NRL 2026 Round 26 – Betting Tips & Predictions

We saw what looks to be the upset of the season as the Tigers took down the Roosters in the last game of Round 25. That loss to the Roosters means we currently have a three-way tie at the top of the ladder. The Warriors are first, though, on points differential!

Looking at the bottom of the top-eight, it’s still the Bulldogs on the outer looking in. They have 28 points, and the Cowboys, who are in eighth, have 30. With just two rounds to go, there’s so much still to be decided. Who will take out the coveted Minor Premiership? Can the Bulldogs sneak into the top eight? All will be decided over the next two rounds.

Round 26 kicks off with the Broncos playing host to the Storm. Much like the first game of the previous round, if this game were played in 2025, there would be a lot more interest, but it’s 2026, and the Broncos are in 15th, and the Storm are in 11th! In some good news, the Broncos are officially out of contention for the wooden spoon, thanks to their 34-30 win over the Raiders last time out.

The Storm put up a decent enough fight against the Panthers last time out, but ended up going down 14-22. Both teams have won one of their last five games. They played each other in Round 3 this season, and the Broncos got a 18-14 win. In a major disappointment, it’s been confirmed that Adam Reynolds will not return from injury and has played his final game of NRL. For the Storm, both Ativalu Lisati and Jahrome Hughes could return, but will they risk it?

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total Points - Under 50.5	NZ$1.90
	Total Tries - Under 9.5	NZ$1.61
	Total Points - Under 50.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

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

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

The Sea Eagles are back at 4 Pines Park this round, and they need a win over the Dragons if they want to keep their slim mathematical chance of making the finals alive. On the flip side, the Dragons are fighting it out with the Titans for the wooden spoon, and realistically, it’s looking like the Dragons will end up with that dreaded spoon. We saw the Sea Eagles get back into the winner’s circle last time out, with a dominant 44-24 win over the Knights.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs put an end to the Dragons’ two-game winning streak last time out, 14-44. The Sea Eagles and Dragons played each other back in Round 6, and the Sea Eagles got a 28-18 win. It’s a bit of a mixed bag for the Sea Eagles, as we should see Ethan Bullemor return, but Tolutau Koula looks to be out for the rest of the season. Jacob Liddle also looks to be out (for the Dragons) with a calf injury.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Sea Eagles -8.5	NZ$1.90
	First 10 Minutes Points Handicap - Sea Eagles -0.5	NZ$2.45
	Sea Eagles -8.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

Manly Sea Eagles - Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Josh Feledy, Reuben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate, Clayton Faulalo, Jamal Fogarty, Simione Laiafi, Brandon Wakeham, Nathan Brown, Haumole Olakau'atu, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Jake Simpkin, Nicholas Lenaz, Corey Waddell, Ethan Bullemor, Taniela Paseka & Fletcher Baker

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

With the Panthers, Warriors, and Roosters all on 38 Premiership points, the Panthers will need to win this one to keep their chances of finishing top of the ladder well and truly alive. The Bulldogs are in a big fight of their own, with the Canterbury side sitting in ninth spot on the ladder, two points behind the Cowboys (and with a better points differential as well). Interestingly enough, both sides have won three of their last five, including last time out.

For the Panthers, Mitch Kenny is on the sidelines until the finals, most likely, plus Jack Cogger has been hit with a three-game ban. Things aren’t looking too crash hot for the Bulldogs, after reports there’s a major COVID outbreak, with up to 10 players potentially ruled out. With so much uncertainty around the Bulldogs, the Panthers should be taking advantage and be looking to make a statement.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Panthers -9.5	NZ$1.90
	First Half Points Handicap - Panthers -4.5	NZ$1.94
	Panthers -9.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

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

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

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

1. The Panthers are in a three-way battle for the Minor Premiership, and the Bulldogs are just outside the top eight; the massive COVID outbreak in their camp doesn’t help things. The Panthers will be looking for a statement win.
2. Latrell Mitchell could very well be back this round for the Rabbitohs, and a win against the Titans all but locks in a top-eight finish. Considering how many injuries they’ve had, that’s a pretty good result.
3. We tend to always see high-scoring affairs when the Cowboys and Tigers get together. The last two games between these sides have resulted in 60 and 62 points.

Multi of the Week

My multi of the week comes across three different games in Round 26:

• Leg 1 - Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs
• Leg 2 - Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
• Leg 3 - North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers

Saturday NRL action begins up on the Gold Coast when the Titans welcome the Rabbitohs to Cbus Super Stadium. The Titans are still in contention for the wooden spoon, but a win here would all but hand that spoon off to the Dragons. The Rabbitohs, on the other hand, have bigger fish to fry! They are currently sitting in seventh spot on the ladder, and a win in this round would virtually seal the deal for a top-eight finish.

The Titans are currently riding a four-game losing streak, while the Rabbitohs had their two-game winning streak snapped last time out, thanks to the Warriors, 26-45. We could see Josh Patston return from concussion for the Titans, while it looks like both Beau Fermor and Jojo Fifita are out. For the Rabbitohs, another week, another potential Latrell Mitchell appearance! Look for official team lists to see if Mitchell finally makes his appearance.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Rabbitohs -8.5	NZ$1.90
	Rabbitohs to win	NZ$1.37
	Rabbitohs -8.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

Gold Coast Titans - Keano Kini, Jaylan De Groot, Jojo Fifita, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Jayden Campbell, Lachlan Ilias, Moeaki Fotuaika, Oliver Pascoe, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Kurtis Morrin, Josh Patston, Cooper Bai, Arama Hau, Klese Haas, Chris Randall, Bodhi Sharpley, Luke Sommerton & Siale Faeamani

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

The third-placed Roosters are up against the fourth-placed Dolphins at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. The home side was handed the shock loss of the season when they went down to the Tigers last time out, 24-25. The Tigers were paying around the $10 mark in the head-to-head markets! Meanwhile, the winning streak continues for the Dolphins, who took down the Eels last round 34-16.

James Tedesco has missed the last three games for the Roosters, and with a Minor Premiership on the line, will he play this round? Victor Radley looks to be out for the Roosters after suffering a concussion. There looks to be some good news for the Dolphins, with Kurt Donoghoe potentially returning after hand surgery. These two sides played each other back in Round 15, and the Dolphins dismantled the Roosters, 48-10.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Dolphins +4.5	NZ$1.90
	First Half Points Handicap - Dolphins +2.5	NZ$1.82
	Dolphins +4.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

Sydney Roosters - James Tedesco, Billy Smith, Hugo Savala, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Spencer Leniu, Salesi Foketi, Siua Wong, Nat Butcher, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins, Egan Butcher, Benaiah Ioelu, Cody Ramsay & Angus Crichton

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

It’s always a tasty affair with the Cowboys and Tigers do battle. There’s more on the line for the Cowboys this time out, though. A loss here to the Cowboys opens the door for the likes of the Bulldogs to steal the last spot in the top-eight. The Tigers are flying high after their shock one-point win over the Roosters last time out. Could they back up that performance again up in Townsville?

The Cowboys had their bye last round, so should be coming into this one a bit fresher compared to the Tigers. Both Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai are getting close to returning for the Cowboys, but will it be this round? Alex Twal is out for the Tigers after suffering a Category 1 concussion early in the game against the Roosters. Points seem to be the name of the game when these two sides clash, so hopefully, we have more of the same this time out!

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total Points - Over 50.5	NZ$1.90
	Total Tries - Over 8.5	NZ$1.69
	Total Points - Over 50.5	NZ$1.90

Predicted Squads

North Queensland Cowboys - Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Zac Laybutt, Tom Chester, Murray Tualagi, Jake Clifford, Jaxon Purdue, Griffin Neame, Reed Mahoney, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Kai O'Donnell, Rueben Cotter, Soni Luke, Tom Mikaele, John Bateman, Coen Hess, Sam McIntyre & Ethan King

Wests Tigers - Jahream Bula, Junior Tupou, Solomone Saukuru, Patrick Herbert, Jeral Skelton, Jarome Luai, Jock Madden, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Tony Sukkar, Alex Seyfarth, Heath Mason, Sione Fainu, Bunty Afoa, Tristan Hope, Charlie Murray & Sunia Turuva

The table-topping Warriors kick things off on Sunday when they welcome the Knights to Go Media Stadium. We all know how difficult it’s been for Australian sides to go across the ditch and face the Warriors this season, and with the Minor Premiership in the balance, the Warriors should be locked in. The home side currently boasts a four-game winning streak, with wins over the Titans, Panthers, Broncos, and Rabbitohs.

The Knights had their three-game winning streak broken last time out, courtesy of the Sea Eagles, 24-44. Expect a few changes for the Warriors, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad back after serving his suspension. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is out after picking up a collarbone injury, which he requires surgery on. Both Dom Young and Tyson Frizell are out for the Knights. The Warriors have already beaten the Knights this season, 38-12, back in Round 3.

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

Predicted Squads

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

Newcastle Knights - Kalyn Ponga, James Schiller, Fletcher Hunt, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Sandon Smith, Jacob Saifiti, Phoenix Crossland, Trey Mooney, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua, Mat Croker, Harrison Graham, Cody Hopwood, Lachlan Crouch, Thomas Cant, Pasami Saulo & Toby Winter

Last but certainly not least, we have the Eels up against the Sharks. The Eels' recent form is fairly inconsistent, and honestly, it’s been like that for the entire season. The Sharks did major damage to their top-four hopes with back-to-back losses, but are now back on the right track after taking down the Titans last time out, 30-22. A win here for the Sharks could still see them make the top-four, but they would need the Dolphins to lose.

There isn’t a lot of movement in the team changes front for both sides. The Eels are well and truly out of finals contention, and the Sharks have a lot to lose. With a game like this, it can sometimes spring up a curveball of a result. The Sharks are understandably the favourite, but the Eels are still a good enough squad to keep this one close, especially on their home turf.

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

Predicted Squads

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

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, Siosifa Talakai, Billy Burns, Oregon Kaufusi, Tom Hazelton, Hohepa Puru & Toby Rudolf

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