NRL Round 18 betting preview, free tips & predictions

The State of Origin decider has thrown Round 18 of the 2025 NRL season into chaos, with depleted squads and fresh faces scattered across every lineup. From blockbuster revenge missions to must-win scraps for finals relevance, there’s value everywhere. Here’s where the smart money lies in all five matchups this week, with NRL betting tips, form reads, and key players to watch.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos

Friday, June 4 – 8pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney

This shapes as a revenge game for the Bulldogs, who were battered 42-18 by Brisbane in Round 8. Canterbury are still near the top of the NRL ladder, but State of Origin has ripped plenty of talent from both sides. The the Broncos have quietly rattled off three straight wins and are finding rhythm despite missing big names like Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan. At juicy odds with the top online bookmakers, Brisbane could cause an upset.

Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Saturday, July 5 – 5:30pm AEST – GIO Stadium, Canberra

The Raiders have quietly surged into the top-two conversation, riding a six-game winning streak and looking right at home at GIO Stadium. Even with Josh Papalii absent for Origin, Canberra’s middle rotation led by Joe Tapine and Zac Hosking should overwhelm the Dragons. St George were gutsy last week but face one of the NRL’s toughest road trips. Expect Ricky Stuart’s men to pull clear late.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm

Saturday, July 5 – 7:35pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

The Cowboys finally snapped their losing streak but still look vulnerable, particularly without Tom Dearden and key Origin stars. Meanwhile, the Storm demolished Cronulla last week and continue to look lethal even missing Cameron Munster and Harry Grant. Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes are enough to carve up North Queensland’s soft middle.

Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers

Sunday, July 6 – 2pm AEST – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

The Roosters look a genuine threat again. James Tedesco is on a hot streak, and despite missing key men for Origin, the Chooks should have far too much firepower for a struggling Tigers outfit. Wests have dropped six straight and arrive with major holes in their spine. Roosters fans will expect a big win, and recent history suggests that’s exactly what’s coming.

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Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Sunday, July 6 – 4:05pm AEST – 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Manly finally showed life with a win over the Tigers, but they’re still fighting for consistency. Souths, meanwhile, look shattered after conceding 50 to the Dolphins last week and losing Latrell Mitchell to Origin. That said, the Rabbitohs have won eight of the last nine against the Sea Eagles and remain dangerous if their forward pack fires. At $3.10, they’re tempting value in what could be a scrappy contest.

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