NRL 2026 Round 7 – Betting Tips & Predictions

NRL 2026 Round 7
Round 7 shapes up to be another intriguing round, and it all kicks off on Thursday night when the Cowboys take on the Sea Eagles. The Panthers were handed their first loss of the season, which means the Tigers (yes, the Tigers!)are hot on their heels. In fact, the two teams are on the same number of points, but the Panthers have a better points differential!
Before we get knee deep in Round 7 action, make sure you check out all our NRL betting tips! The BettingTop10 team covers tips for all eight games this round.
Round 7 Fixtures
| Fixtures | Info (NZDT) | Home Odds | Away Odds |
| North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles | Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Thursday April 16, 9.50pm | NZ$1.61 | NZ$2.36 |
| Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm | GIO Stadium, Friday April 17, 8pm | NZ$2.14 | NZ$1.72 |
| Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers | TIO Stadium, Friday April 17, 10pm | NZ$4.75 | NZ$1.18 |
| New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans | Go Media Stadium, Saturday April 18, 5pm | NZ$1.26 | NZ$3.80 |
| South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St. George Illawarra Dragons | Accor Stadium, Saturday April 18, 7.30pm | NZ$1.20 | NZ$4.50 |
| Wests Tigers vs Brisbane Broncos | Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday April 18, 9.35pm | NZ$1.47 | NZ$2.71 |
| Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights | Allianz Stadium, Sunday April 19, 4pm | NZ$1.28 | NZ$3.50 |
| Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs | CommBank Stadium, Sunday April 19, 6.05pm | NZ$3.66 | NZ$1.28 |
North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles
Kicking the round off on Thursday night are the Cowboys and Sea Eagles. Both teams come into this one on a winning streak. The Cowboys have now won four in a row over the Titans, Storm, Dragons and Broncos. The Sea Eagles have won their first two games under new coach Kieran Foran. These two teams played twice last season, and it was the Sea Eagles that got the better of the Cowboys on both occasions.
The Sea Eagles obviously don’t play up in Townsville very often, but they’ve won 100% of their games at this ground. We won’t see Reed Mahoney for the Cowboys in this clash, as he failed his HIA in the game against the Broncos. Murray Taulagi also looks to be out following a head knock. For the Sea Eagles, Jake Trbojevic is a little bit of a question mark after suffering an unpleasant cut under his eye.
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
| Total Points - Over 53.5 | NZ$1.90 | |
| Cowboys to win | NZ$1.57 | |
| Total Points - Over 53.5 | NZ$1.90 |
Predicted Squads
North Queensland Cowboys - Scott Drinkwater, Zac Laybutt, Jaxon Purdue, Tom Chester, Braidon Burns, Jake Clifford, Tom Dearden, Coen Hess, Soni Luke, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Sam McIntyre, Reuben Cotter, Harrison Edwards, Griffin Neame, Thomas Mikaele, Matthew Lodge, Robert Derby & Kaiden Lahrs
Manly Sea Eagles - Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Tolu Koula, Reuben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate, Luke Brooks, Jamal Fogarty, Taniela Paseka, Brandon Wakeham, Kobe Hetherington, Haumole Olakau'atu, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Jake Simpkin, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Ethan Bullemor, Simione Laifi, Paul Bryan & Clayton Faulalo
Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm
An intriguing clash awaits us on Friday night when the Raiders welcome the Storm to GIO Stadium. The 2025 Minor Premiers were finally able to get another win on the board last time out, taking down the Rabbitohs in a thrilling game, 36-34. They still sit down in 15th spot on the ladder, though. However, it does feel like there’s never been a better time to take on the Storm, who have now lost four games in a row.
The Storm have also won just two of their games so far this season, and they lost to the Warriors at AAMI Park, 14-38, last time out. Ricky Stuart made some late changes to the Raiders' line-up in their game against the Rabbitohs, and it seemed to work with the Green Machine getting off to a flying start. So, we may see more unique choices from Stuart again in this game. Craig Bellamy will probably look to make changes as well, but what are his options?
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
| Total Points - Under 47.5 | NZ$1.90 | |
| First Half Handicap - Raiders +1.5 | NZ$1.87 | |
| Total Points - Under 47.5 | NZ$1.90 |
Predicted Squads
Canberra Raiders - Kaeo Weekes, Savielo Tamale, Simi Sasagi, Sebastian Kris, Jed Stuart, Ethan Strange, Ethan Sanders, Joe Tapine, Tom Starling, Ata Mariota, Hudson Young, Zac Hosking, Morgan Smithies, Josh Papali’i, Noah Martin, Corey Horsburgh, Jayden Brailey, Daine Laurie & Joe Roddy
Melbourne Storm - Sua Fa'alogo, Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Moses Leo, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, Josh King, Alec MacDonald, Cooper Clark, Trent Loiero, Tyran Wishart, Davvy Moale, Jack Hetherington, Shawn Blore & Lazarus Vaalepu
Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers
For the second Friday game, we have the Dolphins up against the Panthers. The Dolphins were the favourites going into their game against the Sea Eagles last time out, but they were blown out of the water, losing 18-52. Things didn’t go much better for the Panthers, with the Bulldogs handing them their first loss of the season, 16-32. So, both teams will be looking for the bounce-back win here.
The Panthers’ top spot on the ladder is in jeopardy as well with a loss here, as the Tigers are hot on their heels. They are playing at a neutral venue, in Darwin, for this one, so technically there’s no “home” crowd. The Dolphins will have fresh legs thanks to their bye last round, and that also looks set to welcome back Kurt Donoghoe. Casey McLean is out for the Panthers after accepting a one-match ban for a high shot.
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
| Total Points - Over 52.5 | NZ$1.90 | |
| Panthers 1-12 | NZ$3.10 | |
| Total Points - Over 52.5 | NZ$1.90 |
Predicted Squads
Dolphins - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Jake Averillo, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiya Katoa, Tom Gilbert, Kurt Donoghoe, Francis Molo, Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Brad Schneider, Tom Flegler, Ray Stone, Felise Kaufusi, Kurt Donoghoe & Trai Fuller
Penrith Panthers - Dylan Edwards, Thomas Jenkins, Paul Alamoti, Izack Tago, Brian To'o, Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, Lindsay Smith, Isaiah Papali'i, Luke Garner, Isaah Yeo, Jack Cogger, Billy Phillips, Scott Sorensen, Liam Henry, Freddy Lussick & Kalani Going
Key NRL Betting Influencers - Round 7
A lot is happening this round, but here are the key factors that will most likely impact your bets:
- The Raiders and Storm are both sitting near the bottom of the ladder, with the Storm currently on a four-game losing streak. Most of their games have been low scoring this season, plus the last two games against each other.
- We saw big wins from both the Warriors and Titans last time out, but the Warriors are clearly the better side. Playing at home, I think they’ll be looking to get a big win for their fans.
- The Tigers are flying and welcome back a host of key players, including Jarome Luai. Meanwhile, more players are out for the Broncos. The Broncos have a good record at this venue, but the injuries are a major concern.
Multi of the Week
My multi of the week comes across three different games in Round 7:
- Leg 1 - Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm
- Leg 2 - New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans
- Leg 3 - Wests Tigers vs Brisbane Broncos
| Legs | Odds |
| Total Points - Under 47.5 | NZ$1.90 |
| Warriors -12.5 | NZ$2.10 |
| Tigers to win | NZ$1.47 |
| Bet NZ$10 for NZ$58.90 with Betista | |
New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans
The Warriors bounced back from their loss to the Tigers at home very well last time out, heading to Melbourne and thumping the Storm. The Titans chalked up an impressive win of their own in their last game, beating the Eels, 52-10. So, two teams with high confidence met each other, who’ll come out on top? Well, the Warriors are certainly a better team than the Eels, and I think the Titans will struggle slightly here going across the ditch.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was ruled out of the Storm game, but could pop up here for the Warriors. For the Titans, it seems like Klese Haas will return after he was a late scratching from the last game. I’m not saying the Warriors are a consistent team, but they definitely seem more consistent than the Titans, and playing at home, I think they’ll be hard to beat. The Titans aren’t bad, but I think the Warriors will be looking for a statement win in front of their home crowd.
Predicted Squads
New Zealand Warriors - Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Ali Leiataua, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Tanah Boyd, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford, Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Sam Healey, Marata Niukore, Demitric Vaimauga, Kurt Capewell, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava & Luke Hanson
Gold Coast Titans - Keano Kini, Sialetili Faeamani, Jojo Fifita, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Lachlan Ilias, Jayden Campbell, Klese Haas, Sam Verrills, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Arama Hau, Beau Fermor, Chris Randall, Kurtis Morrin, Cooper Bai, Moeaki Fotuaika, Oliver Pascoe, Jaylan De Groot & Josh Patston
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St. George Illawarra Dragons
The middle Saturday game sees the Rabbitohs welcome the Dragons to Accor Stadium. The Rabbitohs lost in a close game to the Raiders (34-36) and will be looking to get back to their winning ways quickly. They come up against the Dragons, who are yet to get their first win on the board. The Dragons couldn’t get the job done once again over the Sea Eagles, losing 18-28.
The Rabbitohs won both games against the Dragons last season, including in their last clash, where they didn’t even let the Dragons score a single point (40-0). For the Bunnies, it looks like Jye Gray is set for some time on the sidelines after picking up a shoulder injury. Moses Suli is out for multiple weeks for the Dragons as well after suffering a fractured eye socket.
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
| Rabbitohs Total Points - Over 36.5 | NZ$2.66 | |
| Rabbitohs Total Points - Over 31.5 | NZ$1.93 | |
| Rabbitohs Total Points - Over 36.5 | NZ$2.66 |
Predicted Squads
South Sydney Rabbitohs - Latrell Mitchell, Alex Johnston, Campbell Graham, Jack Wighton, Edward Kosi, Cody Walker, Jamie Humphreys, Tevita Tatola, Brandon Smith, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita, Tallis Duncan, Cameron Murray, Peter Mamouzelos, Lachlan Hubner, Sean Keppie, Liam Le Blanc, Jayden Sullivan & Matt Dufty
St. George Illawarra Dragons - Tyrell Sloan, Christian Tuipulotu, David Fale, Valentine Holmes, Setu Tu, Daniel Atkinson, Kyle Flanagan, Emre Guler, Damien Cook, Toby Couchman, Luciano Leilua, Jaydn Su'A, Hamish Stewart, Kade Reed, Jacob Liddle, Blake Lawrie, Jacob Halanaghu, Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga & Hame Sele
Wests Tigers vs Brisbane Broncos
When looking at this match-up before the season started, you would have had a lot of confidence saying that the Broncos would be the favourite! But what a start to the season for the Tigers. They have won their last three games over the Warriors, Eels, and Knights. Now, they face a Broncos team that has been decimated by injury. The Broncos may have a 89% win rate here at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, but the Tigers look like a different team from past meetings.
This will be the second game in a row that the Tigers will play at this venue, and they got a great 42-22 win over the Knights last time out. Now, they are welcoming back a host of players, including none other than Jarome Luai, Starford To'a and Taylan May. This presents a massive headache for Benji Marshall, but it’s the type of headache you’d love to have! More players are out for the Broncos from their last game, including Patrick Carrigan and Blake Mozer.
Predicted Squads
Wests Tigers - Jahream Bula, Luke Laulilii, Starford To'a, Heamasi Makasini, Sunia Turuva, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Kai Pearce-Paul, Alex Twal, Jock Madden, Sione Fainu, Royce Hunt, Alex Seyfarth, Tristan Hope & Patrick Herbet
Brisbane Broncos - Jesse Arthars, Deine Mariner, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Josiah Karapani, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Corey Jensen, Cory Paix, Payne Haas, Brendan Piakura, Jordan Riki, Xavier Willison, Cam Bukowski, Ben Talty, Jack Gosiewski, Thomas Duffy, Jaiyden Hunt & Hayze Perham
Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights
We’re into the Sunday games now, and the Roosters will take on the Knights at Allianz Stadium. The momentum seems to be building nicely for the Roosters, who have won their last two games, including last time out over the Sharks, 34-22. The Knights came crashing back to reality in their game against the Tigers in Round 6, going down 22-42, putting an end to their two-game winning streak (which was impressive considering the calibre of players they had injured).
However, in some good news for the Knights, it looks like Dylan Brown is ready to return to action. The Roosters seem like a fairly settled team, and they have won their last two games over the Knights. Still, with what the Knights have been able to do the last few weeks has been impressive, and you’d be silly to count them out. I still think the Roosters can get the job done, but it may be closer than many expect.
Predicted Squads
Sydney Roosters - James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Hugo Savala, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Connor Watson, Blake Steep, Spencer Leniu, Hugo Savala, Egan Butcher & Junior Tupou
Newcastle Knights - Fletcher Sharpe, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Wilson De Courcey, Greg Marzhew, Dylan Brown, Sandon Smith, Jacob Saifiti, Phoenix Crossland, Trey Mooney, Thomas Cant, Jermaine McEwen, Mat Croker, Fletcher Hunt, Tyson Frizell, Pasami Saulo, Cody Hopwood, Harrison Graham & Francis Manuleleua
Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs
After conceding 50+ points for the second time this season, the Eels were booed off by their fans at CommBank Stadium last time out. They play again at CommBank on Sunday. Will they meet the same fate against the Bulldogs? The Eels have now lost their last three games in a row, including losses to the Panthers, Tigers, and Titans. The Bulldogs managed to snap their two-game losing streak last time out with a surprising win over the Panthers.
The Bulldogs don’t have a very good record here at CommBank Stadium, though, winning just 32% of their games. This isn’t a good Eels side, and the Bulldogs have the confidence, so we still could see a win here for the Dogs to boost their win percentage. Sean Russell should return to the fold for the Eels, but Sam Tuivaiti and Kelma Tuilagi are both out. Max King is also out, but for the Bulldogs, after having surgery on his broken jaw.
Predicted Squads
Parramatta Eels - Joash Papali'i, Araz Nanva, Will Penisini, Sean Russell, Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, Mitchell Moses, Jack Williams, Ryley Smith, Junior Paulo, Charlie Guymer, Kitione Kautoga, Dylan Walker, Tallyn Da Silva, Jack De Belin, Teancum Brown, Luca Moretti, Brian Kelly & Lorenzo Talataina
Canterbury Bulldogs - Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Enari Tuala, Bronson Xerri, Marcelo Montoya, Matt Burton, Lachlan Galvin, Lipoi Hopoi, Bailey Hayward, Samuel Hughes, Viliame Kikau, Jacob Preston, Jaeman Salmon, Kurt Mann, Sitili Tupouniua, Harry Hayes, Sean O'Sullivan, Daniel Suluka-Fifita & Logan Spinks
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Katherine is a sports betting and igaming writer from Sydney, Australia. She has worked within the sports industry for almost a decade now, which spans virtually her entire working career. Her passion for sports began at a very young age, and now she can’t go a day without watching sports. She has previously worked at one of the biggest horse racing sites in Australia, as well as at an Australian bookmaker.

