NRL 2026 Preliminary Finals – Betting Tips & Predictions

There’s always a lot of drama when it comes to the Preliminary Finals, and this year we have the Dolphins up against the Roosters, then the Panthers taking on the Knights. The Preliminary Finals mean it’s do or die, with the winner taking another major step toward becoming the 2026 Premiers.

The Dolphins are experiencing all this for the first time, while their opponents, the Roosters, have certainly been there, done that. Another team that knows what they’re doing are the Panthers, and they’re up against the Knights, who continue to surprise.

The Dolphins come into their first-ever Preliminary Final as the slight favourite against the Roosters. There are a lot of signs that point towards a Dolphins win. They’ve already beaten the Roosters twice this season, both by a reasonable margin. They had their feet up last week after winning in Week 1 of the finals. They’re on an eight-game winning streak. They’re playing at home.

However, this is the first time the club has played in the finals; will they crack under the pressure? The Roosters were also very impressive last time out, taking down the Sharks 46-10 in a clinical performance. Plus, there’s a chance we could see Sam Walker back on the field after his quick recovery from an ankle injury. This one does look like a flip of the coin, and the Roosters are certainly good enough to keep this one close.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Roosters +4.5	NZ$1.71
	Roosters +4.5	NZ$1.78
	Roosters +4.5	NZ$1.71

Predicted Squads

Dolphins - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiya Katoa, Tom Flegler, Jeremy Marshall-King, Tom Gilbert, Max Plath, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Kurt Donoghoe, Ray Stone, Francis Molo, Connelly Lemuelu, Brad Schneider & Tevita Naufahu

Sydney Roosters - James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Hugo Savala, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Sam Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Lindsay Collins, Salesi Foketi, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Nat Butcher, Angus Crichton, Cody Ramsey & Billy Smith

A lot is happening in the Preliminary Finals, but here are the key factors that will most likely impact your bets:

1. On paper, all signs point towards the Dolphins, but the Roosters are capable of keeping this one close. If Sam Walker is back, that only improves the Roosters’ chances.
2. While the finals are a completely different story compared to the regular season, I think points are on the cards once again between the Dolphins and Roosters. The two sides scored 38 and 58 in their two games this season.
3. Not many people thought the Knights would make it this far, but here they are! They’re up against the toughest team of them all, the Panthers, and the handicap is massive. I think the Knights can keep this one close.

Multi of the Week

My multi of the week covers the two Preliminary Finals:

• Leg 1 & 2 - Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters
• Leg 3 - Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights

The Panthers will be looking to make yet another Grand Final, and they come into this clash against the Knights as the heavy favourites. I said it last week when the Knights took on the Warriors: you can’t discount them! The Knights have faced their fair share of doubters throughout this season, and yet again, they’ve proved them all wrong. Can they cause another upset here?

Star playmaker for the Panthers, Nathan Cleary, continues to deal with a stress-related foot injury. If he doesn’t manage to make the field, you’d have to say the Knights are a bigger chance of snagging the win. There aren't a lot of injury concerns for the Knights either, and last week we saw Dylan Lucas return from an ankle injury with great success. Expect him to play more minutes in this game.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Knights +10.5	NZ$1.86
	Knights +10.5	NZ$TBA
	Knights +10.5	NZ$1.86

Predicted Squads

Penrith Panthers - Dylan Edwards, Thomas Jenkins, Paul Alamoti, Casey McLean, Brian To'o, Jack Cogger, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, Lindsay Smith, Isaiah Papali'i, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Freddy Lussick, Scott Sorensen, Liam Henry, Billy Phillips, Billy Scott & Jack Cole

Newcastle Knights - Kalyn Ponga, Dom Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Sandon Smith, Tyson Frizell, Phoenix Crossland, Cody Hopwood, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua, Mat Croker, Harrison Graham, Dylan Lucas, Pasami Saulo, Thomas Cant, Lachlan Crouch & Fletcher Hunt

The Preliminary Finals are finally here, and the BettingTop10 NZ team have all your NRL betting tips sorted for every single game. We offer so much more than just that, though! We’ve also got you covered with the best NRL betting sites, new betting sites, and betting apps.

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