NRL Round 17 betting preview, free tips & predictions

The race for the top eight is officially on as we enter Round 17 of the 2025 NRL season. From blockbuster top-four matchups to bottom-eight battles with major implications, this week’s slate is packed with value plays. Here’s where the money lies across all eight matchups, with bold betting tips, form insights, and key players to watch.

Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs

Thursday, June 26 – 7:50pm AEST – CommBank Stadium, Sydney

The Panthers have quietly reignited their campaign, and now Nathan Cleary is back at the helm. But don’t write off the Dogs — they’re gritty, confident, and thriving at the top of the NRL ladder with Matt Burton and Lachlan Galvin pulling the strings. Penrith’s young guns stood tall in Auckland, but Canterbury’s defence remains elite. This is a danger game for the defending premiers, and a golden opportunity for the Bulldogs to stand up.

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Manly Sea Eagles vs Wests Tigers

Friday, June 27 – 6pm AEST – 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Tom Trbojevic shifts to the centres and Reuben Garrick returns to the wing in a reshuffled Sea Eagles backline. They’ve been ordinary at best in recent weeks, but a bye may have reset the system. The Tigers keep getting close without reward, and their attack remains chaotic despite Jarome Luai’s efforts. Expect a tight start before Manly’s class shines through — especially Garrick’s finishing prowess on the right edge.

Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders

Friday, June 27 – 8pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

The Raiders are flying. With Jamal Fogarty directing traffic and Joe Tapine dominating the ruck, they’ve won four straight and have eyes on a top-two finish. Newcastle stunned the Dolphins last week, but Canberra’s physicality and composure should smother them. Expect Ricky’s Raiders to roll on in style.

Brisbane Broncos vs New Zealand Warriors

Saturday, June 28 – 3pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Momentum is back in Brisbane after back-to-back wins, and this one could be special. Reece Walsh is firing again, and the Broncos have been deadly late in games. That said, the Warriors are dangerous underdogs and love Suncorp Stadium. After a disappointing loss to the Panthers, the Wahs will be looking for redemption.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Parramatta Eels

Saturday, June 28 – 5:30pm AEST – WIN Stadium, Wollongong

The Eels looked sharp in their gutsy win over the Titans without Mitchell Moses or Dylan Brown, and now the latter is back. The Dragons are unpredictable and coming off a bye, but recent home form doesn’t inspire confidence. This is Parramatta’s game to lose.

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Saturday, June 28 – 7:50pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Herbie Farnworth has been electric, and the Dolphins will look to him again to punish Souths out wide. But the Rabbitohs were heroic in their loss to the Storm and almost stole it late. If the Dolphins get back to their clinical best, they should be too good for a Souths side that still leaks too many points.

Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks

Sunday, June 29 – 2pm AEST – AAMI Park, Melbourne

The Melbourne Storm have a point to prove after coughing up leads in back-to-back games. At home, with Harry Grant and Cam Munster clicking, expect ruthless execution. The Sharks folded under pressure against the Broncos, and form suggests they will do the same against the Storm.

Gold Coast Titans vs North Queensland Cowboys

Sunday, June 29 – 4:05pm AEST – Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

The Titans are quietly building, and the Cowboys are collapsing. North Queensland have conceded 138 points in three weeks. Des Hasler has the Gold Coast playing with steel, and with home support, this is their moment to bury the Cowboys’ finals hopes and get off the bottom of the NRL ladder.

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