NRL 2025 Round 26 – Betting Tips, Odds & Predictions

We enter the penultimate round of the 2025 NRL season, and it looks like the top seven spots have been secured. The Roosters, who currently sit in eighth spot, are the only team at risk of not making it into the finals this season. The Raiders did a lot for their minor Premiership hopes last time out by beating the Panthers. On the other end of things, it’s the Titans and Knights who are fighting it out for the wooden spoon. 

Round 26 awaits, so let’s get stuck into some 2025 NRL predictions for all the action!

We kick things off with what looks like a doozy. However, with the news that Nathan Cleary (and others) are being rested, it doesn’t have as much of a spark as it could have. It will still be a good test for the Bulldogs to see where they are at, and if they can compete with the big boys come the finals. A top two spot looks unlikely for the Bulldogs now, but they will finish in the top four.

Both teams are coming into this clash with back-to-back losses, and the Panthers' hopes of making the top four have been dashed. The Bulldogs went down to the Storm last time out, while the Panthers went down to the Raiders, both in close scorelines. The Panthers won’t be playing with several of their key starters, but they are built for situations like this. The Bulldogs are the heavy favourites, but I think the Panthers can keep this one close.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Panthers +8.5	$1.90
	Panthers +8.5	$1.80
	Panthers +8.5	$1.91

Predicted Squads

Canterbury Bulldogs - Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Bronson Xerri, Stephen Crichton, Marcelo Montoya, Matt Burton, Lachlan Galvin, Max King, Bailey Hayward, Sam Hughes, Viliame Kikau, Jacob Preston, Jaeman Salmon, Kurt Mann, Sitili Tupouniua, Josh Curran & Reed Mahoney

Penrith Panthers - Daine Laurie, Thomas Jenkins, Izack Tago, Casey McLean, Paul Alamoti, Blaize Talagi, Brad Schneider, Matthew Eisenhuth, Mitch Kenny, Lindsay Smith, Luke Garner, Scott Sorensen, Isaah Yeo, Trent Toelau, Liam Henry, Isaiah Papali'i & Luron Patea

The Warriors welcome the Eels to Go Media Stadium in the first of two games on Friday. While the Warriors are currently sitting in fourth spot on the ladder, the Broncos (and Sharks) are hot on their heels, so a win is needed here to maintain that elusive top four position. The Warriors are currently riding a two-game winning streak, with victories over the Dragons and Titans last time out.

The Eels have gone win-loss-win-loss-win in their last five games. They did put a dent in the Roosters' chances of making the finals last time out, as they beat them 30-10. It has been the Eels that have dominated this matchup in the past, with the Eels winning 26 games to the Warriors' 17. However, the Warriors have much more to play for, and are playing at home, so that tips them over the edge in my eyes.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Warriors to win	$1.57
	Warriors to win	$1.53
	Warriors to win	$1.58

Predicted Squads

New Zealand Warriors - Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Adam Pompey, Rocco Berry, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Tanah Boyd, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Demitric Vaimauga, Kurt Capewell, Marata Niukore, Erin Clark, Te Maire Martin, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Tanner Stowers-Smith & Leka Halasima

Parramatta Eels - Isaiah Iongi, Zac Lomax, Will Penisini, Dylan Brown, Josh Addo-Carr, Joash Papali’i, Mitch Moses, J’maine Hopgood, Ryley Smith, Junior Paulo, Kelma Tuilagi, Jack Williams, Dylan Walker, Tallyn Da Silva, Charlie Guymer, Matt Doorey & Jordan Samrani

All eyes will be on the Roosters in this clash as a loss here puts their top-eight spot in jeopardy. A loss here for the Roosters gives both the Dolphins and Sea Eagles an eye in. However, realistically, it’s the Dolphins they have to worry about, who have a better points differential than the Roosters. Now, we all know playing the Storm in Melbourne is no easy feat. So, are the Roosters up for the challenge?

The two teams just played each other back in Round 21, and it was the Storm that got the 34-30 win. The Storm have won 77% of their games here at AAMI Park, while the Roosters have won just 29%. Jack Howarth looks set to return for the Storm, but captain Harry Grant is out as he is serving a suspension. Sam Walker is out for the Roosters after suffering a head knock, but they do look set to welcome back Daniel Tupou.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Storm to win	$1.45
	Storm to win	$1.33
	Storm to win	$1.44

Predicted Squads

Melbourne Storm - Ryan Papenhuyzen, Grant Anderson, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Tyran Wishart, Stefano Utoikamanu, Bronson Garlick, Josh King, Joe Chan, Eli Katoa, Trent Loiero, Jonah Pezet, Alec MacDonald, Nelson Asofa-Solomona & Ativalu Lisati

Sydney Roosters - James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Sandon Smith, Hugo Savala, Naufahu Whyte, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Benaiah Ioelu, Salesi Foketi, Egan Butcher & Spencer Leniu

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

1. The Warriors are currently holding onto a top-four spot on the ladder, and now they welcome the Eels to Go Media Stadium. With the Eels out of finals contention, the Warriors have so much more to play for, and I expect a win. 
2. The Roosters have a lot more to play for, but with a 29% win percentage at AAMI Park, it’s difficult to see them getting the job done. Play it safe and take the Storm to win outright.
3. The bookies can’t really split the Dragons and Sea Eagles. Both teams lack consistency at the moment, and while the Sea Eagles have more to play for, that could choke. Avoid picking an outright winner; take the overs instead.

Multi of the Week

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

• Leg 1 - New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels
• Leg 2 - Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters
• Leg 3 - St. George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles

To kick off Saturday’s action, we head to Canberra as the Raiders welcome the Tigers. The Tigers had other results go their way last round, but couldn’t get the job done over the Cowboys, which has all but sealed their fate. The Raiders and Tigers have played each other once so far this season, which went the way of the Raiders, 16-12. If the Raiders want to keep top spot on the ladder, a win would go a long way, as the Storm are just two points behind them.

The Raiders showed they aren’t pushovers with a win over a full-strength Panthers last time out, 20-16. The Tigers were looking for three wins in a row, which they haven’t done for a long, long time, but they faltered in the closing stages against the Cowboys. Xavier Savage suffered a shoulder injury for the Raiders, while Adam Doueihi suffered what looks to be a facial fracture in their last games.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Raiders -11.5	$1.90
	Raiders -12.5	$1.90
	Raiders -12.5	$1.91

Predicted Squads

Canberra Raiders - Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Matt Timoko, Simi Sasagi, Sebastian Kris, Ethan Strange, Jamal Fogarty, Josh Papalii, Tom Starling, Joe Tapine, Hudson Young, Zac Hosking, Corey Horsburgh, Owen Pattie, Matty Nicholson, Morgan Smithies & Ata Mariota

Wests Tigers - Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Taylan May, Starford To'a, Jeral Skelton, Jarome Luai, Latu Fainu, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Sione Fainu, Alex Twal, Tristan Hope, Royce Hunt, Charlie Murray & Tony Sukkar

The bookies can’t split the Dragons and Sea Eagles, and this shapes up to be a critical match, especially for the Sea Eagles, as their finals hopes are still alive, but only just. The Sea Eagles need a win, and a big one at that, if they are to remain in contention. The Dragons were terrible last time out against the Rabbitohs, as they couldn’t even muster up a single point, losing 0-40. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles bounced back after several losses to beat the Dolphins, 58-30.

The Dragons got the better of the Sea Eagles when the pair played back in Round 7 this season, 20-18. With these two teams, you just don’t know what you’re going to get, and with the odds so close, it’s difficult to pick a team with any confidence. However, both teams seem to have leaky defences at the moment, which leads me to believe this one could be going overs.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total points - Over 47.5	$1.82
	Total points - Over 46.5	$1.78
	Total points - Over 48.5	$1.91

Predicted Squads

St. George Illawarra Dragons - Clint Gutherson, Christian Tuipulotu, Hayden Buchanan, Mathew Feagai, Corey Allan, Lyhkan King-Togia, Kyle Flanagan, Emre Guler, Damien Cook, David Klemmer, Luciano Leilua, Jaydn Su'A, Jack de Belin, Jacob Liddle, Michael Molo, Loko Pasifiki Tonga & Hame Sele

Manly Sea Eagles - Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Tolutau Koula, Tommy Talau, Lehi Hopoate, Luke Brooks, Daly Cherry-Evans, Matthew Lodge, Jake Simpkin, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Corey Waddell, Ben Trbojevic, Jazz Tevaga, Aaron Schoupp, Caleb Navale, Ethan Bullemor & Tof Sipley

The Cowboys were playing for pride last time out against the Tigers, and they managed to get the job done. Now, they face off against the Broncos in Townsville in what is their last game of the season, as they have the bye next round. While the Cowboys are out of finals contention, the Broncos could sneak into a top-four spot, which would give them two bites of the cherry during finals (if needed).

The Broncos are just two points behind the Warriors, and have a much better points differential as well. Both teams have won their last two games, with the Cowboys getting wins over the Knights and Tigers, and the Broncos beating the Dolphins and Knights. Both teams have been piling on the points in their last two games, and I think the Cowboys will be looking to go out with a bang in their last game in front of their home crowd, take the overs.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total points - Over 49.5	$1.85
	Total points - Over 49.5	$1.78
	Total points - Over 49.5	$1.87

Predicted Squads

North Queensland Cowboys - Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Jaxon Purdue, Viliami Vailea, Murray Taulagi, Jake Clifford, Tom Dearden, Jordan McLean, Reece Robson, Jason Taumalolo, John Bateman, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Karl Lawton, Harrison Edwards, Zac Laybutt & Thomas Mikaele

Brisbane Broncos - Reece Walsh, Josiah Karapani, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Deine Mariner, Billy Walters, Ben Hunt, Corey Jensen, Cory Paix, Payne Haas, Jaiyden Hunt, Jordan Riki, Patrick Carrigan, Tyson Smoothy, Kobe Hetherington, Ben Talty & Jesse Arthars

The Sharks are still in contention for a top-four spot, but with their points differential, it is slightly more unlikely compared to their rivals, the Warriors and Broncos, who are also fighting it out for the fourth spot on the ladder. The Knights, on the other hand, are looking to avoid the wooden spoon. They have two more points than the Titans, who are currently holding the wooden spoon, but the points differential is quite similar, so a loss here, and a win for the Titans could change things.

These two teams have already played once so far this season, where the Sharks got the win, 34-14. The Sharks managed to put their loss to the Dragons behind them and strung together a fairly impressive 54-22 win over the Titans last time out. They did have the bye in Round 25 as well, so they have been resting up since that win. It looks like the Knights just want this season to be over, and while the spread is massive, I think the Sharks can cover it.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Sharks -17.5	$1.90
	Sharks -17.5	$1.83
	Sharks -17.5	$1.91

Predicted Squads

Cronulla Sharks - William Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Mawene Hiroti, Siosifa Talakai, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Braydon Trindall, Nicho Hynes, Addin Fonua-Blake, Blayke Brailey, Oregon Kaufusi, Billy Burns, Teig Wilton, Toby Rudolf, Daniel Atkinson, Jesse Colquhoun, Thomas Hazelton & Braden Hamlin-Uele

Newcastle Knights - Dane Gagai, Dom Young, Fletcher Hunt, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Jake Arthur, Jackson Hastings, Jacob Saifiti, Phoenix Crossland, Leo Thompson, Jermaine McEwen, Kai Pearce-Paul, Tyson Frizell, Jayden Brailey, Mat Croker, Thomas Cant & Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana

A lot to play for in this game, with the Dolphins hoping to lock in a finals berth, while the Titans are looking to avoid the wooden spoon. With the Dolphins currently sitting in ninth, a win here and a loss for the Roosters could see them move up into the top eight. For the Titans, a loss here and a win for the Knights would cement their place as the 2025 wooden spooners. 

Both teams have been on a bit of a slide as of late, though, with the Dolphins losing their last three games and the Titans losing their last four. You would like to think that with so much on the line, the Dolphins come to play here, especially against a very winnable team. They have already beaten the Titans once so far this season, 36-10 in Round 5, and I think they’ll do it again here.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Dolphins to win	$1.50
	Dolphins to win	$1.50
	Dolphins to win	$1.52

Predicted Squads

Dolphins - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Jake Averillo, Max Feagai, Tevita Naufahu, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiya Katoa, Francis Molo, Jeremy Marshall-King, Felise Kaufusi, Kulikefu Finefuiaki, Oryn Keeley, Kurt Donoghoe, Ray Stone, Connelly Lemuelu, Mark Nicholls & Josh Kerr

Gold Coast Titans - AJ Brimson, Jaylan De Groot, Brian Kelly, Jojo Fifita, Phillip Sami, Kieran Foran, Jayden Campbell, Moeaki Fotuaika, Sam Verrills, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Chris Randall, Beau Fermor, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Keano Kini, Klese Haas, Iszac Fa’asumaleaui & Josh Patston

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