NRL Round 16 betting preview, free tips & predictions

The 2025 NRL season heats up in Round 16 as clubs return to action following Queensland’s thrilling State of Origin Game 2 victory. With key players backing up from Origin and several clubs eyeing a late-season surge, there’s plenty of value in this week’s matchups.

Our Round 16 NRL betting tips and predictions cover every game with insights, updated odds, and top bookmaker picks. From blockbuster clashes to upset alerts, here’s where to find the best bets this weekend.

Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders

Friday, June 20 – 8pm AEST – Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney

The Canberra Raiders are surging into finals contention and have the firepower to dismantle a brittle Wests Tigers side. With Jamal Fogarty guiding the attack and Joseph Tapine dominating up front, the Green Machine should have a clear edge in both discipline and execution. Jarome Luai returns for the Tigers after an eventful Origin performance, but he can’t fix their defensive frailties alone. Canberra are on a four-game winning streak and will be expected to continue that in solid fashion this week.

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New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers

Saturday, June 21 – 3pm AEST – Go Media Stadium, Auckland

The New Zealand Warriors have been building steadily, and this is the perfect time to strike against a weakened Penrith Panthers lineup. With Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita leading the charge, the Warriors can dominate through the middle and open up the edges. The Panthers are expected to rest key Origin stars like Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo after a bruising Origin campaign. With full-throttle home support, the Warriors could blow this wide open.

Dolphins vs Newcastle Knights

Saturday, June 21 – 5:30pm AEST – HBF Park, Perth

The Dolphins continue to impress and look sharp across the park, especially with Isaiya Katoa and Herbie Farnworth in sizzling form. Newcastle’s attack has become too reliant on Jackson Hastings, and they lack the defensive grit to hang in games. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow starred in Origin 2 and will be eager to back that up with another explosive display. With Kristian Woolf’s men peaking, expect them to put this one away early against a fragile Knights squad.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm

Saturday, June 21 – 7:35pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney

Cameron Munster and Harry Grant return to the Melbourne Storm full of confidence after leading Queensland to a series-tying Origin victory. The Storm’s structure and timing looked sharp last week, with Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes finding plenty of joy through the spine. South Sydney are slowly finding form; however, they are struggling without a solid halves partnership. If the Storm start strong, this could get lopsided late.

Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks

Sunday, June 22 – 2pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Brisbane will be aiming to continue their run home to the finals after a dominant win over the Titans in Round 14. With Ezra Mam creating opportunities and Payne Haas expected to back up from Origin, the Broncos have the platform to win at home. The Cronulla Sharks remain flaky against top-eight teams, and Nicho Hynes’ confidence is wavering after a quiet fortnight. Brisbane should be able to grind out a tight one at Suncorp.

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Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys

Sunday, June 22 – 4:05pm AEST – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

The Sydney Roosters are starting to find form, with rookies Sandon Smith and Hugo Savala emerging as a promising halves pairing. North Queensland were gallant in patches during Origin but are without key contributors like Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter. Mark Nawaqanitawase has been in career-best form fir the Chooks and could carve up the Cowboys’ shaky right edge.

Parramatta Eels vs Gold Coast Titans

Sunday, June 22 – 6:15pm AEST – CommBank Stadium, Sydney

The Gold Coast Titans are due a breakout, and this could be their spot against an inconsistent Parramatta Eels side. Kieran Foran and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui are capable of wreaking havoc, especially if the Eels tire late. With AJ Brimson injecting pace and unpredictability at the back, the Titans’ attack looks far more dangerous than their ladder position suggests. With no Dylan Brown or Mitchell Moses in the middle for the Eels, this game could be over within the first 15 minutes.

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