NRL 2026 Round 25 – Betting Tips & Predictions

What a round it was last week! We’re certainly hoping for more of the same, and there’s the potential for a couple of surprise wins as some teams who have already locked in a top eight spot take on teams that have nothing to lose. After their win last time out, the Roosters are now sitting atop the ladder.

Realistically, it’s only the Bulldogs who are sitting outside the top eight that are still in with a chance of making the finals. They have 26 Premiership points, and are just behind the Cowboys with 28 points (and the Bulldogs have a better points differential as well). The Cowboys, however, do have their bye this round, so that’s a confirmed two points for them.

We kick things off with what would have been thought to be a doozy earlier in the season. However, the Storm are officially out of finals contention in 11th spot, and the Panthers are in second. The Panthers will certainly be looking to get back their winning form before the finals kick off, and they have lost three of their last five games. The Storm are simply playing for pride, but they did put the Sea Eagles away last time out 42-20, and they’re coming off the bye.

There’s some promising news coming out of the Storm camp, with the likes of Harry Grant, Jack Howarth, and Ativalu Lisati all a chance to return to the field for this game. For the Panthers, Casey McLean could be back after his hand surgery, which would be fitting as we saw Paul Alamoti injure himself last time out against the Roosters. 

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Storm +12.5	NZ$1.57
	First 10 Minutes Points Handicap - Storm +0.5	NZ$1.48
	Storm +12.5	NZ$1.57

Predicted Squads

Melbourne Storm - Sua Fa’alogo, Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Moses Leo, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, Josh King, Cooper Clark, Oryn Keeley, Trent Loiero, Tyran Wishart, Shawn Blore, Joe Chan, Ativalu Lisati, Jack Hetherington & Manaia Waitere

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

The two heavyweights of the 2025 season do battle as the first game on Friday night. This isn’t 2025, however, and we currently have the Raiders sitting down in 12th and the Broncos down in 16th! The Raiders got a surprise win over the Sharks last time out, who are fighting it out for a top-four spot. However, after back-to-back losses to the Panthers and Knights, they’ve left their run too late.

The slide continues for the Broncos, who were embarrassed by the Warriors 6-40 last time out, and they have now lost their last four games in a row. Simi Sasagi looks to be back for the Raiders, while Morgan Smithies is out after failing his HIA. For the Broncos, Adam Reynolds looks to be out after picking up another calf injury. Retirement is looming large for the star, and all eyes are on him to see if he’ll see out his career on the field.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Raiders to win	NZ$1.38
	Raiders to win	NZ$1.35
	Raiders to win	NZ$1.38

Predicted Squads

Canberra Raiders - Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Savelio Tamale, Matthew Timoko, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Ethan Sanders, Josh Papalii, Owen Pattie, Joe Tapine, Simi Sasagi, Matty Nicholson, Zac Hosking, Tom Starling, Ata Mariota, Jordan Uta, Daine Laurie, Joe Roddy & Vena Patuki-Case

Brisbane Broncos - Hayze Perham, Grant Anderson, Kotoni Staggs, Deine Mariner, Antonio Verhoeven, Ben Hunt, Tom Duffy, Xavier Willison, Billy Walters, Payne Haas, Jack Gosiewski, Jordan Riki, Pat Carrigan, Blake Mozer, Aublix Tawha, Jaiyden Hunt, Va'a Semu, Ezra Mam & Phillip Coates

The Dolphins will be hoping to keep their spot in the top four after this round when they face off against the Eels at Suncorp Stadium. The home side has won their last four games in a row, including victories over the Sea Eagles, Broncos, Dragons, and Cowboys. The Eels also come into this game off the back of a win, taking down the Cowboys 32-30.

We might see Kurt Donoghoe miss this game as well for the Dolphins, plus Connelly Lemuelu hurt his hamstring last time out, so he’ll probably miss a couple of weeks. For the Eels, Sean Russell might be able to make his way back into the playing squad, while Apa Twidle is likely out due to concussion. The Dolphins and Eels haven’t played each other yet this season, but the Dolphins have won their last two games against the Eels.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total Points - Over 51.5	NZ$1.90
	First Half Total Points - Over 24.5	NZ$1.91
	Total Points - Over 51.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

Dolphins - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Kodi Nokirima, Isaiya Katoa, Tom Flegler, Jeremy Marshall-King, Francis Molo, Max Plath, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Brad Schneider, Ray Stone, Tom Gilbert, Felise Kaufusi, Jake Averillo & Tevita Naufahu

Parramatta Eels - Apa Twidle, Brian Kelly, Will Penisini, Jordan Samrani, Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, Mitchell Moses, Junior Paulo, Tallyn Da Silva, Luca Moretti, Jack Williams, Kitione Kautoga, Saxon Pryke, Dylan Walker, Kelma Tuilagi, Teancum Brown, Toni Mataele, Sean Russell & Jezaiah Funa

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

1. The Storm may be out of finals contention, but they should welcome back a host of players and are playing at home. They do take on the Panthers, but they haven’t exactly been at their best in recent weeks.
2. The total points currently sits at 51.5 for the game between the Dolphins and Eels. While that is high, these two teams have been packing on the points as of late. They like to put on a show with their attack.
3. The game between the Dragons and Bulldogs is at Allianz Stadium. While the Dragons are on a two-game winning streak, there is more on the line for the Bulldogs. A loss for the Bulldogs would likely mean no finals footy.

Multi of the Week

My multi of the week comes across three different games in Round 25:

• Leg 1 - Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
• Leg 2 - Dolphins vs Parramatta Eels
• Leg 3 - St. George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury Bulldogs

Saturday NRL action kicks off in Newcastle when the Knights face off against the Sea Eagles. The Knights keep getting wins despite injuries to key players, and they have now won their last three games in a row. It’s a completely different story for the Sea Eagles, who lost their last six games in a row, and they haven’t won since back in Round 17. The Knights and Sea Eagles played each other back in Round 2 this season, and the Knights got a 36-16 win.

We could see Jacob Saifiti back on the field for the Knights after overcoming a hamstring injury. Bradman Best could also be back from his calf injury, so watch for when the official team lists are announced. For the Sea Eagles, both Ben Trbojevic and Ethan Bullemore could return to the fold after coming through concussion protocols. With the way these two teams are heading, it’s hard to see anything other than a Knights win. 

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Knights to win	NZ$1.40
	Knights to win	NZ$1.38
	Knights to win	NZ$1.40

Predicted Squads

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

Manly Sea Eagles - Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Tolo Koula, Reuben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate, Joey Walsh, Jamal Fogarty, Ethan Bullimore, Brandon Wakeham, Simione Laiafi, Haumole Olakau'atu, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Jake Simpkin, Corey Waddell, Jackson Shereb, Clayton Faulalo, Nathan Brown & Onitoni Large

The Rabbitohs face a tough assignment in Round 25 when they take on the Warriors, who are currently nestled within the top four. The home side is currently in seventh spot on the ladder, and have done a good job to keep their finals chances well and truly alive, winning three of their last four games. The Warriors have been in fine form as well, winning four of their last five, including their last three in a row.

While the Rabbitohs may well be happy just to make the top eight, the Warriors will be on the hunt for a top two spot, which would mean they have home games up until the Grand Final (if they made it that far). There are a lot of question marks around some key players for the Rabbitohs, and Adam Elliott is set to miss some more time after picking up a groin injury. Poor Luke Metcalf, he can’t seem to catch a break! The New Zealand star injured his hamstring last time out.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Warriors to win	NZ$1.61
	Warriors to win	NZ$1.62
	Warriors to win	NZ$1.61

Predicted Squads

South Sydney Rabbitohs - Matt Dufty, Alex Johnston, Tallis Duncan, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham, Cody Walker, Jayden Sullivan, Tevita Tatola, Brandon Smith, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita, Euan Aitken, Cameron Murray, Jye Gray, Lachlan Hubner, Sean Keppie, Jamie Humphreys, Ed Kosi & Liam Le Blanc

New Zealand Warriors - Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Leka Halasima, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Hanson, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Mitch Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Sam Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Morgan Gannon, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Adam Pompey & Jett Cleary

The Dragons may still be sitting in last place on the ladder, but their win over the Tigers last time out means they’re still in with a sniff of handing off the wooden spoon to another team. They’ll have to overcome the Bulldogs if they want to keep that dream alive, though. After beating the Sharks two games ago, the Dragons are currently riding a two-game winning streak. It’s the opposite for the Bulldogs, who have lost their last two games in a row to the Rabbitohs and Roosters.

These two sides played each other in Round 1, and it was a thriller, with the Bulldogs getting a 15-14 win. Clint Gutherson was ruled out of the Dragons’ game with the Tigers, so there are still some question marks around his fitness. I wouldn’t expect too many changes as the team looks to continue the winning formula. Jethro Rinakama, for the Bulldogs, injured his hamstring last time out and isn’t likely to be playing.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Bulldogs to win	NZ$1.42
	Bulldogs to win	NZ$1.47
	Bulldogs to win	NZ$1.42

Predicted Squads

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

Canterbury Bulldogs - Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton, Enari Tuala, Jonathan Sua, Stephen Crichton, Lachlan Galvin, Max King, Bailey Hayward, Leo Thompson, Viliame Kikau, Jacob Preston, Jaeman Salmon, Kurt Mann, Josh Curran, Harry Hayes, Jed Reardon, Sean O'Sullivan & Jake Turpin

Sunday NRL action kicks off when the Titans play host to the Sharks. The Titans are, once again, playing for pride and pride alone, and they are currently down in 15th spot on the ladder. Meanwhile, the Sharks are vying for a top-four spot, but back-to-back losses against the Raiders and Dragons haven’t really helped their chances. The Cronulla side has now slipped down to fifth spot.

The Titans and Sharks have played each other once so far this season, which was all the way back in Round 1, and the Sharks came out as the dominant winners, 50-10. Josh Patston will miss this game for the Titans, as he is in concussion protocol. Dean Ieremia picked up a hamstring injury and is in doubt for this game as well for the Titans. Addin Fanua-Blake is back for the Sharks after serving his suspension. Braydon Trindall is out for a couple of weeks after dislocating his shoulder against the Raiders.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Sharks to win	NZ$1.44
	Sharks to win	NZ$TBA
	Sharks to win	NZ$1.44

Predicted Squads

Gold Coast Titans - Keano Kini, Dean Ieremia, Jojo Fifita, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Jayden Campbell, Lachlan Ilias, Moeaki Fotuaika, Oliver Pascoe, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Cooper Bai, Beau Fermor, Chris Randall, Kurtis Morrin, Arama Hau, Klese Haas, Bodhi Sharpley, Sam Verrills & Siale Faeamani

Cronulla Sharks - Will Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Mawene Hiroti, KL Iro, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Niwhai Puru, Nicho Hynes, Addin Fanua-Blake, Blayke Brailey, Jesse Colquhoun, Briton Nikora, Teig Wilton, Cam McInnes, Hohepa Puru, Billy Burns, Oregon Kaufusi, Tom Hazelton, Toby Rudolf & Samuel Stonestreet

The newly appointed top-of-the-ladder Roosters face off against the Tigers in the final game of Round 25. The Roosters played one of their best games of the season last time out, beating the Panthers 12-6 and extending their winning streak. The Tigers couldn’t overcome the bottom-of-the-ladder Dragons for the second time this season, losing 22-24 and extending their losing streak.

James Tedesco could be back this round after the star was rested last time out as he continues to deal with an ankle injury. For the Tigers, we should see Latu Fainu return to the field after serving his suspension. It looks like Alex Twal is dealing with an illness of some sort. He missed the game against the Dragons and is in doubt once again. We haven’t seen the Roosters and Tigers play each other in 2026, but the Tigers did win the last game between the clubs, 28-30.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Tigers -18.5	NZ$1.86
	Tigers -18.5	NZ$TBA
	Tigers -18.5	NZ$1.86

Predicted Squads

Sydney Roosters - James Tedesco, 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, Cody Ramsay & Tommy Talau

Wests Tigers - Jahream Bula, Junior Tupou, Solomone Saukuru, Patrick Herbert, Sunia Turuva, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Tony Sukkar, Alex Twal, Heath Mason, Sione Fainu, Alex Seyfarth, Bunty Afoa, Latu Fainu & Faaletino Tavana

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