NRL 2026 Round 21
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers
CommBank Stadium should be packed out as we see two fierce rivals, the Eels and the Panthers, do battle on Thursday night. These two teams may be sitting on opposite sides of the ladder, but they both come into this clash with a recent record of two wins and three losses. Both sides are coming off losses last round, with the Eels going down to the Roosters and the Panthers losing to the Broncos.
We should see captain Mitchell Moses return for the Eels, plus keep an eye on Luca Moretti and Junior Paulo, as they are both a chance to return. Jack Cogger is still out for the Panthers, serving a two-week suspension. Meanwhile, we could finally see Mitch Kenny back on the field after a long absence. These two sides played earlier in the season, and it was the Panthers that won, 48-20.
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
 | Total Points - Over 44.5 | NZ$1.90 |
 | First Half Total Points - Over 21.5 | NZ$1.81 |
 | Total Points - Over 44.5 | NZ$1.90 |
Predicted Squads
Parramatta Eels - Isaiah Iongi, Brian Kelly, Jordan Samrani, Araz Nanva, Josh Addo-Carr, Jonah Pezet, Mitchell Moses, Junior Paulo, Tallyn Da Silva, Jack Williams, Kelma Tuilagi, Kitione Kautoga, Jack De Bellin, Dylan Walker, Toni Mataele, Sam Tuivaiti, Harrison Edwards, Joash Papalii, & Luca Moretti
Penrith Panthers - Dylan Edwards, Thomas Jenkins, Casey McLean, 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, Izack Tago, Scott Sorensen & Billy Scott
Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters
This shapes up to be one of the key games of the round as the sixth-placed Knights take on the third-placed Roosters in Newcastle. The home side will be looking to get back on track here after consecutive losses to both the Sharks and Rabbitohs. Both those losses, however, have been by just two points. Meanwhile, the Roosters are currently riding a four-game winning streak and are certainly happy to have all their Origin stars back.
For the Knights, expect to see Cody Hopwood return to the field. Things are looking up for the Roosters, who are almost back to full strength with the likes of James Tedesco, Robert Toia, and Lindsay Collins all looking set to return. I can see why the Roosters are the favourites, but the Knights haven’t been that far off it as of late, so I’ll play it safe and take them to cover the spread.
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
| Knights +2.5 | NZ$1.86 |
| First Half Handicap - Knights +1.5 | NZ$1.90 |
| Knights +2.5 | NZ$1.86 |
Predicted Squads
Newcastle Knights - Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Dylan Brown, Tyson Frizell, Phoenix Crossland, Trey Mooney, Dylan Lucas, Francis Manuleleua, Mat Croker, Sandon Smith, Lachlan Crouch, Thomas Cant, Cody Hopwood, Fletcher Hunt & Harrison Graham
Sydney Roosters - James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, 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, Billy Smith & Cody Ramsay
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm
This is a very important game for both teams as the Rabbitohs could slip outside the top-eight with a loss. For the Storm, a loss here would make it very difficult to squeeze into the finals this season. So, with so much at stake, who will crack under the pressure? Both teams have been dealing with injuries all season long, and the injuries seem to keep piling up as well.
Latrell Mitchell is still out for the Rabbitohs and will apparently need at least another two weeks after a setback. David Fifita is also out, but this is for suspension after his dangerous tackle on Hudson Young last time out. Jahrome Hughes could be back for the Storm, but the likes of Cameron Munster and Will Warbrick are both out. Warbrick’s injury seems to be season-ending as he very well may have played his last game for the Storm.
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
| Storm +6.5 | NZ$1.86 |
| First Half Total Points - Over 22.5 | NZ$1.89 |
| Storm +6.5 | NZ$1.86 |
Predicted Squads
South Sydney Rabbitohs - Jye Gray, Campbell Graham, Tallis Duncan, Jack Wighton, Alex Johnston, Cody Walker, Ashton Ward, Tevita Tatola, Brandon Smith, Keaon Koloamatangi, Lachlan Hubner, Euan Aitken, Cameron Murray, Liam Le Blanc, Jamie Humphreys, John Radel, Matt Dufty, Bronson Garlick & Latrell Siegwalt
Melbourne Storm - Sua Fa’alogo, Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Moses Leo, Tyran Wishart, Jahrome Hughes, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, Josh King, Cooper Clark, Oryn Keeley, Trent Loiero, Trent Toelau, Jack Hetherington, Josiah Pahulu, Alec MacDonald, Stanley Huen & Hugo Peel
Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers
The Raiders and Tigers are sitting near each other on the ladder, but there are two teams on completely different trajectories. The Raiders are on the up, and have won their last three games in a row over the Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, and Dragons. Meanwhile, the Tigers are in free fall, seemingly both on and off the field. The once top-four side is now down in 14th spot on the ladder, and they’ve lost their last five games in a row.
More concerningly for the Tigers is their lack of attack. In their last four games, they’ve scored 0, 6, 10, and 6 points, respectively. At the same time, the Raiders have been piling on the points, scoring 34, 40, and 24 in their last three games. For the Raiders, they’ll be without Hudson Young, who has suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. The Tigers are rolling the dice at the judiciary on Tuesday night, hoping the likes of Adam Doueihi and Latu Fainu will be able to play.
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
| Raiders -10.5 | NZ$1.90 |
| First Half Total Points - Over 24.5 | NZ$1.70 |
| Raiders -10.5 | NZ$1.90 |
Predicted Squads
Canberra Raiders - Kaeo Weekes, Sebastian Kris, Simi Sasagi, Matthew Timoko, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Ethan Sanders, Ata Mariota, Tom Starling, Joe Tapine, Zac Hosking, Noah Martin, Corey Horsburgh, Jayden Brailey, Josh Papalii, Morgan Smithies, Daine Laurie, Savelio Tamale & Joe Roddy
Wests Tigers - Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Heamasi Makasini, Starford To'a, Jerel Skelton, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Sione Fainu, Alex Twal, Latu Fainu, Ethan Roberts, Alex Seyfarth, Jared Haywood, Faalentino Tavana & Bunty Afoa
Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors
The Bulldogs play host to the Warriors in the middle Saturday game this round. The home side is currently sitting in 10th spot on the ladder, and have won four of their last five games, including holding the Tigers to 0 last time out. The Warriors have won three of their last four, including their last two games in a row. A win in this game (and some other results going their way) could see the Bulldogs sit just inside the top-eight.
The Warriors will have something to say about that, though. With the New Zealand side vying for a top-two spot, which means they’ll get home finals all the way up until the Grand Final. The Warriors are currently sitting in second, but have the Roosters right behind them on the same 30 Premiership points. The Bulldogs will get a massive boost as Stephen Crichton is expected to return.
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
| Bulldogs +8.5 | NZ$1.57 |
| First 10 Minutes Points Handicap - Bulldogs +0.5 | NZ$1.41 |
| Bulldogs +8.5 | NZ$1.57 |
Predicted Squads
Canterbury Bulldogs - Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton, Enari Tuala, Jethro Rinakama, Stephen Crichton, Lachlan Galvin, Max King, Bailey Hayward, Leo Thompson, Jacob Preston, Viliame Kikau, Jaeman Salmon, Kurt Mann, Harry Hayes, Jack Underhill, Josh Curran, Marcello Montoya & Sean O'Sullivan
New Zealand Warriors - Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Mitch Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Sam Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava & Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos
Saturday NRL action ends with an all-Queensland clash between the Cowboys and Broncos. The Cowboys are clinging to a top-eight spot and could very well see themselves drop out with a loss in this game. With their season well and truly on the line, the Broncos pulled out an all-important win over the Panthers, 14-12, last time out, on the road as well! They need to win virtually every game until the final round to have a chance of making the eight.
The Cowboys and Broncos played each other back in Round 6 this season, and it was the Cowboys that stole the win right under the Broncos’ noses, 35-31. Tom Mikaele is back from concussion for the Cowboys, and we should see Billy Walters back for the Broncos as well. Brendan Piakura will be out for a few weeks, though, after suffering yet another head knock.
Predicted Squads
North Queensland Cowboys - Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Zac Laybutt, Tom Chester, Murray Tualagi, Jaxon Purdue, Tom Dearden, Tom Mikaele, Reed Mahoney, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai, Rueben Cotter, Jake Clifford, Griffin Neame, Matthew Lodge, Coen Hess, Soni Luke & Sam McIntyre
Brisbane Broncos - Reece Walsh, Josiah Karapani, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Deine Mariner, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Xavier Willison, Cory Paix, Payne Haas, Jack Gosiewski, Jordan Riki, Pat Carrigan, Ben Hunt, Ben Talty, Preston Riki, Grant Anderson, Va'a Semu & Billy Walters
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans
It’s Spoon Bowl come early when we see the two teams at the bottom of the ladder do battle. The Dragons haven’t been playing that poorly as of late, and they’ve got some consistency now with interim coach Dean Young being appointed the head coach for the next couple of years. The home side gave the Warriors a run for their money last time out, but ultimately couldn’t get the job done, going down 12-20.
The Titans are second-last on the ladder, but they are also a team that isn’t playing that badly as of late. They have a recent win over the Panthers and Sea Eagles last time out. Plus, they were right in the mix against the Storm two games ago, but ended up losing 18-22. We may not see AJ Brimson for the Titans, though, as he has failed his HIA (he is challenging this). The Titans got the better of the Dragons in Round 4 this season, 22-14.
Predicted Squads
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, Moses Suli, Jacob Halangahu & Lyhkan King-Togia
Gold Coast Titans - Keano Kini, Dean Ieremia, Jojo Fifita, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Jayden Campbell, Zane Harrison, Moeaki Fotuaika, Oliver Pascoe, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Arama Hau, Beau Fermor, Chris Randall, Josh Patston, Klese Haas, Cooper Bai, Sam Verrills, Lachlan Ilias & Jaylan De Groot
Manly Sea Eagles vs Cronulla Sharks
We end Round 21 in Manly as the Sea Eagles welcome the Sharks. The Sea Eagles will be looking to get back on track after dropping outside of the top eight for the first time in a long time. They have lost four of their last five, including their last three in a row against the Titans, Cowboys, and Eels (all teams that were below them on the ladder). The Sharks have been motoring along for a while now, and have won four of their last five, including their last three in a row.
For the Sea Eagles, it looks like one Trbojevic is back in, while another is out. Ben Trbojevic is back from concussion protocols, but brother Tom Trbojevic has suffered yet another hamstring injury. Both Jesse Colquhoun and Toby Rudolf look to be available for selection for the Sharks after returning from knee injuries, and Jesse Ramien should be back as well.
Predicted Squads
Manly Sea Eagles - Lehi Hopoate, Jason Saab, Tolo Koula, Josh Feledy, Reuben Garrick, Joey Walsh, Jamal Fogarty, Taniela Paseka, Jake Simpkin, Simione Laiafi, Haumole Olakau'atu, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Ethan Bullemore, Nathan Brown, Kobe Hetherington, Aaron Schoupp, Nicholas Lenaz & Blake Wilson
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, Oregon Kaufusi, Toby Rudolf, Teig Wilton, Billy Burns & Mawene Hiroti
More NRL Previews
GET READY FOR ROUND 21 - All You Need to Know Before Kick-off
Round 21 is just about to kick off, but before it does, make sure you read through all the biggest stories making headlines in the NRL.
NRL 2026 Best Tips Multi Bet of the Week | Round 21
Get ready for Round 21 NRL action with the help of the BettingTop10 team! We’ve gone through all the games to handpick our best multi of the round.
GET READY FOR ROUND 20 - All You Need to Know Before Kick-off
Round 20 is just about to kick off, but before it does, make sure you read through all the biggest stories making headlines in the NRL.
NRL 2026 Best Tips Multi Bet of the Week | Round 20
Get ready for Round 20 NRL action with the help of the BettingTop10 team! We’ve gone through all eight games this round to lock in our best three-leg multi.
