NRL 2026 Round 22 – Betting Tips & Predictions

Once again, we’re treated to plenty of NRL action across Round 22. We have two top-eight clashes, and plenty of teams are still in the hunt for a top-eight spot. One team that won’t be making the finals is the 2025 Premiers, the Broncos. They are the first side since the 2005 Tigers to not make the finals after winning the Premiership the season before.

Everything kicks off on Thursday night when the Cowboys welcome the Roosters to Queensland Country Bank Stadium. That’s one of the two top-eight clashes we see this round, with the other being the Sharks and Rabbitohs, which is the first game we see on Sunday afternoon.

We kick Round 22 off with a top-eight clash when the Cowboys play host to the Roosters. The Cowboys have won three of their last four games, with their only loss in this time coming against the Dolphins. They have recent wins over the Panthers,  Sea Eagles and Broncos. The Roosters haven’t been playing at their best, but they have still managed to win five games in a row.

The Cowboys face a significant blow with captain Tom Dearden looking set to miss a few weeks after picking up a leg injury. Reed Mahoney also won’t be playing this match for the Cowboys as he is in concussion protocols. For the Roosters, Daniel Tupou dislocated his shoulder last time out and is set for a stint on the sidelines. These two sides clashed in Round 11, and it was the Cowboys that pulled out the win, 18-12.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Roosters to win	NZ$1.47
	Roosters to win	NZ$1.52
	Roosters to win	NZ$1.47

Predicted Squads

North Queensland Cowboys - Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Zac Laybutt, Tom Chester, Murray Tualagi, Jaxon Purdue, Jake Clifford, Tom Mikaele, Soni Luke, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai, Rueben Cotter, Xavier Kerrisk, Coen Hess, Matthew Lodge, Ethan King, Kaiden Lahrs & Sam McIntyre

Sydney Roosters - James Tedesco, Billy Smith, Hugo Savala, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Spencer Leniu, Nat Butcher, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Connor Watson, Salesi Foketi, Egan Butcher, Taylor Losalu, Cody Ramsay & Fetalaiga Pauga

The Dragons have one and a half hands on the wooden spoon right now, and they welcome one of the best attacking teams to WIN Stadium on Friday night. The home side lost to the Titans last time out in what was a messy game. I gave them a chance in that clash, but if they can’t perform against the Titans, I think there will be more pain in this one. The Dragons have only won one of their last five games, which was against the team ahead of them on the ladder, the Tigers.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins snapped a two-game slide last time out, taking down the Cowboys 36-16. That was an important win after going down to the Sharks 0-66 in the game before. For the Dolphins, we could see Jack Bostock return from a concussion. The last time the Dragons played the Dolphins, the Dolphins piled on 56 points. I can see this one being a high-scoring affair, especially from the Dolphins’ side of things.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total Points - Over 46.5	NZ$1.71
	Dolphins Total Points - Over 30.5	NZ$1.92
	Total Points - Over 46.5	NZ$1.71

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

Dolphins - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Kodi Nikorima, Brad Schneider, Tom Flegler, Jeremy Marshall-King, Francis Molo, Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Kurt Donoghoe, Max Plath, Tom Gilbert, Felise Kaufusi, Tevita Naufahu & Sebastian Su'a

The Storm still have the smallest of chances to make the finals, but they need to start by winning every single game from here on out. Even then, that might not be enough. Things will be harder for the side that has made the finals every season since 2010, as captain Harry Grant now joins Cameron Munster on the sidelines. Meanwhile, it looks like the Bulldogs are nearing full-strength. 

The Storm went down to the Rabbitohs last time out 26-28, and have won just two of their last five games. The Bulldogs have seemingly found form at the right time, and they have won four of their last five, with their only loss coming against the Raiders, 16-40. We saw the Storm and Bulldogs face off earlier this season in Round 12, and on that occasion, it was the Bulldogs that got the win 30-20.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Bulldogs to win	NZ$1.61
	Bulldogs to win	NZ$1.68
	Bulldogs to win	NZ$1.61

Predicted Squads

Melbourne Storm - Sua Fa’alogo, Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Moses Leo, Tyran Wishart, Jahrome Hughes, Stefano Utoikamanu, Trent Toelau, Josh King, Cooper Clark, Oryn Keeley, Trent Loiero, Gabriel Satrick, Jack Hetherington, Josiah Pahulu, Alec MacDonald, Stanley Huen & Hugo Peel

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, Sean O'Sullivan, Josh Curran, Jack Underhill & Bronson Xerri

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

1. The Cowboys have moved into the top eight, but they face off against the Roosters, who are managing to win even when not playing their best. I expect the Roosters will be looking to make a statement on the road this round.
2. The Broncos may not have anything to play for now that they have been knocked out of finals contention, but the Knights have been decimated by injuries as of late. I’ll take the home side to notch up a win.
3. Off-field drama has derailed the Tigers’ season. They are on a massive losing streak and simply not focused on playing good footy. The Eels, who could welcome back some stars this round, look set to take advantage.

Multi of the Week

My multi of the week comes across three different games in Round 22:

• Leg 1 - North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters
• Leg 2 - Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights
• Leg 3 - Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels

With a win last time out, the Titans have moved up to 13th spot on the ladder, and it’s now unlikely they’ll get the wooden spoon this season. They do face a tough opponent in the Warriors, though. The Warriors are currently sitting in third spot on the ladder, but have been a bit shaky as of late, winning two of their last four (with those wins coming against the Dragons and Tigers, who are last and second-last on the ladder).

I’ve been saying this for a while: the Titans do look like a decent team; they just seem to lack the confidence that consistent winning season after season provides. They have, however, won their last two in a row against the Sea Eagles and Dragons. The Warriors are the clear favourites coming into this one, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Titans manage to keep this one close-ish.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Titans +4.5	NZ$1.90
	First Half Handicap - Titans +2.5	NZ$1.81
	Titans +4.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

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, Kurtis Morrin, Josh Patston, Klese Haas, Cooper Bai, Lachlan Ilias & Jaylan De Groot

New Zealand Warriors - Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 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 & Luke Metcalf

NRL action returns to Mudgee as the Panthers and Raiders lock horns in what looks to be the most lopsided affair of the round according to the odds. The Panthers still remain in top spot on the ladder, but they have a few teams breathing down their neck now as they have won just two of their last five games. Meanwhile, the Raiders have finally started to hit their stride and have won their last four games in a row.

Noah Martin could be out for multiple weeks for the Raiders after suffering a quad injury. For the Panthers, Dylan Edwards and Mitch Kenny may return, or Ivan Cleary may want to take the cautious approach and give them at least another week. In Round 10, we see the Panthers and Raiders face off, and it was the Panthers that walked away with the win 30-18. The Panthers may be the favourites, but the Raiders have the form.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Raiders +10.5	NZ$1.90
	First Half Handicap - Raiders +5.5	NZ$1.91
	Raiders +10.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

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

Canberra Raiders - Kaeo Weekes, Sebastian Kris, Simi Sasagi, Matthew Timoko, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Ethan Sanders, Corey Horsburgh, Owen Pattie, Joe Tapine, Zac Hosking, Ata Mariota, Morgan Smithies, Tom Starling, Josh Papalii, Joe Roddy, Daine Laurie, Matty Nicholson & Savelio Tamale

In the final Saturday game of the round, we see the Broncos welcome the Knights to Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos may already be out of finals contention, so they may not have a lot to play for. However, this is looking like an easier matchup than many may have thought now that both Dylan Brown and Dylan Lucas suffered season-ending injuries in their last match against the Roosters.

The Knights are clinging on to a top-eight spot and will need their captain Kalyn Ponga back on the field, especially after the injury toll of last round. The Broncos have won just one of their last five, while the Knights are currently on a three-game slide. With the injuries piling up for the Knights, I have to go with the home side, even though they don’t really have anything other than pride to play for.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Broncos to win	NZ$1.47
	Broncos to win	NZ$1.52
	Broncos to win	NZ$1.47

Predicted Squads

Brisbane Broncos - Reece Walsh, Josiah Karapani, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Deine Mariner, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Va'a Semu, Cory Paix, Payne Haas, Xavier Willison, Jordan Riki, Pat Carrigan, Ben Hunt, Ben Talty, Jack Gosiewski, Grant Anderson, Preston Riki & Billy Walters

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

This could be one of the games of the round when we see the fourth-placed Sharks welcome the sixth-placed Rabbitohs to Ocean Protect Stadium. The home side are on a roll as of late, winning their last four games over the likes of the Broncos, Dolphins, Knights, and Sea Eagles. The Rabbitohs have gone W-L-W-L-W in their last five, but did get an all-important 28-26 win over the Storm last time out.

Don’t expect many changes for the Sharks, but this looks to be different on the Rabbitohs’ side of things. We may see Cameron Murray return, while Brandon Smith injured his calf last time out. Plus, we still don’t really know what’s going on with Latrell Mitchell. Will we see him before the end of the season? The Sharks and Rabbitohs have played each other once so far this season, with the Rabbitohs claiming a 36-12 victory.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Sharks -8.5	NZ$1.90
	Sharks -8.5	NZ$TBA
	Sharks -8.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

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

South Sydney Rabbitohs - Jye Gray, Campbell Graham, Latrell Siegwalt, Jack Wighton, Alex Johnston, Cody Walker, Ashton Ward, Tevita Tatola, Bronson Garlick, Keaon Koloamatangi, Lachlan Hubner, Euan Aitken, Cameron Murray, Liam Le Blanc, Jamie Humphreys, John Radel, Matt Dufty, Peter Mamouzelos & Thomas Fletcher

The drama seems to follow the Tigers around wherever they go. But there are positive reports surrounding Adam Doueihi early this week, and he is set to join the squad at training. Let’s see if it lasts, and if they can put all that behind them when they take on the Eels at CommBank Stadium as the final game of the round. The Eels are only sitting one spot above the Tigers, and a win here will be important to try and avoid the wooden spoon.

The Tigers have been losing, and losing badly for multiple rounds now, and the Eels have back-to-back losses to the Panthers and Roosters. Even if Adam Doueihi returns to the field, it looks like the damage has already been done, and the team isn't really focusing on playing. There are a few stars that could be returning for the Eels as well. The Eels should be winning this one comfortably.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Eels to win	NZ$1.41
	Eels to win	NZ$TBA
	Eels to win	NZ$1.41

Predicted Squads

Wests Tigers - Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Patrick Herbert, Starford To'a, Faalentino Tavana, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Sione Fainu, Alex Twal, Jared Haywood, Ethan Roberts, Alex Seyfarth, Bunty Afoa, Heamasi Makasini & Josese Lanyon

Parramatta Eels - Isaiah Iongi, Brian Kelly, Jordan Samrani, Will Penisini, Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, Mitchell Moses, Junior Paulo, Tallyn Da Silva, Jack Williams, Kelma Tuilagi, Kitione Kautoga, Jack De Bellin, Dylan Walker, Toni Mataele, Sam Tuivaiti, Teancum Brown, Joash Papalii & Harrison Edwards

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