NRL 2026 Round 16 – Betting Tips & Predictions

Round 15 kicks off on Friday night with the Knights and Dragons in Newcastle. It’s always difficult to know what we’re going to get in rounds like this, where Origin stars may or may not back up for their club. For this round, we might be saving the best for last when we see the Roosters welcome the Sharks to Allianz Stadium!

If you’re a lover of the NRL and will be having a bet of two this round, don’t forget to check out all our NRL betting tips! The BettingTop10 team have done the heavy lifting for you, providing a tip for every single game this round.

The Knights will be looking to get back to their winning ways over the Dragons to kick things off on Friday night. The home side suffered their first defeat in a while, going down to the Storm 30-32 on the road at AAMI Park. Meanwhile, the form of the Dragons has been well documented this season, with the bottom-of-the-table team only managing one win so far this season, which was two games back against the Broncos, 30-26.

It’ll be just 48 hours after Origin, but both Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Lucas will look to back up for the Knights. On the injury front, both Bradman Best and Sandon Smith could pop up here as well. Most notably for the Dragons, Jaydn Su'A suffered a peck issue and could be out for the rest of the season. All signs point towards a Knights victory here, the only question is - by how much?

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Knights -10.5	NZ$1.90
	Knights Total Points - Over 29.5	NZ$1.90
	Knights -10.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

Newcastle Knights - Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Dylan Brown, Jacob Saifiti, Phoenix Crossland, Trey Mooney, Dylan Lucas, Thomas Cant, Mat Croker, Harrison Graham, Tyson Frizell, Pasami Saulo, Sandon Smith, Cody Hopwood & Francis Manuleleua

St. George Illawarra Dragons - Clint Gutherson, Setu Tu, Moses Suli, Valentine Holmes, Mathew Feagai, Daniel Atkinson, Kyle Flanagan, Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga, Damien Cook, Toby Couchman, Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, Ryan Couchman, Jacob Liddle, Josh Kerr, Emre Guler, Blake Lawrie, Lyhkan King-Togia & Christian Tuipulotu

Saturday afternoon footy in the South West of Sydney with the weather looking good! What more could you want? Well, the home fans will be hoping for a win for the Tigers against a team that’s in the top four, the Dolphins. The Tigers put that 0-68 loss to the Panthers behind them last time out at Leichhardt Oval to get the better of the Titans, 36-28. Now, that win wasn’t exactly convincing, and they’ll have to be much better against a team like the Dolphins.

The Dolphins haven’t lost since Round 8 when they went down 18-20 to the Warriors, that’s six wins in a row. And it’s not just the wins either, it’s the margins as well. In the last two games, they have won 48-10 (Roosters) and 40-14 (Cowboys). The Tigers should have Api Koroisau, and that does make a big difference, but adding to the injury woes, Kai Pearce-Paul is out for multiple weeks with a peck issue. The Dolphins should welcome back a host of Origin stars as well.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total Points - Over 52.5	NZ$1.90
	First Half Total Points - Over 24.5	NZ$1.86
	Total Points - Over 52.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

Wests Tigers - Jahream Bula, Heamasi Makasini, Taylan May, Starford To'a, Sunia Turuva, Jarome Luai, Jock Madden, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole, Sione Fainu, Tony Sukkar, Alex Seyfarth, Latu Fainu, Mavrik Geyer, Charlie Murray, Ethan Roberts, Patrick Herbert & Bunty Afoa

Dolphins - Trai Fuller, Jamayne Isaako, Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Kodi Nokirima, Isaiya Katoa, Tom Flegler, Jeremy Marshall-King, Francis Molo, Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Max Plath, Kurt Donoghoe, Morgan Knowles, Felise Kaufusi, Tom Gilbert, Ray Stone & Oryn Keeley

The middle Saturday game sees the Titans welcome the Panthers to the Gold Coast. After what the Panthers managed to do to the Tigers last time out, I have grave concerns for the Titans. Interestingly, the last team the Titans played was also the Tigers, and they lost that game 28-36. The Panthers had their bye last round and will come into this one with fresh legs. Ivan Cleary will also probably rest a lot of his Origin stars as well, as he has done in seasons past.

The Titans will be hoping that both Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita can back up from Origin. Outside of Origin, Casey McLean for the Panthers is out due to a quad injury and could miss several weeks. The Titans and Panthers don’t seem to play each other a lot, and the last time they played, it was a 30-26 victory for the Panthers. It would be very bold to go against the Panthers here, but I think the Titans can keep this one close-ish.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Panthers -8.5	NZ$1.57
	First Half Total Points - Over 24.5	NZ$1.98
	Panthers -8.5	NZ$1.57

Predicted Squads

Gold Coast Titans - Keano Kini, Jensen Taumoepeau, Jojo Fifita, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Jayden Campbell, Zane Harrison, Moeaki Fotuaika, Oliver Pascoe, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Arama Hau, Beau Fermor, Cooper Bai, Kurtis Morrin, Josh Patston, Luke Sommerton, Chris Randall, Klese Haas & Jaylan De Groot

Penrith Panthers - Dylan Edwards, Thomas Jenkins, Paul Alamoti, Izack Tago, Brian To'o, Blaize Talagi, Jack Cogger, Moses Leota, Freddy Lussick, Lindsay Smith, Isaiah Papali'i, Liam Martin, Liam Henry, Jack Cole, Scott Sorensen, Luke Garner, Billy Phillips, Billy Scott & Luron Patea

A lot is happening this round, but here are the key factors that will most likely impact your bets:

1. If the Knights get back all the players they’re expecting (from Origin and injury), this has all the markings of a blowout. The Dragons' struggles have been well documented, and it’s hard to see them keeping this one close.
2. The Warriors have suffered back-to-back losses by two points, and the last round was particularly heartbreaking. They are playing in Christchurch against the Cowboys, and I think they’ll be aiming for a dominant performance.
3. The Roosters are playing at home and should welcome back a massive host of Origin stars, but they have been quite inconsistent as of late. The Sharks have won four in a row and are still the underdogs.

Multi of the Week

My multi of the week comes across three different games in Round 16:

• Leg 1 - Newcastle Knights vs St. George Illawarra Dragons
• Leg 2 - New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys
• Leg 3 - Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks

Wrapping up Saturday's NRL action are the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles. The Bulldogs got lucky against the Eels and have now won two of their last three games. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles got back to their winning ways last time out, getting the better of the Rabbitohs, 28-14, and they have won four of their last five. These two teams played late last season, and that ended in a 42-4 win for the Bulldogs.

In big news for the Bulldogs, Stephen Crichton was ruled out of Origin due to a shoulder injury and is also in doubt for this game. For the Sea Eagles, Tom Trbojevic is getting closer to a return; it may be this round, but more likely the next. The wheels just seem to be falling off for the Bulldogs, while the Sea Eagles look like a well-oiled machine. I’m smelling a potential blowout for the road team.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Sea Eagles -8.5	NZ$2.10
	Sea Eagles to win	NZ$1.47
	Sea Eagles -8.5	NZ$2.10

Predicted Squads

Canterbury Bulldogs - Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Bronson Xerri, Stephen Crichton, Enari Tuala, Matt Burton, Lachlan Galvin, Max King, Kurt Mann, Leo Thompson, Sitili Tupouniua, Jaeman Salmon, Harry Hayes, Bailey Hayward, Jed Reardon, Jack Underhill, Josh Curran, Jethro Rinakama & Logan Spinks

Manly Sea Eagles - Clayton Faulalo, Jason Saab, Tolu Koula, Reuben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate, Luke Brooks, Jamal Fogarty, Taniela Paseka, Jake Simpkin, Kobe Hetherington, Haumole Olakau'atu, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Brandon Wakeham, Nathan Brown, Jackson Shereb, Ethan Bullemore, Josh Feledy & Joey Walsh

The Warriors will be looking to put two heartbreaking losses behind them when they welcome the Cowboys to Christchurch on Sunday afternoon. They went down to the Panthers by just two points, two games back, then last time out they lost to the Sharks by just two points as well. A late two-point field goal by the Sharks sealed the fate of the Warriors; however, they still sit in second spot on the ladder, and are the heavy favourites coming into this one.

The Cowboys have also suffered back-to-back losses, but by far larger margins than the Warriors. They lost to the Raiders 12-26 and then to the Dolphins last time out, 14-40. Both Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell could be back from Origin duties for the Warriors, given the occasion. For the Cowboys, Rueben Cotter and Murray Tualagi look set to back up as well. I think the Warriors will be desperate to not just get a win in front of their home crowd, but a big, statement win.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Warriors -9.5	NZ$1.86
	Warriors -9.5	NZ$TBA
	Warriors -9.5	NZ$1.86

Predicted Squads

New Zealand Warriors - Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, Demitric Vaimauga, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford, Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Makaia Tafua, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Kayliss Fatialofa, Marata Niukore, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad & Luke Hanson

North Queensland Cowboys - Scott Drinkwater, Zac Laybutt, Jaxon Purdue, Tom Chester, Murray Tualagi, Liam Sutton, Jake Clifford, Tom Mikaele, Reed Mahoney, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Sam McIntyre, Rueben Cotter, Soni Luke, Griffin Neame, Matthew Lodge, Coen Hess, Robert Derby & Ethan King

If this game had been played this time last year, it probably would have been the game of the round. But fast forward to this season, and both teams are outside the top eight! Right now, the Storm are down in 11th, and the 2025 Minor Premiers are in 13th. However, the comeback trail is well and truly on for the Storm, who have won four of their last five games, including wins over teams like the Knights and Roosters.

For the Raiders, they seem to be heading in the opposite direction and have lost four of their last five games. Storm fans will be hoping the likes of Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and Trent Loiero all make it through Origin unscathed and back up for their club in this one. Plus, we might see both Jack Howarth and Tyran Wishart return from injury. Look for Ethan Strange and Hudson Young to return to the fold after Origin for the Raiders as well.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Raiders +9.5	NZ$1.90
	Raiders +9.5	NZ$TBA
	Raiders +9.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

Melbourne Storm - Sua Fa’alogo, Will Warbrick, Manaia Waitere, Jack Howarth, Moses Leo, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, Josh King, Cooper Clark, Ativalu Lisati, Trent Loiero, Trent Toelau, Alec MacDonald, Jack Hetherington, Joe Chan, Tyran Wishart & Shawn Blore

Canberra Raiders - Kaeo Weekes, Savelio Tamale, Sebastian Kris, Matthew Timoko, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Ethan Sanders, Corey Horsburgh, Tom Starling, Joe Tapine, Hudson Young, Zac Hosking, Jayden Brailey, Josh Papali'i, Morgan Smithies, Ata Mariota, Daine Laurie, Chevy Stewart & Owen Pattie

The final game of the round shapes up to be the closest one, on paper at least. The Roosters are probably one of the hardest hit teams during this Origin period and will be hoping to get all their stars back for this clash. The home side is sitting just one spot down from the Sharks on the ladder (sixth and fifth). It’s been a shaky period for the Roosters, who have won just two of their last five games.

Meanwhile, the Sharks have been steady, winning their last four in a row. Last time out, they won in a thriller on the road in New Zealand, with a two-point field goal saving the Sharks from going to Golden Point against the Warriors. The Sharks haven’t been as badly impacted by Origin, but should welcome back both Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora. I’m surprised the market is favouring the Roosters as much as it is. I think the Sharks can keep this one close.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Sharks +6.5	NZ$1.90
	Sharks +6.5	NZ$TBA
	Sharks +6.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

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

Cronulla Sharks - Will Kennedy, Sam Stonestreet, Jesse Ramien, Mawene Hiroti, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Braydon Trindall, Niwhai Puru, Addin Fonua-Blake, Jayden Berrell, Toby Rudolf, Briton Nikora, Teig Wilton, Cam McInnes, Siosifa Talakai, Billy Burns, Oregon Kaufusi, Thomas Hazelton, Hohepa Puru & Braden Uele

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