NRL 2025 – Round 27 preview, predictions and tips
It’s hard to believe we’re already in September and nine teams will play their last footy for 2025 this weekend.
We know for certain who seven of them are, and it’s probably safe to add Manly to that list given the mountain they need to climb this weekend.
The top seven are also locked in, so it just leaves the Roosters and the Dolphins trying to keep their season alive for at least one more week. By the time the latter kick-off on Sunday, I suspect we’ll already know their fate though, but to find out my thoughts on that, and everything else in Round 27, you’ll have to read on…
- Thursday 4th September – Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Friday 5th September – Manly Sea Eagles vs New Zealand Warriors – 4 Pines Park, Sydney
- Friday 5th September – Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Saturday 6th September – St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers – WIN Stadium, Wollongong
- Saturday 6th September – Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers – Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
- Saturday 6th September – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Cronulla Sharks – Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Sunday 7th September – The Dolphins vs Canberra Raiders – Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
- Sunday 7th September – Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 2nd September 2025.
Thursday 4th September – Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Form guide
The Broncos have found form at just the right time, and their three straight wins have taken them into the top four ahead of the final round this weekend. A win in this one will confirm their 4th-placed finish, unless the Sharks or Warriors can rack up a record scoreline in their matches.
Melbourne, meanwhile, are assured of a 2nd-placed finish, unless the Bulldogs can somehow engineer a 90-point swing of their own. The Storm were beaten 10-40 at home by the Roosters last weekend, to end a run of five straight victories.
Team news
The Broncos have dropped Gehamat Shibasaki after a breach of club discipline, so Jesse Arthars comes into the team on the wing and Deine Mariner shifts to the centres. Brendan Piakura is named to start with Jaiyden Hunt dropping to the bench.
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Billy Walters 7. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Jaiyden Hunt 18. Delouise Hoeter 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Jock Madden 21. Va’a Semu 22. Gehamat Shibasaki
Melbourne are boosted by the return of star halfback Jahrome Hughes from injury. while Xavier Coates, Eli Katoa, Nick Meaney and Josh King are all back after being rested last week, while Tui Kamikamica returns from a concussion. Stefano Utoikamanu is rested this week and Shawn Blore is missing with a fractured larynx. Ativalu Lisati comes into the starting side.
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Ativalu Lisati 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Joe Chan 18. Marion Seve 19. Jack Howarth 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Kane Bradley 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
My prediction – Brisbane Broncos 26-22 Melbourne Storm
I’m not entirely convinced by the Broncos, but as they’re playing for a top four spot and the Storm already have 2nd in the bag, the home team should lift for this one.
Betting tips
Melbourne are favourites in this one, so I’m going for the Broncos in the outright market at 13/10. Jesse Arthars looks the best-priced of the likely tryscorers too, at 5/4 for an anytime score.
Friday 5th September – Manly Sea Eagles vs New Zealand Warriors – 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Form guide
Manly’s back-to-back wins over the past couple of rounds appear to have been in vein as far as the top eight goes. The Sea Eagles need to rely on the Roosters and the Dolphins both losing this week, while also overturning an 82-point differential on the Chooks.
As for the Warriors, their top eight spot has been secure for a number of weeks, but they’ve dropped out of the top four and currently sit 6th following last week’s home loss to the Eels. They’ll get back into 4th though if they can win, and the Broncos and Sharks lose.
Team news
Tolu Koula is ruled out for Manly, so Clayton Faulalo comes into the starting side and Joey Walsh will make his NRL debut from the bench. Toafofoa Sipley won’t get a chance to play his 100th NRL game before he heads to Warrington next year, as he’s been given a four-match ban.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Clayton Faulalo 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. Joey Walsh 15. Caleb Navale 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Aaron Schoupp 19. Navren Willett 20. D’Jazirhae Pua’avase 21. Simione Laiafi 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Sam Healey replaces Wayde Egan for the Warriors in the only change from last weekend.
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. Samuel Healey 10. Tanner Stowers-Smith 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima 18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Kalani Going 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Edward Kosi 23. Luke Hanson
My prediction – Manly Sea Eagles 20-12 New Zealand Warriors
This one could go either way, but the Warriors have dropped off in recent weeks, and I wouldn’t be surprised of they don’t go full throttle in this one with Finals starting next week.
Betting tips
Manly have been given a -4 handicap for this one, which I’m happy to back at 10/11. Leka Halasima has been one of the breakthrough stars in the NRL this year, and the Warriors backrower added two more tries last week to take him to 12 for the season. At 16/5 for an anytime try, that’s a huge price, so I’ll be having a punt on that too.
Friday 5th September – Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Roosters were outstanding in beating the Storm, 10-40, down in Melbourne last week. After a hiccup the previous week against the Eels, that victory has left the Chooks’ fate in their own hands. Win this one and they’ll claim the final top eight spot.
It’s been a tough year for the Rabbitohs, but they’re ending the season on a bit of a high, having won their past three games. Last week, they got the two points in the bye round as well, which has them 13th coming into this weekend. A win here could see them finish as high as 11th if other results go in their favour.
Team news
Sam Walker is back from concussion for the Roosters, and his return pushes Sandon Smith out of the side. Otherwise, it’s an unchanged 17 for Trent Robinson.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 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. Blake Steep 17. Siua Wong 18. Ethan King 19. Salesi Foketi 20. Sandon Smith 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Makahesi Makatoa
The Rabbitohs have been given a huge boost with skipper Cam Murray returning for his first game of the year. Jack Wighton is also back from suspension this week for the Bunnies.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Jack Wighton 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Ashton Ward 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Tallis Duncan 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Brandon Smith 15. Jacob Host 16. Cody Walker 17. Cameron Murray 18. Euan Aitken 19. Peter Mamouzelos 20. Shaquai Mitchell 21. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 22. Lewis Dodd
My prediction – Sydney Roosters 38-12 South Sydney Rabbitohs
As exciting as it would be to see the Rabbitohs put a dent in their rivals’ top eight chances and keep the tension going over the weekend, I just can’t see it. The Roosters are the form team heading into finals, and they’ve overcome tougher tests than a patched-up Souths side in the past few weeks.
Betting tips
The Roosters are 5/6 to win by 13+, which looks ok to me. In the anytime try market, there’s no value with the favourites, so Billy Smith looks a good shout at 7/5. The Roosters centre has eight in 16 games this year.
Saturday 6th September – St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers – WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Form guide
The Dragons’ sorry season continued to peter out last week, as they were soundly beaten 24-40 at home by Manly. It’s now three straight defeats for St George, who come into the weekend in 15th. They can still finish as high as 11th though.
The Panthers rested their entire side against the Bulldogs last week as they gear up for Finals. The reigning Premiers are 7th heading into the final round. They can’t go any higher, but they can still drop a place with a defeat here.
Team news
The Dragons have named an unchaged 17 from last week’s loss to Manly, so still no recall for Lachlan Ilias, whose last NRL action came back in Round 8.
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. Michael Molo 22. Blake Lawrie
The Panthers have brought back the majority of their big names this week, although Liam Martin and Brian To’o are given another week off. Paul Alamoti stays on the wing and Matt Eisenhuth remains in the 17 after captaining the side last week.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Isaiah Papali’i 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Daine Laurie 19. Mavrik Geyer 20. Riley Price 21. Luron Patea 22. Jaxen Edgar
My prediction – St George Illawarra Dragons 10-24 Penrith Panthers
With most of their big names back, I’d expect the Panthers to get the job done fairly comfortably here.
Betting tips
Casey McLean has been doing the business for me all year for Penrith, and at 1/1 he’s the best value of the likely anytime tryscorers. He’s got 14 in 19 games this year. You can get the same odds on the first half being the highest scoring half, and I like the look of that too. If the Panthers build up a lead, then expect them to take their foot off the gas and have one eye on next weekend.
Saturday 6th September – Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers – Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Form guide
The Titans have one final chance to avoid the wooden spoon this weekend, but it looks a big ask for a team who have lost five straight games. At least their superior points difference over the Knights means that any win, coupled with a Newcastle loss, will see them climb up to 16th.
The Tigers have had a stranglehold on the wooden spoon themselves for the past three years, so they can be pleased with their improvement this year. A finals spot was just a little out of reach, but a win in this match will see them hold on to 11th. They could finish as low as 14th with a loss though.
Team news
In his final game as Titans coach, Des Hasler will give debuts to teenager Cooper Bai and former Wallaby Carter Gordon. Jojo Fifita is ruled out through injury, Phil Sami returns from an injury of his own, while Jaylan De Groot and Tony Francis drop out of the 17.
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Brian Kelly 3. AJ Brimson 4. Carter Gordon 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. Cooper Bai 15. Klese Haas 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josh Patston 18. Tukimihia Simpkins 19. Jaylan De Groot 20. Tom Weaver 21. Sean Mullany 22. Tony Francis
Teenager Heamasi Makasini will make his Tigers debut on the wing in place of Jeral Skelton. Skelton’s ruled out through concussion. Alex Seyfarth is back from suspension, which pushes Charlie Murray out of the 17.
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Heamasi Makasini 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. Alex Seyfarth 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Tristan Hope 19. Charlie Murray 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. Charlie Staines
My prediction – Gold Coast Titans 18-24 Wests Tigers
This is one of those intriguing games where it’s hard to know which version of these two sides will show up. The Titans will be eager to avoid the wooden spoon, but the Tigers won’t want to drop as low as 14th after a year of progress, so both teams should be going for it. I’m backing the Tigers to get the job done though.
Betting tips
The Tigers are 5/6 in the outright market, which looks good to me. I like the look of Jahream Bula for an anytime try too, at 6/5.
Saturday 6th September – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Cronulla Sharks – Accor Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
I don’t want to be dismissive of any victory, but the Bulldogs’ 28-4 win over a Panthers reserve side last week wasn’t the best barometer of where the team are at right now. The three defeats in their four games prior to that were a better indicator, but last week;s win has at least cemented 3rd place for Canterbury, which is not to be sniffed at.
The Sharks, meanwhile, put 40 on the Knights last week, which followed a 54-22 win over the Titans in their previous game. They’re up to 5th, and a loss for the Broncos this weekend would open the door for Cronulla to sneak into the top four.
Team news
Jacob Kiraz is out for the Bulldogs, so Enari Tuala comes in. Viliame Kikau returns this week, so Josh Curran goes to the bench and Daniel Suluka-Fifita drops out.
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Enari Tuala 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. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Josh Curran 17. Reed Mahoney 19. Jake Turpin 20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 21. Kurtis Morrin 22. Jethro Rinakama 23. Toby Sexton
The Sharks have Jesse Ramien back this week for his 150th NRL game, so Mawene Hiroti drops out.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3 Jesse Ramien 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. Mawene Hiroti 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Oregon Kaufusi 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha
My prediction – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 18-26 Cronulla Sharks
This is another game that looks too close to call, but the Bulldogs have been out of sorts recently and with 3rd place already in the bag, they don’t really have anything to play for. By the time kick-off comes, we’ll know if the Sharks can still make the top four and that could go a long way to tipping the winner in this one.
Betting tips
The Bulldogs are favourites, so I’m jumping on the Sharks in the outright market at 7/5. If a top four spot is still up for grabs, then this price could shorten by matchday. Ronaldo Mulitalo looks a good price at 1/1 for an aytime try as well.
Sunday 7th September – The Dolphins vs Canberra Raiders – Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Form guide
The Dolphins kept their hopes of a first ever top eight finish alive with a 36-30 win over the Titans last week. If the Roosters lose this weekend, then a win for the Dolphins will do the job, so long as they overturn a 15-point differential in the process.
As for the Raiders, their 24-10 win over the Tigers last week clinched a first Minor Premiership for 35 years. The Green Machine have lost just four games along the way in 2025, in what’s been an outstanding year.
Team news
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki replaces Connelly Lemuelu for the Dolphins in their only change. Herbie Farnworth could make his return from a hamstring injury after being named in the extended squad.
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. Felsie Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 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. Herbie Farnworth
Unsurprisingly, the Raiders are resting a number of players this week after clinching the Minor Premiership. Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Ethan Strange, Jamal Fogarty, Joe Tapine, Tom Starling, Simi Sasagi, Josh Papalii, Zac Hosking and Hudson Young all drop out. Among the inclusions, Michael Asomua, Manaia Waitere and Joe Roddy will make their NRL debuts, while Englishman Matty Nicholson makes his return from injury having been missing since Round 10.
Raiders team: 1. Chevy Stewart 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matt Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Michael Asomua 6. Adam Cook 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Owen Pattie 10. Ata Mariota 11. Noah Martin 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. DEels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 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. Dean Hawkins 19. Dan Keir 20. Toni Mataele 21. Joey Lussick 22. Joash Papali’ianny Levi 15. Trey Mooney 16. Manaia Waitere 17. Joseph Roddy 18. Kain Anderson 19. Vena Patuki-Case 20. Shaun Packer 21. Ethan Alaia 22. Myles Martin
My prediction – The Dolphins 30-16 Canberra Raiders
Regardless of whether their season is still alive or not, I can see the Dolphins picking up the win here and finishing the year in style. Canberra’s team selection tells you everything about where their focus is this weekend, and the home side will want to finish with a flourish in front of their home fans in Redcliffe.
Betting tips
There’s not much value in backing the Dolphins, who have been given a -12 handicap. I like the look of Canberra to score under 19.5 points at 5/6. I’ll also be getting on Jamayne Isaako in the anytime try market, at 4/5.
Sunday 7th September – Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Form guide
The Eels will be one to watch in 2025, and they’ve seen off three of the top eight in recent weeks. Last weekend’s 22-26 win over the Warriors in Auckland was the latest, and a win this week could see them end the year in 11th.
It’s been a dismal year for the Knights, who will just be hoping to avoid the wooden spoon this week. They’ll know if they’re still under threat when kick-off comes around, as a Titans win will see them start the day in 17th. If that doesn’t happen, they’ll stay in their current spot of 16th, regardless of what happens here.
Team news
One change for the Eels with Dylan Brown coming into the starting side in the halves for his final game before heading to Newcastle. Jordan Samrani drops to the reserves.
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 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. Dean Hawkins 19. Dan Keir 20. Toni Mataele 21. Joey Lussick 22. Joash Papali’i
Adam O’Brien names an unchanged 17 in his final game as Knights coach.
Knights team: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jake 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. James Schiller 19. Cody Hopwood 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Connor Votano 22. Lachlan Crouch
My prediction – Parramatta Eels 28-12 Newcastle Knights
I’m expecting the Eels to finish on a high in this one. They’ve improved dramatically in recent weeks, and a home game against a side sitting in 16th with the worst attack by some margin, should be the perfect way to round off 2025.
Betting tips
I’m jumping straight on the Knights in the total points market again, and the 11/10 for under 17.5 points looks excellent value. In the tryscoring market, this one’s a bit of a sentimental one, but how often do we see players sign off with a score in their final game? Given there’s little value with the more likely scorers, I’ll be having a small punt on Dylan Brown at 21/10.
