NRL 2025 – Round 26 preview, predictions and tips
It’s the penultimate round of the regular season already in the NRL. For some clubs, their season finished weeks ago, while for others, this is where it really counts.
There’s still plenty to play for though – namely a top eight finish for one of the Roosters, the Dolphins and Manly – plus a last chance to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon for the Titans.
It promises to be a great round, so let’s dive right in and take a look…
- Thursday 28th August – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers – Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Friday 29th August – New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels – Go Media Stadium, Auckland
- Friday 29th August – Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters – AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Saturday 30th August – Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers – GIO Stadium, Canberra
- Saturday 30th August – St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles – Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
- Saturday 30th August – North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos – Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
- Sunday 31st August – Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights – Sharks Stadium, Sydney
- Sunday 31st August – The Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 27th August 2025.
Thursday 28th August – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers – Accor Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Bulldogs put up a good fight last weekend in Melbourne, but their 20-14 defeat ultimately made it three losses from their last four games. They remain in 3rd, and while the Minor Premiership’s now out of reach, they can seal a top four finish this weekend with a win.
The Panthers were beaten 16-20 by the Raiders last weekend in one of the most incredible Golden Point finishes you’ll ever see. That defeat made it back-to-back losses in Golden Point for Penrith, who are all but done in the battle for the top four.
Team news
Viliame Kikau and Harry Hayes are ruled out for the Bulldogs, so Josh Curran and Daniel Suluka-Fifita come into the 17.
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Josh Curran 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 17. Reed Mahoney 19. Enari Tuala 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Lipoi Hopoi 22. Jake Turpin 23. Toby Sexton
The Panthers are resting 16 players this week with their top four hopes over, and as they gear up for Finals Footy in a couple of weeks. Brad Schneider will start in the halves – he’s the only player from last week’s 17 to make it this week. Zac Lipowicz, John Fonua, David Fale and Billy Phillips will all make their first grade debuts.
Panthers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Jesse McLean 3. Sione Fonua 4. David Fale 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Jack Cole 7. Brad Schneider 8. Luron Patea 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Austin Dias 11. Zac Lipowicz 12. Mavrik Geyer 13. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Soni Luke 15. Preston Riki 16. Riley Price 17. Billy Phillips 18. Billy Scott 19. Niko Apelu 20. Asu Kepaoa 21. Riley Wake 22. Jaxen Edgar
My prediction – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30-10 Penrith Panthers
This could have been a blockbuster to kick off the round, but with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary resting an entire matchday squad, it should be a routine home win for the Dogs. If they can’t win this, then it’s hard to take their Premiership chances seriously.
Betting tips
With the Bulldogs expected to put a score on, I like the look of Bronson Xerri and Stephen Crichton in the anytime try market. They’re both priced at 5/4.
Friday 29th August – New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels – Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Form guide
After some recent wobbles, the Warriors made it back-to-back wins with their 18-32 win on the Gold Coast last weekend. That victory kept them in 4th, and a win this weekend could secure their top four spot.
The Eels put in a fantastic display in Round 25 to beat the Roosters, 30-10. Although their recent improvement has come too late for a Finals push, it’s all looking a lot more positive ahead of 2026 for Parra. They’re 14th heading into this weekend, and the wooden spoon’s now off the cards too.
Team news
The Warriors are unchanged from 1-17.
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Demitric Vaimauga 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 16. Tanner Stowers-Smith 17. Leka Halasima 18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Samuel Healey 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Kalani Going 23. Edward Kosi
The Eels are also unchanged from last week’s 17. Josh Addo-Carr will play his 200th NRL game.
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Dylan Brown 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Matt Doorey 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Jordan Samrani 18. Sean Russell 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Dan Keir 21. Toni Mataele 22. Joey Lussick
My prediction – New Zealand Warriors 18-14 Parramatta Eels
I’m going with the home side here, but only just. This game’s a classic case of the ladder not telling the full story, as Parra have put in a few very impressive performances in recent weeks. However, the Warriors have won back-to-back games themselves, and they’ll want to cement a top four spot in front of their own fans if they can.
Betting tips
I like the look of the Warriors to win by 1-12 points, which is 15/8. I’ll also be getting on Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in the anytime try market, at 4/5.
Friday 29th August – Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters – AAMI Park, Melbourne
Form guide
The Storm made it five wins in a row with their 20-14 win over the Bulldogs last week, and in the process they beat another Premiership contender following recent wins over the Panthers and the Broncos. They remain 2nd, and still have a chance of clinching the Minor Premiership.
The Roosters’ own Premiership chances took a dent last week as they were soundly beaten 30-10 by the Eels. That defeat means they’re 8th, with the Dolphins and Manly hot on their heels.
Team news
Harry Grant is suspended for the Storm, while Xavier Coates, Nick Meaney, Eli Katoa and Josh King have all been rested. Tui Kamikamica is ruled out through concussion. Bronson Garlick takes over at hooker, Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown and Kane Bradley are named on the wings and Shawn Blore is back from an ankle injury. Nelson Asofa-Solomona also returns on the bench, and winger Will Warbrick could make a first appearance since Round 4 after being named on the extended bench.
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Kane Bradley 3. Marion Seve 4. Grant Anderson 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Alec MacDonald 11. Shawn Blore 12. Joe Chan 13. Trent Loiero 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Sua Faalogo 19. Josiah Pahulu 20. Will Warbrick 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 22. Angus Hinchey
Sam Walker is ruled out with concussion for the Roosters, so Sandon Smith comes into the halves. Daniel Tupou returns from a concussion of his own, so he replaces Junior Tupou on the wing.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Egan Butcher 16. Salesi Foketi 17. Siua Wong 18. Ethan King 19. Blake Steep 20. Toby Rodwell 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Taylor Losalu
My prediction – Melbourne Storm 20-16 Sydney Roosters
I came awfully close to tipping the Roosters in this one, but the Storm are on a five-game winning run and they don’t lose many at home. The Chooks should be better than they were last week, but I can see them being edged out here.
Betting tips
The Storm have been given a -3 handicap, which I’m willing to back at 10/11. They’re 15/8 to win by 1-12 points as well, so I’ll be getting on that too.
Saturday 30th August – Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers – GIO Stadium, Canberra
Form guide
The Raiders sneaked past Penrith in a Golden Point thriller last week to put one hand on the Minor Premiership. They could seal it with a win here if other results go their way.
The Tigers, meanwhile, were beaten 28-34 at home by the Cowboys. They remain 11th and will be looking to end the year on a bit of a high after three straight wooden spoons.
Team news
The Raiders have lost Xavier Savage for the rest of the year, but Savelio Tamale has timed his return perfectly as he lines up for the first time since Round 14. Other than that, Canberra are unchanged.
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jed Stuart 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. Noah Martin 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Danny Levi 21. Trey Mooney 22. Ethan Sanders
Adam Doueihi is out for the Tigers, so Latu Fainu comes into the halves and Heath Mason joins the bench. Starford To’a is back from injury, so Brent Naden drops out.
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal 14. Heath Mason 15. Royce Hunt 16. Charlie Murray 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Heamasi Makasini 19. Kit Laulilii 20. Krystian Mapapalangi 21. Tristan Hope 22. Brent Naden
My prediction – Canberra Raiders 32-6 Wests Tigers
I’m expecting the Raiders to win, and win well this week. The Minor Premiership’s within touching distance and they won’t be in any mood to slip up against a side with nothing to play for.
Betting tips
I’m comfortable backing the Raiders with a -12 handicap at 10/11. I can’t ignore Ethan Strange in the anytime try market either. He’s got four in two games, and he’s a fairly generously priced 7/5.
Saturday 30th August – St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles – Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Dragons were comprehensively beaten in Round 25, as they suffered a 40-0 hammering against the Rabbitohs. That loss dropped them to 13th, and the hope now will be not to fall any lower than that.
As for Manly, they breathed new life back into their Finals chances after a dismal run of four straight losses. Their 58-30 win over the Dolphins last week has put them just two points outside the top eight.
Team news
Jaydn Su’A, Jack de Belin and Hame Sele are all back this week for the Dragons. Tyrell Sloan also comes into the side. Ben Murdoch-Masila and Corey Allan drop out of the 17.
Dragons team: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Hayden Buchanan 4. Mathew Feagai 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Jacob Halangahu 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Hame Sele 17. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila 19. Corey Allan 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Nathan Lawson 22. Blake Lawrie
Manly go with the same 17 who put 58 points on the Dolphins last weekend.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolu Koula 4. Tommy Talau 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Aaron Schoupp 15. Caleb Navale 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Joey Walsh 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Simione Laiafi 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
My prediction – St George Illawarra Dragons 14-24 Manly Sea Eagles
Manly simply have to win this one, and against a side with nothing to play for, there can be no excuses.
Betting tips
There’s no handicap in this one, so I’m getting straight on Manly in the outright market at 10/11. I’m backing the Sea Eagles in the half-time/full-time market as well, which is 6/4.
Saturday 30th August – North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos – Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Form guide
The Cowboys made it back-to-back victories with their 28-34 win away to the Tigers in Round 25. It’s all too little too late for a Finals charge, but they’ve at least climbed up to 12th.
As for the Broncos, they pulled away from the Knights in Newcastle to claim a 12-46 win. That lifted them up to 5th, and they’re still in with a chance of a top four finish.
Team news
The Cowboys go with the same 17 who saw off the Tigers last week.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Zac Laybutt 15. Karl Lawton 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Thomas Mikaele 18. Kai O’Donnell 19. Marly Bitungane 20. Nicholas Lenaz 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Kaiden Lahrs
Brendan Piakura is back from concussion to take Jesse Arthars’ place on the bench for the Broncos, who are otherwise unchanged. Adam Reynolds could make an early return from injury after being named on the extended bench.
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Billy Walters 7. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Brendan Piakura 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Delouise Hoeter 21. Jock Madden 22. Adam Reynolds
My prediction – North Queensland Cowboys 14-22 Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos should have enough to win this one, despite the Cowboys’ improvements in the past couple of weeks.
Betting tips
Jaxon Purdue continues to be criminally underpriced in the anytime try market, so I’m backing him again at 15/8. I’m also getting on the Broncos to score first and win, which is 11/10.
Sunday 31st August – Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights – Sharks Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Sharks had a bye last week, but the two points they picked up, plus the two from their 54-22 win over the Titans in Round 24 have lifted them up to 6th. A Finals finish is all but assured now, but a win this week would guarantee it.
For the Knights, meanwhile, it’s now seven straight losses. The latest was a 12-46 home reverse against the Broncos, and they’re in real danger of a wooden spoon, with the Titans just two points behind them.
Team news
KL Iro is back from a lengthy lay-off for the Sharks, and he goes straight into the starting side. Jesse Colquhoun replaces Cam McInnes, who’s out for the year, while Braden Hamlin-Uele replaces Tuku Hau Tapuha on the bench.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Hohepa Puru 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Niwhai Puru
The Knights have named the same 17 who lost to the Broncos last time out.
Knights team: 1. Dane Gagai 2. Dominic Young 3. James Schiller 4. Bradman Best 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Thomas Cant 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Greg Marzhew 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Connor Votano 22. Lachlan Crouch
My prediction – Cronulla Sharks 36-6 Newcastle Knights
I’m expecting the Sharks to put on a bit of a show this week against a side whose season has been over for months.
Betting tips
Cronulla should be ok with a -18 handicap at 10/11. It’s hard not to keep going back to the Knights in the total points market either, as the wins keep coming in, so I’m going with it again this week. It’s 4/6 for them to score under 16.5, so not great odds, but highly likely to happen.
Sunday 31st August – The Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Form guide
After putting themselves in a great position for Finals footy, the Dolphins have chosen the worst possible time for a slump. Their 58-30 loss at Manly last time out was a third defeat in a row, and they’ve conceded 160 points in those three games as well. They remain on the fringes of the top eight though – sitting in 9th and just two points behind the Roosters.
The Titans went down 18-32 at home to the Warriors in Round 25. It’s now four straight losses for the Gold Coast, who look destined for the wooden spoon. They’re two points behind Newcastle, although they do have a better points difference.
Team news
Kodi Nikorima is back for the Dolphins, so Max Feagai makes way as part of a reshuffled backline. Connelly Lemuelu replaces Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in the back row, while Aublix Tawha joins the bench.
Dolphins team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Aublix Tawha 15. Ray Stone 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Josh Kerr 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. LJ Nonu 20. James Walsh 21. Peter Hola 22. John Fineanganofo
The Titans have gone with the same 17 that lost to the Warriors last week.
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. Keano Kini 15. Klese Haas 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josh Patston 18. Tukimihia Simpkins 19. Sean Mullany 20. Cooper Bai 21. Carter Gordon 22. Tony Francis
My prediction – The Dolphins 42-16 Gold Coast Titans
If the Dolphins could handpick an opponent and a venue this week, this would surely be it. The Titans’ season has been a car crash, and I’m expecting the home side to bounce back with a big win and take their top eight chances to the final weekend.
Betting tips
The Dolphins have only been given a -4 handicap, which I’m jumping straight on at 10/11. It’s the same price for them in the half-time/full-time market, so I’m backing that too. I can’t resist a third punt either, which is a 13+ winning margin at 7/4.
