NRL 2026 Round 20 – Betting Tips & Predictions

With Round 20 just about to kick off, make sure you get all your NRL betting tips sorted quick smart! The Origin period is behind us, and we have just eight more rounds before we get into the thick of finals, and for some teams, it’s already too late.

The round begins with what could have been a juicy one, with the Panthers taking on the Broncos on Thursday night. But these are now two teams at opposite ends of the ladder. We also see two top-eight clashes this round, with the Sharks taking on the Knights, and the Dolphins up against the Cowboys.

At the start of the season, anyone would have told you this would be a key game to watch out for! However, only one team has lived up to their potential, as we see the Panthers in top spot on the ladder, and the Broncos way down in 14th. The Panthers lost back-to-back games to the Titans and Cowboys, but bounced back last time out, beating the Rabbitohs 36-14. The Broncos have lost a massive eight games in a row. They haven’t won since Round 8!

These two teams have played each other once so far this season, which was back in Round 1, and the Panthers held the Broncos to zero and piled on 26 of their own points. It looks like the Panthers will be back to almost full strength for this clash, with potentially only Jack Cogger out as he is serving a two-match ban. It will be interesting to see what we see with the Broncos, as many didn’t live up to their potential in their last game, and could see themselves dropped.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Panthers -10.5	NZ$1.64
	First Team to Score - Panthers	NZ$1.41
	Panthers -10.5	NZ$1.64

Predicted Squads

Penrith Panthers - Dylan Edwards, Thomas Jenkins, Izack Tago, Paul Alamoti, Brian To'o, Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, Lindsay Smith, Liam Martin, Isaiah Papali'i, Isaah Yeo, Freddy Lussick, Kalani Going, Liam Henry, Jack Cole, Scott Sorensen & Billy Scott

Brisbane Broncos - Reece Walsh, Grant Anderson, Kotoni Staggs, Deine Mariner, Jesse Arthars, Tom Duffy, Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas, Cory Paix, Preston Riki, Brendan Piakura, Xavier Willison, Pat Carrigan, Ben Hunt, Ben Talty, Jordan Riki, Ezra Mam, Hayze Perham & Blake Mozer

This one shapes up to be one of the most important clashes of the round, as we see the fourth-placed Sharks take on the fifth-placed Knights. With these two teams sitting so close to each other on the ladder, it’s effectively a four-point swing to the winner. The Knights put on a clinic of a performance last time out, absolutely thrashing the Dolphins 66-0, which will certainly do wonders for their points differential. 

On the flip side, the Sharks had their three-game winning streak snapped last time out, as they went down to the Rabbitohs 24-26. We should see Briton Nikora return for the Sharks this week after being rested, and for the Knights, it looks like both Jermaine McEwen and Bradman Best should also return. The Sharks are playing at home, so I can see why they’re the favourites, but the Knights are certainly good enough to keep this one close.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Knights +5.5	NZ$1.90
	Knights Total Points - Over 20.5	NZ$1.87
	Knights +5.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

Cronulla Sharks - Will Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Jesse Ramien, KL Iro, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Braydon Trindall, Nicho Hynes, Thomas Hazelton, Blayke Brailey, Addin Fanua-Blake, Briton Nikora, Jesse Colquhoun, Cam McInnes, Jayden Berrell, Siosifa Talakai, Oregon Kaufusi, Teig Wilton, Billy Burns & Mawene Hiroti

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

The final game on Friday night sees the Roosters welcome the Storm to Allianz Stadium. The Roosters are sitting pretty inside the top four at the moment. Meanwhile, the Storm are down in 10th, but have started picking up some much-needed wins and could very well scrape into the top eight before the end of the season. The home side has won four of its last five, including its last three in a row.

The Storm have also won four of their last five, and they got the better of the Titans in a close one last time out, 22-18. We may see James Tedesco remain out for this one after failing his HIA in Origin. However, both Lindsay Collins and Nat Butcher should be available. In a brutal blow for the Storm’s finals chances, Cameron Munster is set for an extended stint on the sidelines and is due to have surgery on his knee.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Roosters to win	NZ$1.40
	Roosters to win	NZ$1.45
	Roosters to win	NZ$1.40

Predicted Squads

Sydney Roosters - Cody Ramsay, Billy Smith, Hugo Savala, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Lindsay Collins, Nat Butcher, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Connor Watson, Salesi Foketi, Egan Butcher, Spencer Leniu, Rex Bassingthwaighte & Tommy Talau

Melbourne Storm - Sua Fa’alogo, Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Moses Leo, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, Josh King, Cooper Clark, Alec MacDonald, Trent Loiero, Tyran Wishart, Jack Hetherington, Joe Chan, Oryn Keeley, Trent Toelau & Hugo Peel

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

1. The Panthers look back to full strength for this one, while the Broncos have looked completely lost on the field a lot of the time. I don’t think it will be a massive blowout, but the Panthers should still get a decent win.
2. Two teams sitting right next to each other face off in the key game of the round. The Sharks are playing at home, so they hold the favouritism, but I can’t see them blowing out the Knights. The Knights should keep this one close.
3. The Raiders and Rabbitohs have played once so far this season, with the Raiders winning 36-34. I think the Rabbitohs can return the favour and chalk up a win against a side that can run hot and cold.

Multi of the Week

My multi of the week comes across three different games in Round 20:

• Leg 1 - Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos
• Leg 2 - Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights
• Leg 3 - Canberra Raiders vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

To kick things off on Saturday, we have the Raiders playing host to the Rabbitohs. The Raiders are down in 12th spot on the ladder, but have managed to win their last two games over the Dragons and Bulldogs. They not only need to keep on winning, but they’ll need other results to fall their way if they’re to have any chance of making the finals. On the other hand, the Rabbitohs are in sixth spot on the ladder, despite injuries to key players all throughout the season.

The Rabbitohs have won three of their last four games, including a narrow two-point win over the Knights last time out. The team list for the Raiders looks fairly steady, so don’t expect too many changes. Things are a little different for the Rabbitohs, though. We could see Alex Johnston return in this clash from a calf injury, and Cody Walker is available after his suspension. Both teams have been playing well, but I’m sniffing an upset here.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Rabbitohs to win	NZ$2.05
	Rabbitohs to win	NZ$1.98
	Rabbitohs to win	NZ$2.05

Predicted Squads

Canberra Raiders - Kaeo Weekes, Sebastian Kris, Simi Sasagi, Matthew Timoko, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Ethan Sanders, Corey Horsburgh, Owen Pattie, Joe Tapine, Hudson Young, Noah Martin, Zac Hosking, Tom Starling, Ata Mariota, Morgan Smithies, Josh Papalii, Daine Laurie & Jayden Brailey

South Sydney Rabbitohs - Matt Dufty, Campbell Graham, Tallis Duncan, Jack Wighton, Alex Johnston, Cody Walker, Ashton Ward, Tevita Tatola, Brandon Smith, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita, Euan Aitken, Cameron Murray, Lachlan Hubner, Jamie Humphreys, Liam Le Blanc, Jye Gray, John Radel & Latrell Siegwalt

The Warriors will have a great chance to bag another two points when they welcome the bottom-of-the-table Dragons to Go Media Stadium on Saturday. The home side is still sitting in second spot on the ladder, but there are plenty of teams chomping at the bit to knock them off. If they want to make a deep run in the finals, they really need a top-two spot, so they can secure home finals for most of their games.

The Warriors have had three two-point losses in the last five games, but were good enough to put the Tigers to the sword last time out, 32-6, on the road. Funnily enough, the Dragons also played and beat the Tigers in their last game (they had a bye last round)! Look for both Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell to return for the Warriors in this one, while Tyrell Sloan looks out for the Dragons due to a hamstring injury.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total Points - Over 46.5	NZ$1.90
	First Half Total Points - Over 22.5	NZ$1.92
	Total Points - Over 46.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

New Zealand Warriors - Taine Tuaupiki, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Mitch Barnett, Leka Halasima, Kurt Capewell, Erin Clark, Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Demitric Vaimauga, Jacob Laban, Tanner Stowers-Smith & Luke Metcalf

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

Both the Bulldogs and Tigers are sitting outside the top eight, and bagging the two points has never been more important. The Bulldog had managed to get themselves on a run, winning three games in a row, but the Raiders got the better of them last time out, 16-40. The implosion by the Tigers continues on; they now sit in 13th spot on the ladder and have lost their last four games in a row.

More drama coming out of the Tigers camp this week with Jarome Luai leaving at the end of this season. He did have one more season left with the Tigers before moving on to the Chiefs in 2028. Can the Tigers put the off-field drama behind them and focus on what really matters? I’m not really convinced, and I think the Bulldogs look primed to pounce, even without their captain, Stephen Crichton.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Bulldogs to win	NZ$1.47
	Bulldogs to win	NZ$1.51
	Bulldogs to win	NZ$1.47

Predicted Squads

Canterbury Bulldogs - Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton, Enari Tuala, Jonathan Sua, Sean O'Sullivan, Lachlan Galvin, Max King, Bailey Hayward, Leo Thompson, Jacob Preston, Viliame Kikau, Jaeman Salmon, Kurt Mann, Harry Hayes, Jack Underhill, Josh Curran, Bronson Xerri & Kade Dykes

Wests Tigers - Jahream Bula, Faalentino Tavana, Heamasi Makasini, Sunia Turuva, Jerel Skelton, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi, Terrell May, Josese Lanyon, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Sione Fainu, Alex Twal, Latu Fainu, Tony Sukkar, Alex Seyfarth, Charlie Murray, Jock Madden & Jared Haywood

Sunday NRL action kicks off on the Gold Coast when the Titans face up against the Sea Eagles. Both teams have the same recent record coming into this clash, winning just two of their last five. The Titans are second last on the ladder, and for the first time in what feels like a long time, the Sea Eagles are outside the top eight (they are currently in ninth spot). These two teams played each other back in Round 12, and it was the Sea Eagles that got a narrow 12-10 win.

For the Titans, Cooper Bai looks to be in some doubt for this one after picking up a shoulder injury in his last game. Ben Trbojevic will be out for the Sea Eagles after failing his HIA last time out. Corey Waddell may also be out for the Sea Eagles after injuring his leg. While the home side has been playing decent enough footy in the last couple of weeks, I see the Sea Eagles bouncing back here to claim the all-important two points.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Sea Eagles to win	NZ$1.47
	Sea Eagles to win	NZ$TBA
	Sea Eagles to win	NZ$1.47

Predicted Squads

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

Manly Sea Eagles - Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Tolo Koula, Reuben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate, Joey Walsh, Jamal Fogarty, Taniela Paseka, Jake Simpkin, Simione Laiafi, Haumole Olakau'atu, Kobe Hetherington, Jake Trbojevic, Josh Feledy, Nathan Brown, Ethan Bullemore, Fletcher Baker, Jackson Shereb & Aaron Schoupp

We end Round 20 with another top-eight clash as we see the Dolphins take on the Cowboys up at Suncorp Stadium. I don’t know what team was on the field last time out against the Sharks, but it certainly wasn’t the Dolphins we’ve come to expect! The Dolphins couldn’t even score a point, and ended up going down 0-66. They have lost their last two games in a row. On the other hand, the Cowboys have won their last two games, beating both the Panthers and the Sea Eagles.

In good news for the Dolphins, we should see Selwyn Cobbo, Jack Bostock and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow all return, but Max Plath is in some doubt after picking up an ankle injury last time out. For the Cowboys, Tom Dearden looks set to return, which will obviously be a massive boost to the lineup. The Dolphins and Cowboys played each other back in Round 14, and it was the Dolphins who put together a dominant win, 40-14.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Dolphins to win	NZ$1.62
	Dolphins to win	NZ$TBA
	Dolphins to win	NZ$1.62

Predicted Squads

Dolphins - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Jake Averillo, Kodi Nikorima, Tom Flegler, Jeremy Marshall-King, Francis Molo, Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Kurt Donoghoe, Tom Gilbert, Ray Stone, Brad Schneider, Felise Kaufusi & Trai Fuller

North Queensland Cowboys - Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Jaxon Purdue, Tom Chester, Murray Tualagi, Jake Clifford, Tom Dearden, Tom Mikaele, Reed Mahoney, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai, Rueben Cotter, Soni Luke, Griffin Neame, Matthew Lodge, Coen Hess, Zac Laybutt & Sam McIntyre

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