NRL 2026 – Round 19 preview, predictions and tips
I can’t get my head around the fact Origin’s over for another year. 2026 is flying by in general, and that’s especially true in RL where we’ve already had Vegas, the Challenge Cup Final, Paris, Magic Round in Brisbane, Magic Weekend in Liverpool and now Origin.
Still, that means we’re on the home straight towards Finals, so there’s less room for error than ever. Especially for those sides hovering around the top eight…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 9th July 2026.
Friday 10th July – Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors
Form guide
The Tigers have fallen off a cliff in recent weeks with four defeats in their last five, including a 24-10 loss to the Dragons last week. They’ve dropped to 12th, and they’re four points outside the top eight.
The Warriors had a bye last weekend, but they’ve lost three of thier last four. Thankfully for them, other sides around them have also been dropping points, so they remain in 2nd.
Team news
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Heamasi Makasini 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Josese Lanyon 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Fonua Pole 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Faaletino Tavana 19. Charlie Murray 20. Heath Mason 21. Jock Madden 22. Jared Haywood
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tanner Stowers-Smith 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Marata Niukore 18. Luke Metcalf 20. Makaia Tafua 21. Luke Laulilii 22. Mitchell Barnett 23. Kurt Capewell
My prediction – Wests Tigers 10-26 New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors will expect to bounce back here against a Tigers side who have been on the slide for weeks.
Betting tips
The Warriors should be safe with a -8 handicap at 10/11. Leka Halasima is a good price at 17/10 for an anytime try as well.
Saturday 11th July – The Dolphins vs Cronulla Sharks
Form guide
The Dolphins saw their eight-game winning run come to an end in last week’s 13-12 loss to the Knights, which saw them drop to 5th.
The Sharks were 28-16 winners over the Broncos in Round 18. It was their fifth win in their last six games, and they’ve climbed to 6th – level on points with this week’s opponents.
Team news
Dolphins: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Brad Schneider 8. Felise Kaufusi 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Ray Stone 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Sebastian Su’a 18. Brian Pouniu 19. John Fineanganofo 20. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 21. Selwyn Cobbo 22. Jack Bostock 23. Max Plath 24. Thomas Flegler
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Hohepa Puru 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Samuel Stonestreet 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Briton Nikora 22. Blayke Brailey 23. Addin Fonua-Blake
My prediction – The Dolphins 24-16 Cronulla Sharks
Much will depend on whether these sides put their Origin players in on gameday, but even so, I’m leaning towards the Dolphins in this one. Their winning run would probably have continued last week if it weren’t for Origin call-ups, so I can see them bouncing back here.
Betting tips
I can see this being close, so I’m backing the Dolphins to win by 1-12, which is 21/10. I’ll back Herbie Farnworth for an anytime try as well, at 1/1.
Saturday 11th July – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders
Form guide
The Bulldogs had a bye last weekend, but their victory over the Titans in Round 17 weas their fourth in five games. They’ve clawed their way up to 10th – just two points off the Finals spots.
The Raiders also had a bye last weekend, but their victory over the Dragons a week earlier was their first in four games. They’re 13th, but a top eight spot looks very unlikely.
Team news
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Enari Tuala 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Josh Curran 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Harry Hayes 14. Kurt Mann 15. Alekolasimi Jones 16. Jack Underhill 17. Lipoi Hopoi 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Sean O’Sullivan 21. Jacob Preston 22. Logan Spinks 23. Jed Reardon
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Sebastian Kris 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Zac Hosking 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Daine Laurie 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Morgan Smithies 20. Coby Black 21. Jed Stuart 22. Joseph Roddy
My prediction – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30-20 Canberra Raiders
When I mentioned at the start of the article that there’s little room for error, the Bulldogs were one of the teams I had in mind. A home game against a side with little to play for should be a golden opportunity for them to strengthen their bid for a top eight spot, and even though Canberra will give them a test, they should win this one.
Betting tips
I’m happy to back the Bulldogs with a -4 handicap at 10/11. Jethro Rinakama is also tempting at 11/10 for an anytime try.
Saturday 11th July – Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels
Form guide
The Roosters had a bye last weekend, but their win over the Broncos in Round 17 was their third victory in four games. They sit 3rd on the ladder.
The Eels claimed a memorable scalp in their 33-14 win over Manly last weekend. That lifted them to 14th, but a top eight spot looks very unlikely.
Team news
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Hugo Savala 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Taylor Losalu 16. Egan Butcher 17. Delasalle Vaa 18. Rex Bassingthwaighte 19. Tommy Talau 20. Toby Rodwell 21. Reece Foley 22. Cody Ramsey 23. Reece Robson 24. Sam Walker
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Brian Kelly 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Araz Nanva 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Sam Tuivaiti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Jack Williams 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Dylan Walker 15. Toni Mataele 16. Teancum Brown 17. Harrison Edwards 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Charlie Guymer 20. Saxon Pryke 21. Ryley Smith 22. Jonah Pezet
My prediction – Sydney Roosters 36-14 Parramatta Eels
Even if the Roosters rest a couple of their Origin players, I’d still expect them to win this relatively comfortably.
Betting tips
Again, the handicap looks ok in this one with the Roosters at 10/11 with a -10 disadvantage. I like the look of Billy Smith for an anytime try as well, at 13/10.
Sunday 12th July – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights
Form guide
The Rabbitohs were soundly beaten 36-14 by the Panthers last weekend, which has seen them slip to 8th. The Bunnies have lost four of their last six games to leave their Finals hopes in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, the Knights are going from strength to strength, and their 13-12 win over the Dolphins last week lifted them up to 4th. They could even go 2nd with a win this week.
Team news
Rabbitohs: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Dayne Jennings 3. Tallis Duncan 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 13. Cameron Murray 14. Lachlan Hubner 15. Jamie Humphreys 16. John Radel 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Jye Gray 19. Latrell Siegwalt 20. Edward Kosi 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Peter Mamouzelos
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Dylan Brown 8. Cody Hopwood 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Sandon Smith 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Lachlan Crouch 17. Thomas Cant 18. Harrison Graham 19. Fletcher Hunt 20. Francis Manuleleua 21. Tyson Gamble 22. Kyle McCarthy
My prediction – South Sydney Rabbitohs 12-20 Newcastle Knights
I can see the Knights having too much in this one for Souths. The Bunnies haven’t looked convincing in recent weeks and Newcastle are on a roll.
Betting tips
I'[m taking the Knights all day long with a -1 handicap, at 10/11. I can’t see the Rabbitohs scoring a bundle here, so under 23.5 points looks a good shout at 1/1.
Sunday 12th July – Manly Sea Eagles vs North Queensland Cowboys
Form guide
Manly suffered a surprise 23-14 loss at the Eels last week to slip to 7th. Inconsistency could cost the Sea Eagles, who haven’t won consecutive games since Round 12.
The Cowboys had a bye last week, but their impressive win over the Panthers in Round 17 has kept them in touching distance of Finals footy. They’re 9th – level on points with the Rabbitohs and Manly.
Team news
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Joey Walsh 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Corey Waddell 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Simione Laiafi 18. Josh Feledy 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Blake Wilson 21. Fletcher Baker 22. Nicholas Lenaz
Cowboys: 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. Sam McIntyre 19. John Bateman 20. Liam Sutton 21. Ethan King 22. Ronald Philitoga 23. Tom Dearden
My prediction – Manly Sea Eagles 20-14 North Queensland Cowboys
This one really could go either way, but I’m backing Manly to make home advantage count.
Betting tips
I think this will be close, so I’m backing Manly to win by 1-12 points at 2/1. Tolu Koula looks a good price for an anytime try as well, at 11/10.
Sunday 12th July – Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans
Form guide
Melbourne had a bye last week, but their 30-4 thrashing at Manly the previous week was their 9th defeat of a very average season. They’re 11th – four points outside the top eight.
The Titans had a bye last week, but their 30-12 loss to the Bulldogs in Round 17 has them down in 15th.
Team news
Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Manaia Waitere 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Cooper Clarke 12. Alec MacDonald 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Joe Chan 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Trent Toelau 20. Davvy Moale 21. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 22. Gabriel Satrick 23. Hayden Watson
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Dean Ieremia 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. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Josh Patston 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 18. Sam Verrills 19. Jaylan De Groot 20. Jett Liu 21. Lachlan Ilias 22. Sialetili Faeamani
My prediction – Melbourne Storm 48-6 Gold Coast Titans
The Storm are another side for whom it’s sink or swim time, and I’m backing them to go on a run between now and September. There’ll be tougher games than this to come, but if they can’t beat the Titans at AAMI Park, they might as well grab their sun loungers now.
Betting tips
I have no hesitation in backing Melbourne with a -10 handicap at 10/11. I’ll back them to win by 13+ as well, which is 1/1.
