier Coates and Cameron Munster are back for Melbourne this week after being rested following Origin. Their returns see Joe Chan and Jonah Pezet drop out of the 17.
Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Kane Bradley 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Ativalu Lisati 18. Joe Chan 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
The Sea Eagles are unchanged through 1-17 from the side which beat the Rabbitohs in Round 18.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tom Trbojevic 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Tommy Talau 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Aaron Schoupp 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Caleb Navale 21. Joey Walsh 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
My prediction – Melbourne Storm 28-16 Manly Sea Eagles
The Storm are ticking along nicely, as I’d expect heading into the finals. Even though Manly could cause them some problems, I’d still expect them to get through this one.
Betting tips
Eli Katoa has been in sensational try scoring form for Melbourne, and has five in his last five, so the 7/5 on him to score anytime looks well priced. I tipped Jahrome Hughes last week and he missed out, but at 11/5, the price is too good for me to ignore this week, so I’m backing him again.
Sunday 20th July – Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans – Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Form guide
The Tigers were beaten 34-14 by the Warriors in Round 19 – a loss which leaves their hopes of a first Finals spot since 2011 hanging by a thread. They’re down in 14th heading into this weekend – six points outside the top eight.
The Titans put up a spirited display against neighbours Brisbane last weekend before going down 14-26 at home. That loss made it three in a row for Gold Coast, who remain rock bottom.
Team news
Taylan May will make his Tigers debut this weekend as part of a reshuffled backline. He ultimately replaces Samuela Fainu, who’s ruled out with an injury.
Tigers team: 1. Sunia Turuva 2. Charlie Staines 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Alex Twal 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Adam Doueihi 14. Tristan Hope 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 17. Jack Bird 18. Brent Naden 19. Heath Mason 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Luke Laulilii 22. Krystian Mapapalangi
The Titans are unchanged from 1-17 from last week’s loss to the Broncos.
Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. David Fifita 17. Klese Haas 18. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 20. Arama Hau 21. Sean Mullany 22. Tom Weaver
My prediction – Wests Tigers 16-12 Gold Coast Titans
It’s make or break this week for the Tigers, and I can see them keeping their season alive against a Titans side who are already planning their end-of-season holidays.
Betting tips
It’s not amazing odds, but 8/15 for a Tigers win still returns just over 50%, and the -5 handicap looks hit-and-miss to me. For better value, I prefer the look of a Tigers win by 1-12 points, at 15/8.
Sunday 20th July – Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors- McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Form guide
The Knights are another side whose Finals hopes are hanging by a thread, and last week’s 14-32 loss at home to Melbourne leaves them six points shy of the top eight.
The Warriors, meanwhile, picked up a 34-14 win over the Tigers in Round 19 to stay four points clear of Brisbane in their battle to finish inside the top four.
Team news
Dylan Lucas is out for the Knights with a foot injury, so Brodie Jones comes into the starting side and Tyson Gamble joins the bench.
Knights team: 1. Dane Gagai 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Brodie Jones 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Mathew Croker 16. Tyson Frizell 17. Jermaine McEwen 18. Thomas Cant 19. James Schiller 20. Elijah Leaumoana 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Kyle McCarthy
The Warriors make just one change to last week’s side. Kurt Capewell is back from Origin duty and his return is timely with Rocco Berry missing through injury.
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Samuel Healey 20. Eddie Ieremia 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Kayliss Fatialofa
My prediction – Newcastle Knights 10-22 New Zealand Warriors
This is another one of those games where one side should be sniffing blood and the other could be looking at the final nail in their Finals’ hopes. I’d fully expect the Warriors to get the job done here, espeically in a week where it’s been revealed that Newcastle’s coach and star player could be on their way out at the end of the year.
Betting tips
Leka Halasima is having an incredible breakout season for the Warriors, and has four tries in his past five games. I’m jumping straight on him with an anytime score at 2/1. The Warriors are also 10/11 with a -7 handicap, which should be ok I reckon.
