NRL 2026 – Round 25 preview, predictions and tips
We’re into the final three rounds of the regular season and there’s plenty still to be decided.
The Roosters went top last week, the 16th-placed Broncos are anxiously looking over their shoulder at an improving Dragons, while the Bulldogs are in the last-chance saloon when it comes to a top eight spot.
It’s all to play for this weekend…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 19th August 2026.
- Thursday 20th August – Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
- Friday 21st August – Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos
- Friday 21st August – The Dolphins vs Parramatta Eels
- Saturday 22nd August – Newcastle Knights vs Manly Sea Eagles
- Saturday 22nd August – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs New Zealand Warriors
- Saturday 22nd August – St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Sunday 23rd August – Gold Coast Titans vs Cronulla Sharks
- Sunday 23rd August – Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers
Thursday 20th August – Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
Form guide
Melbourne had a bye last weekend, but they picked up a very impressive 42-20 win over Manly in Round 23. Sadly, it was too little too late for the Storm, who sit in 11th and out of the Finals picture.
The Panthers were only narrowly beaten by the Roosters last week, but the 12-6 loss saw them drop to 2nd. The Panthers only lost one of their first 13 games, but they’ve since lost five of their past eight.
Team news
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Trent Toelau 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Angus Hinchey 17. Cooper Clarke 18. Joe Chan 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Davvy Moale 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Hayden Watson
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 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. Luron Patea 17. Billy Phillips 18. Jack Cole 19. Blaize Talagi 20. Jaxen Edgar 21. Luke Garner 22. Jesse McLean
My prediction – Melbourne Storm 12-16 Penrith Panthers
Despite their recent wobbles, I’d expect Penrith to bounce back here. Melbourne’s season is done, and although they’ll put up a good fight, the Panthers have to be thinking two points here.
Betting tips
I can see this being close, so I like the look of the Panthers to win by 1-12 points at 9/5. Casey McLean is back from injury, and he looks the best-priced for an anytime try at 5/4.
Friday 21st August – Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos
Form guide
The Raiders halted a run of two straight losses with a superb 24-20 win at Cronulla last week. The Green Machine remain 12th, with a top eight spot out of the question.
The Broncos’ sorry season can’t finish quickly enough. Their 40-6 loss at home to the Warriors last week was their fourth defeat in a row, and there’s now a genuine chance they could finish with the wooden spoon. They’re 16th at the moment with a two-point cushion over a resurgent Dragons.
Team news
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Zac Hosking 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Ata Mariota 14. Tom Starling 15. Joseph Roddy 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Daine Laurie 18. Vena Patuki-Case 19. Savelio Tamale 20. Coby Black 21. Sebastian Kris 22. Jayden Brailey
Broncos team: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Ben Hunt 8. Xavier Willison 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Aublix Tawha 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Va’a Semu 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Gehamat Shibasaki 20. Ben Talty 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Luke Gale
My prediction – Canberra Raiders 24-14 Brisbane Broncos
I fully expect the Raiders to win this one and add to the Broncos’ misery. Brisbane’s Premiership defence has been pathetic, and I can’t see them suddenyl bouncing back this week, especially with nothing to play for except pride.
Betting tips
Ethan Strange looks good value for an anytime try at 6/4. The Broncos to score under 19.5 points looks too tempting to pass up as well, at 1/1.
Friday 21st August – The Dolphins vs Parramatta Eels
Form guide
The Dolphins confirmed their first ever Finals appearance last week with a 22-0 win over Manly. It also saw them climb up to 4th.
The Eels pulled off a surprise 32-30 win over the Cowbiys in Round 24. They remain 13th, but can still climb a couple of places before the season’s over.
Team news
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Tom Gilbert 11. Max Plath 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Ray Stone 15. Francis Molo 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Brian Pouniu 18. Brad Schneider 19. Jake Averillo 20. Tevita Naufahu 21. John Fineanganofo 22. Sam Elliott
Eels team: 1. Apa Twidle 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Saxon Pryke 16. Teancum Brown 17. Jezaiah Funa-Luta 18. Sean Russell 19. Kelma Tuilagi 20. Araz Nanva 21. Ryda Talagi 22. Ryley Smith
My prediction – The Dolphins 36-12 Parramatta Eels
I can see the Dolphins putting on a bit of a show now their top eight spot’s confirmed. They’re a high-scoring side anyway, and I’d expect them to score at least 20 here against an Eels side with nothing to play for.
Betting tips
I’m comfortable backing the Dolphins with a -14 handicap at 10/11. I’t’s 5/6 they win by 13+, which also looks fine to me. I’m also backing a winning margin/tryscorer double. Jamayne Isaako and a 13+ Dolphins win is 6/4.
Saturday 22nd August – Newcastle Knights vs Manly Sea Eagles
Form guide
The Knights sealed their top eight spot with a 36-26 win over the Titans last weekend. They remain 6th, but a top four finish is still a slim possibility.
Manly’s 22-0 loss to the Dolphins made it six straight defeats, and their Finals hopes are almost mathematically over. They remain in 10th.
Team news
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Cody Hopwood 16. Lachlan Crouch 17. Thomas Cant 18. Pasami Saulo 19. Toby Winter 20. Diesel Hagan 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Elijah Leaumoana
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Clayton Faulalo 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Simione Laiafi 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Nathan Brown 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nicholas Lenaz 16. Corey Waddell 17. Caleb Navale 18. Josh Feledy 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Onitoni Large 21. Jackson Shereb 22. Blake Wilson
My prediction – Newcastle Knights 30-10 Manly Sea Eagles
Anything other than a home win would be a surprise here. Manly have Tom Trbojevic back, which will help, but I can’t see him making enough of a difference to end their abysmal run.
Betting tips
I’m straight on the Knights with a -6 handicap at 10/11. They’re 5/6 in the half-time/full-time market as well, which is more tempting than any tryscorer odds.
Saturday 22nd August – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs New Zealand Warriors
Form guide
The Rabbitohs were very impressive in their 22-6 win over the Bulldogs last week, which saw them go four points clear of their rivals in the battle for the top eight. They remain 7th heading into this weekend.
The Warriors are going from strength to strength, and their 40-6 win over the Broncos in Round 24 was their fifth win in their past six. They remain 3rd, but they’re just two points behind ladder leaders, Sydney Roosters.
Team news
Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Tallis Duncan 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jye Gray 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Peter Mamouzelos 19. Edward Kosi 20. Jonah Glover 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Latrell Mitchell
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Luke Hanson 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 18. Adam Pompey 20. Morgan Gannon 21. Jett Cleary 22. Luke Laulilii 23. Makaia Tafua
My prediction – South Sydney Rabbitohs 14-22 New Zealand Warriors
The Rabbitohs have picked up some great wins in recent weeks, but the Warriors are flying high, and I still make them form favourites for this one.
Betting tips
I’ll back the Warriors with a -4 handicap at 10/11. Leka Halasima did the business for me last week, so I’m backing him for an anytime try again at 7/4.
Saturday 22nd August – St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Form guide
The Dragons have had a wretched season, but their 24-22 win over the Tigers last week made it back-to-back victories. They remain bottom, but they’ve closed the gap on the Broncos to four points.
There’s no room for error now for the Bulldogs, who need to win their last three games. That still might not be enough though. Their 22-6 loss to the Rabbitohs last week made it back-to-back defeats, at the worst possible time.
Team news
Dragons team: 1. Daniel Atkinson 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Emre Guler 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 14. Damien Cook 15. Toby Couchman 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Jacob Webster 18. Setu Tu 19. Josh Kerr 20. Blake Lawrie 21. Luciano Leilua 22. Kade Reed
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Enari Tuala 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Harry Hayes 17. Alekolasimi Jones 19. Jake Turpin 20. Sean O’Sullivan 21. Jed Reardon 22. Jonathan Sua 23. Jack Underhill
My prediction – St George Illawarra Dragons 12-24 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Dragons win this, but it’s do-or-die time for the Bulldogs, and surely they’ll put away a side that’s been sat in 17th all year? If not, they don’t deserve to be in the top eight anyway.
Betting tips
The Bulldogs should be safe with a -6 handicap at 10/11. They’re 5/6 in the half-time/full-time market as well, which I’m happy to back.
Sunday 23rd August – Gold Coast Titans vs Cronulla Sharks
Form guide
The Titans’ 36-26 loss to the Knights last week was their third in a row. They remain 15th, and there’s still a chance they could pick up the wooden spoon.
The Sharks have had a terrible couple of weeks, as they followed a surprise loss at the Dragons in Round 23 with a 24-20 home defeat to the Raiders last weekend. They’ve slipped to 5th as a result, but a top four finish is still a possibility.
Team news
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Cooper Bai 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Klese Haas 16. Chris Randall 17. Bodhi Sharpley 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Sialetili Faeamani 20. Adam Christensen 21. Jett Liu 22. Tony Francis
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Niwhai Puru 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Liam Ison 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Toby Rudolf
My prediction – Gold Coast Titans 6-30 Cronulla Sharks
I’d fully expect the Sharks to bounce back here against a side who have been playing for nothing all year. It’s no surprise to see these two teams in the positions they are, and Cronulla will win this nine times out of 10.
Betting tips
The Sharks have been given just a -6 handicap, which should be the biggest banker of the weekend at 10/11. I can’t ignore the 13/8 on the 13+ winning margin either.
Sunday 23rd August – Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers
Form guide
The Roosters went top of the ladder last weekend with a hard-fought 12-6 win at Penrith. It was their eighth win in a row and it leaves the Minor Premiership in their own hands with three games to go.
The Tigers were close, but still lost 24-22 to the Dragons last weekend. That made it eight straight losses for Wests, who remain 14th. The only good news is that it will take a minor miracle for them to end up with the wooden spoon this year.
Team news
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Billy Smith 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Nat Butcher 17. Egan Butcher 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau 20. Rex Bassingthwaighte 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Taylor Losalu
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Junior Tupou 3. Solomane Saukuru 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jock Madden 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Twal 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Tristan Hope 19. Sunia Turuva 20. Javon Andrews 21. Charlie Murray 22. Faaletino Tavana
My prediction – Sydney Roosters 48-10 Wests Tigers
If the Roosters don’t win by at least 20 points, I’d be stunned. They must be licking their lips at the prospect of this game, and the only danger is that they take their foot off the pedal knowing they have tougher tests to come.
Betting tips
There’s not much value in this at all, so I’m backing a margin/total points double, which is Roosters by 13+ and over 52.5 points at 13/10. I’m also getting on the Roosters to score over 37.5 points, which is 4/5.
