NRL 2026 – Round 27 preview, predictions and tips
And just like that, we’re at the end of the regular season. I can’t quite believe how quickly 2026 has gone, but it must be a sign of how entertaining the NRL has been.
This week feels a little anticlimactic, with the top eight locked in and the wooden spoon confirmed too. The Minor Premiership is still up for grabs though, and whatever happens in the Warriors’ match on Saturday, I suspect the Panthers will still be in with a great chance of leapfrogging them on Sunday.
Whatever happens, it’ll be the last we see of nine teams this year, so without further ado, let’s dive straight in…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 2nd September 2026.
- Thursday 3rd September – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos
- Friday 4th September – Gold Coast Titans vs The Dolphins
- Friday 4th September – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters
- Saturday 5th September – New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles
- Saturday 5th September – North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders
- Saturday 5th September – Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm
- Sunday 6th September – St George Illawarra Dragons vs Parramatta Eels
- Sunday 6th September – Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers
Thursday 3rd September – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos
Form guide
The Bulldogs’ Finals hopes came to an end in last week’s 24-10 loss at Penrith. They head into this weekend in 10th, and they could finish the year anywhere between 9th and 12th.
What a difference a year makes. 12 months ago, the Broncos were just weeks away from their first Premiership in 19 years, but they head into this weekend in 15th. They were beaten 46-20 at home by Melbourne last week, and the best they can hope for is 14th. A loss could see them drop to 16th though.
Team news
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. Jake Turpin 15. Alekolasimi Jones 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 19. Jed Reardon 20. Jack Underhill 21. Logan Spinks 22. Sean O’Sullivan 23. Kurt Mann
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. Thomas Duffy 15. Va’a Semu 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Gehamat Shibasaki 19. Ben Talty 20. Cameron Bukowski 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Preston Riki
My prediction – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32-18 Brisbane Broncos
With both sides having nothing to play for, this could end up going either way. At least the Bulldogs mounted a challenge for the top eight though, so on that basis I’d expect them to finish the year off with a win against a Broncos side who have been dreadful.
Betting tips
I’ll take the Bulldogs with a -10 handicap at 10/11. I’ll back Jacob Preston for an anytime try as well, at 6/4.
Friday 4th September – Gold Coast Titans vs The Dolphins
Form guide
The Titans suffered a fifth-straight loss last week as they were beaten 42-22 by the Rabbitohs. They’re 16th, but a win could see them climb above local rivals Brisbane.
The Dolphins are looking forward to their first ever Finals appearance, and their 26-12 won over the Roosters last week saw them leapfrog the Chooks to climb to 3rd. A top four finish is guaranteed, but a win this week will secure 3rd spot.
Team news
Titans Team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jaylan De Groot 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Kurtis Morrin 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Klese Haas 15. Cooper Bai 16. Bodhi Sharpley 17. Sam Verrills 18. Josh Patston 19. Sunny Kama 20. Tony Francis 21. Jett Liu 22. Adam Christensen
Dolphins Team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Tevita Naufahu 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. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Ray Stone 16. Francis Molo 17. Felise Kaufusi 18. Brian Pouniu 19. Brad Schneider 20. Jake Averillo 21. Connelly Lemuelu 22. Sebastian Su’a
My prediction – Gold Coast Titans 10-36 The Dolphins
I’m encouraged to see the Dolphins have named their strongest side, so I expect them to make light work of the Titans this week. If they take their foot off the gas, there may be an opening for Gold Coast, but only a slight one.
Betting tips
The Dolphins should be safe with a -14 handicap at 10/11. It’s the same price for the Titans to score under 21.5 points, which looks ok to me.
Friday 4th September – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters
Form guide
The Rabbitohs’ 42-22 win over the Titans last week secured their top eight spot. It also saw them climb to 6th on the ladder.
The Roosters were beaten 26-12 by the Dolphins to slip a place to 4th. They can still finish in 3rd, but a top four spot’s guaranteed.
Team news
Rabbitohs Team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 23. Jai Arrow 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Adam Elliott 13. Cameron Murray 6. Cody Walker 14. Matthew Dufty 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Jamie Humphreys 18. Euan Aitken 19. Latrell Siegwalt 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Talanoa Penitani 22. Peter Mamouzelos
Roosters Team: 1. Cody Ramsey 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Fetalaiga Pauga 4. Tommy Talau 5. Rex Bassingthwaighte 6. Reece Foley 7. Toby Rodwell 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Egan Butcher 13. Connor Watson 14. Tom Rodwell 15. Taylor Losalu 16. Delasalle Vaa 17. Aston Warwick 18. Jake Elliott 19. Hayden Barton 20. Lui Lee 21. Max McCathie 22. Nat Butcher
My prediction – South Sydney Rabbitohs 38-14 Sydney Roosters
On paper, this should have been a classic, but the Roosters’ decision to rest most of their top names means it could be a bit of a damp squib. I don’t blame Trent Robinson for resting his stars, and the proof will be in the pudding when Finals kick off next week. They’ll want to avoid a heavy loss to finish the regular season though.
Betting tips
David Fifita at 7/5 and Cody Walker at 6/4 both look good value for an anytime try here.
Saturday 5th September – New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles
Form guide
The Warriors’ 46-32 win over the Knights last week kept them top of the ladder, just. They’re level on points with the Panthers, but just one point ahead of them in the points differential, so even a victory this week might not be enough to see them secure top spot.
Manly’s 44-10 win over the Dragons last week was too little too late as their Finals hopes were dashed by results from elsewhere. They’re 9th heading into the final round.
Team news
Warriors Team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Adam Pompey 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Samuel Healey 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Makaia Tafua 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Morgan Gannon 18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Kayliss Fatialofa 21. Jett Cleary 22. Jye Linnane 23. Haizyn Mellars
Sea Eagles Team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Josh Feledy 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. Onitoni Large 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Blake Wilson 21. Hugo Hart 22. Jackson Shereb
My prediction -New Zealand Warriors 58-16 Manly Sea Eagles
I’m going all out here and backing the Warriors to post a big win. They need to put some daylight between them and Penrith to give themselves the best chance of finishing top, and I can see them being fired up to post some points here.
Betting tips
I’ll take the Warriors to win by 13+, at 1/1. I’m also backing the margin/total points double. It’s 21/10 for 13+ and over 47.5 points.
Saturday 5th September – North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders
Form guide
The Cowboys’ 24-10 win over the Tigers last week was enough to secure their Finals spot. They’re 8th, which is almost certainly where they’ll finish.
The Raiders had a bye in Round 26, but their Finals hopes were already over. Last year’s Minor Premiers are 12th heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
Team news
Cowboys Team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Robert Derby 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. John Bateman 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Sam McIntyre 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Kaiden Lahrs 18. Kai O’Donnell 19. Ethan King 20. Mason Kira 21. Ronald Philitoga 22. Liam Sutton
Raiders Team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Coby Black 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Noah Martin 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Ata Mariota 14. Malachi Smith 15. Joseph Roddy 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Vena Patuki-Case 18. Tom Starling 19. Daine Laurie 20. Ethan Sanders 21. Mark Tuialii 22. Jesse Milin
My prediction – North Queensland Cowboys 14-20 Canberra Raiders
This is a tough one to call as neither side has anything to play for. Something’s leaning me towards the Raiders having a strong end to the campaign though, but I’m not backing them with any conviction.
Betting tips
I’m not surprised to see the Cowboys are favourites, so I’ll get straight on a Raiders win, at 6/4. Kaeo Weekes looks the best-priced of any likely tryscorers, at 1/1.
Saturday 5th September – Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm
Form guide
The Sharks suffered a surprise 38-18 loss at the Eels last week, which ended their hopes of a top four finish. They look almost certain to finish in 5th.
Melbourne battered the Broncos in a 46-20 hammering last week. The Storm remain 11th, and they’ll miss out on Finals for the first time since 2010.
Team news
Sharks Team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Riley Jones 4. Michael Gabrael 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Riley Pollard 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Hohepa Puru 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Liam Ison 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. KL Iro
Storm Team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 3. Tyran Wishart 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Cooper Clarke 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Angus Hinchey 19. Hugo Peel 20. Davvy Moale 21. Manaia Waitere 22. Hayden Watson
My prediction – Cronulla Sharks 16-36 Melbourne Storm
The Sharks need a response after last week’s loss to the Eels, but with a few big names missing I can’t see them getting one here.
Betting tips
I’ll take Melbourne with a -8 handicap at 10/11. Tyran Wishart is 7/5 for an anytime try, and that looks a good price to me too.
Sunday 6th September – St George Illawarra Dragons vs Parramatta Eels
Form guide
After giving themselves brief hope of avoiding the wooden spoon, the Dragons have conceded 88 points in their last two games to condemn themselves to 17th spot. They were beaten 44-10 by Manly last week.
The Eels pulled off a remarkable 38-18 win over the Sharks last week. They remain in 13th, which is where they’re likely to finish.
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. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Josh Kerr 17. Jacob Halangahu 18. Jacob Webster 19. Setu Tu 20. Ryan Hutchinson 21. Kade Reed 22. Nicholas Tsougranis
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. Saxon Pryke 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Jack de Belin 16. Teancum Brown 17. Dylan Walker 18. Tyrese Lokeni 19. Sean Russell 20. Kelma Tuilagi 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Ryley Smith
My prediction – St George Illawarra Dragons 12-24 Parramatta Eels
The Dragons have had a miserable season and I expect them to finish it in that fashion. Parra have been poor as well, so I’m not backing them with any certainty either.
Betting tips
The Eels should be ok with a -2 handicap at 10/11. I’ll back them in the half-time/full-time market as well, at 11/10.
Sunday 6th September – Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers
Form guide
The Panthers beat the Bulldogs 24-10 last week to keep their hopes of the Minor Premiership alive. They need to better the Warriors’ result this week to leapfrog them.
The Tigers were beaten 24-10 by the Cowboys in Round 26 to remain 14th. Their wait for a first Finals appearance since 2011 will extend into another year.
Team news
Panthers Team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Luke Garner 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Liam Henry 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Lindsay Smith 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Luron Patea 17. Billy Phillips 18. Blaize Talagi 19. Billy Scott 20. Kalani Leuluai-going 21. Jesse McLean 22. Isaah Yeo 23. John Farragher
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. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Seyfarth 14. Latu Fainu 15. Vaka Aho 16. Ethan Roberts 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Heath Mason 19. Sunia Turuva 20. Tristan Hope 21. Charlie Murray 22. Faaletino Tavana
My prediction – Penrith Panthers 32-10 Wests Tigers
The Panthers have the advantage of knowing what they’ll need to do in this one to finish top. I expect them to be fired up, but the Tigers have often saved their better performances for Penrith, so I think they’ll fall just short of claiming top spot here.
Betting tips
I’ll back a couple of anytime tries again here. Casey McLean is 5/6 and Nathan Cleary is 7/5.
