NRL 2026 – Round 16 preview, predictions and tips
After the excitment of Origin, it’s back to NRL action with seven games to look forward to this weekend.
My pick of the round is the battle of 6th vs 5th on Sunday when the Roosters take on the Sharks at Allianz Stadium.
The Warriors’ clash with the Cowboys earlier in the day could be a belter too, but with the season well into the second half, any of the games could throw up a cracker this weekend.
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 17th June 2026.
- Friday 19th June – Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons
- Saturday 20th June – Wests Tigers vs The Dolphins
- Saturday 20th June – Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers
- Saturday 20th June – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles
- Sunday 21st June – New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys
- Sunday 21st June – Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders
- Sunday 21st June – Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks
Friday 19th June – Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Form guide
The Knights had a bye last weekend, but their narrow 32-30 loss to Melbourne the previos week ended a run of four straight victories. They head into this game in 7th.
The Dragons also had a bye in Round 15, but the previous week they were beaten 34-12 by the Sharks. It was a 12th defeat in the opening 13 rounds for the Red Vee, who are four points adrift at the bottom of the ladder.
Team news
The Knights have Bradman Best available again after injury, while Origin stars Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Lucas have been named to back up. Jermaine McEwen has been suspended by the club, with Thomas Cant taking his place in the side.
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Thomas Cant 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Cody Hopwood 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Francis Manuleleua 20. Sandon Smith 21. Tyson Gamble 22. James Schiller
Jaydn Su’A is ruled out for the Dragons, so Luciano Leilua comes in after a week in the reserves. Emre Guler is also back among the substitutes, while Christian Tuipulotu returns from injury on the extended bench.
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Josh Kerr 17. Blake Lawrie 18. Emre Guler 19. Tyrell Sloan 20. Hame Sele 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Christian Tuipulotu
My prediction – Newcastle Knights 30-14 St George Illawarra Dragons
The Knights should be licking their lips at the prospect of this game. The Dragons have been abysmal this year, except for theat one victory over Brisbane a few weeks ago, and Newcastle should be too strong for them.
Betting tips
I’ll take Newcastle with a -13 handicap at 10/11. I’ll also back Bradman Best for an anytime try on his comeback, at 5/4.
Saturday 20th June – Wests Tigers vs The Dolphins
Form guide
The Tigers bounced back from their Round 14 mauling by Penrith to beat the Titans last weekend, in a 36-28 victory. They sit 10th, and level on points with 8th-placed South Sydney.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins extended their club record winning run to six games with a 48-10 demolition of Sydney Roosters in Round 15. They’ve climbed up into 4th.
Team news
Adam Doueihi is back on the extended bench for the Tigers, while Api Koroisau has been named to back up from Origin. Kai Pearce-Paul is out injured, so Tony Sukkar comes into the starting side.
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Starford To’a 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jock Madden 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Tony Sukkar 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Seyfarth 14. Josese Lanyon 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Mavrik Geyer 17. Charlie Murray 18. Heamasi Makasini 19. Latu Fainu 20. Heath Mason 21. Peter Taateo 22. Adam Doueihi
The Dolphins stick with the same 19 who got the job done so handsomely against the Roosters. Max Plath and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki could back up from Origin after being named on the extended bench, but Thomas Flegler, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo are all rested.
Dolphins team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Felise Kaufusi 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Brad Schneider 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Ray Stone 18. Sebastian Su’a 19. Brian Pouniu 20. John Fineanganofo 21. LJ Nonu 22. Sam Elliott 23. Max Plath 24. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
My prediction – Wests Tigers 10-24 The Dolphins
I’m fully expecting the Dolphins to make it seven straight wins in this one. The Tigers might cause some problems, but they shouldn’t be a match for a rampant Dolphins outfit.
Betting tips
I’ll back the Dolphins to win by 13+ points, which is 6/4. I’m also backing them to score first and win, which is 1/1.
Saturday 20th June – Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers
Form guide
The Titans’ 36-28 loss to the Tigers last week made it 10 defeats in 13 games for the 16th-placed side.
The Panthers had a bye in Round 15, but they’ve won seven in a row and 12 out of 13 this year to sit six points clear at the top of the ladder.
Team news
The Titans have named Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita to back up after Origin duty. Lachlan Ilias joins the six-man bench and will make his first appearance since Round 9 if he comes on.
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jenson Taumoepeau 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Zane Harrison 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Cooper Bai 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Josh Patston 16. Klese Haas 17. Jaylan De Groot 18. Lachlan Ilias 19. Jett Liu 20. Sam Verrills 21. Adam Christensen 22. Bodhi Sharpley
As they did after Origin I, the Panthers have named their rep players on the extended bench, so don’t expect to see Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary and Brian To’o this week. One man who’s definitely out is Casey McLean. Jack Cogger has been named at halfback, with Luke Garner and Izack Tago in the centres. Billy Phillips, Luron Patea, Jack Cole and John Fonua join the interchange.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Luke Garner 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Jack Cogger 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. Billy Phillips 17. Luron Patea 18. Jack Cole 19. Sione Fonua 20. Kalani Going 21. Isaah Yeo 22. Brian To’o 23. Nathan Cleary
My prediction – Gold Coast Titans 6-38 Penrith Panthers
Even without their Origin stars, this should be a routine win for the Panthers against a side struggling at the foot of the ladder.
Betting tips
I’m happy to jump on the Panthers’ -12 handicap at 10/11. Izack Tago also looks well-priced at 6/5 for an anytime try.
Saturday 20th June – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles
Form guide
Thw Bulldogs had a bye in Round 15, which followed a narrow 14-12 win over the Eels. That was their second win in three games after a wretched run, and they currently sit 12th – four points off the top eight.
Manly also had a bye in Round 15, but they continued their good form under Kieran Foran in Round 14, with a 28-14 win over the Rabbitohs. They’re flying high in 3rd.
Team news
Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton has been named, despite missing Origin II through injury. Kurt Mann is back from injury too, and there’s a spot on the bench for Logan Spinks, who’ll make his NRL debut if he comes on.
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Kurt Mann 10. Leo Thompson 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Harry Hayes 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Jed Reardon 16. Jack Underhill 17. Josh Curran 19. Jethro Rinakama 20. Logan Spinks 21. Lipoi Hopoi 22. Alex Conti 23. Alekolasimi Jones
Manly welcome Tom Trbojevic back after seven games out. He comes straight in for the injured Clayton Faulalo at fullback. Tolu Koula has been named to back up from Origin, while Ethan Bullemor is back on the interchange after a head knock.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Simione Laiafi 18. Josh Feledy 19. Joey Walsh 20. Hugo Hart 21. Blake Wilson 22. Jackson Shereb
My prediction – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 10-22 Manly Sea Eagles
I just can’t back the Bulldogs based on current form. Manly have been flying under Kieran Foran, and the Dogs are continuing to toil, despite a couple of wins in recent weeks.
Betting tips
I like the look of under 19.5 points for the Bulldogs, which is 5/6. I’ll also back Manly to score first and win, which is 10/11.
Sunday 21st June – New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys
Form guide
The Warriors were narrowly edged out by the Sharks in a 10-8 loss last week. That made it back-to-back defeats for the Wahs, but they remain 2nd.
The Cowboys also come into this game off the back of consecutive defeats, with their latest being a 40-14 loss to the Dolphins in Round 14. They had a bye last week, and they come into this game in 9th.
Team news
Origin duo Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell are named in the Warriors’ extended squad and could be named to back up. Alofiana Khan-Pereira is injured, so Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is named on the wing. Sam Healey is back from injury on the bench, and he’s joined by Rocco Berrry and Luke Metcalf after stints in reserve grade.
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Tanner Stowers-Smith 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Jacob Laban 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Kayliss Fatialofa 18. Rocco Berry 20. Luke Metcalf 21. Makaia Tafua 22. Mitchell Barnett 23. Kurt Capewell
Jeremiah Nanai and Braidon Burns are back from injury for the Cowboys. John Bateman is back on the extended bench and could make his first appearance of the year after injury as well.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Jake Clifford 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 16. Matthew Lodge 17. Coen Hess 18. Liam Sutton 19. Sam McIntyre 20. John Bateman 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Ethan King 23. Wiremu Greig
My prediction – New Zealand Warriors 18-14 North Queensland Cowboys
I’m backing the Warriors to bouce back with a win here. They were only narrowly beaten by the Sharks, and with the home crowd behind them, I can see them getting the job done in Christchurch this week.
Betting tips
I’m not convinced by the Warriors’ -9 handicap, so I’m backing them to win by 1-12 points instead, which is 21/10. If this game’s as tight as I think it could be, then 5/2 for there not to be three unanswered tries looks a solid shout too.
Sunday 21st June – Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders
Form guide
The Storm had a bye in Round 15, but their 32-20 win over the Knights in Round 14 made it four wins from their last five to leave them sitting in 11th.
The Raiders were in action last week, and their 15-12 loss to the Eels made it four defeats in five, which sees them sitting in 13th.
Team news
Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero have been named to back up after Origin for Melbourne. Jack Howarth and Tyran Wishart are back from injury, so Manaia Waitere and Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown drop out.
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Joe Chan 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Cooper Clarke 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Shawn Blore 19. Tyran Wishart 20. Davvy Moale 21. Preston Conn 22. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 23. Lockyer-Azile Foliola
The Raiders have Savelio Tamale back after concussion, while Ethan Strange and Hudson Young have been named to back up from Origin. Daine Laurie and Ata Mariota drop to the bench.
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Jayden Brailey 14. Owen Pattie 15. Ata Mariota 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Daine Laurie 18. Jed Stuart 19. Vena Patuki-Case 20. Coby Black 21. Jordan Uta 22. Chevy Stewart
My prediction – Melbourne Storm 30-12 Canberra Raiders
I don’t know why, but I have a feeling Melbourne will get a good win this week. They’ve found some form recently, they’re at home, and they need to keep racking up the wins if they’re going to crack the top eight after a poor start to the year.
Betting tips
I’ll back the -9 handicap for Melbourne here, which is 10/11. Joe Chan is playing in the centres this week, so his odds of 7/4 for an anytime try look quite good as well.
Sunday 21st June – Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks
Form guide
The Roosters were hammered 48-10 by the Dolphins last week, but they played with a largely second string side due to Origin call-ups. The loss saw them slip to 6th though.
The Sharks picked up a very impressive 10-8 win over the Warriors last week, which has seen them climb above this week’s opponents to 5th.
Team news
The Roosters have named all seven of their Origin stars to back up this week. Last week’s debutants Rex Bassingthwaighte and Toby Rodwell are named on the interchange, but Hugo Savala and Reece Foley drop out with concussion.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Tommy Talau 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Rex Bassingthwaighte 19. Toby Rodwell 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Junior Tupou 22. Egan Butcher 23. Taylor Losalu 24. Cody Ramsey
Blayke Brailey and Nicho Hynes are back on the Sharks’ extended bench after injury, while Origin stars Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora have been named to back up in the starting side. Toby Rudolf drops out with a knee injury.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Billy Burns 15. Oregon Kaufusi 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Samuel Stonestreet 21. Blayke Brailey 22. Nicho Hynes
My prediction – Sydney Roosters 20-16 Cronulla Sharks
This one’s too close to call with both sides level on points on the ladder. I’m leaning towards the Chooks though, who need to bounce back after last week’s mauling by the Dolphins.
Betting tips
As I’m expecting a close game, I’m backing the Roosters to win by 1-12 points, which is 2/1. I’m also tipping the Sharks to score between 11 and 20 points, which is 17/10.
