NRL Round 12 betting preview, free tips & predictions

Round 12 of the 2025 NRL season kicks off with just five games due to the first State of Origin bye. With stars missing across the league, the pressure is on for fringe players and club depth to shine. Whether you’re backing the Bulldogs’ grit or the Warriors at home, this is a round where resilience meets opportunity. For punters looking for edges in their NRL betting, Round 12 is all about reading between the lines.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Dolphins

Thursday, 22 May – 7:50pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney

Despite being down 10 players, the Bulldogs have found something special in recent weeks, coming back from double-digit deficits to win twice. Blake Taaffe and Josh Curran add vital experience, and Reed Mahoney leads a hungry, patched-up pack. The Dolphins are missing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Gilbert, and Origin depth, leaving Isaiya Katoa and Herbie Farnworth to carry much of the load. The Dogs’ toughness at home, even depleted, should see them break this open in the second half.

Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles

Friday, 23 May – 8pm AEST – CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Parramatta are without Mitchell Moses and Zac Lomax, and with Dean Hawkins steering the side, their attack could struggle to find fluency. Manly have lost Daly Cherry-Evans but get Lachlan Croker and Matt Lodge back, and Tom Trbojevic captains a steady line-up. Haumole Olakau’atu has been cleared to play and could be a game-breaker on the edge. Expect the Sea Eagles to steamroll through the middle and run away with this one late.

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Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights

Saturday, 24 May – 5:30pm AEST – Carrington Park, Bathurst

Penrith are missing their Origin spine but maintain core forwards and young talent like Daine Laurie and Brad Schneider. The Knights are without Kalyn Ponga and Jacob Saifiti, with Fletcher Sharpe moving to fullback and a new halves pairing struggling for cohesion. The Panthers’ systems and discipline should still be enough to win a low-scoring grind.

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks

Saturday, 24 May – 7:35pm AEST – Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

The Roosters are heavily depleted but bring in Dom Young and Nat Butcher to balance their backline and back row. Hugo Savala and Sandon Smith form a crafty young halves duo that can surprise when the Roosters go direct. The Cronulla Sharks have their usual firepower but could get caught out by a Roosters side with nothing to lose and plenty of energy.

New Zealand Warriors vs Canberra Raiders

Sunday, 25 May – 4:05pm AEST – Go Media Stadium, Auckland

The Warriors are near full strength apart from Origin-bound forwards, with Luke Metcalf, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad leading a potent backline. The Raiders bring in their full squad besides Hudson Young but continue to leak points in key moments, especially late in games. Jamal Fogarty will need to control territory, but the Wahs are tough to beat in Auckland.

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