NRL Round 20 betting preview, free tips & predictions

The business end of the NRL 2025 season is heating up, and Round 20 brings a host of high-stakes matchups as teams fight to secure their finals spots — or salvage pride in a tough year.

There’s plenty of value on offer across the weekend, with underdogs capable of springing surprises and big names primed to make a statement.

Here’s where the smart money is landing this week, with the top NRL betting tips, form trends, and players to watch.

Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys

Thursday, July 17 – 7:50pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

The Dolphins regain Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, whose blistering speed has sparked them all year. Despite a couple of key forwards missing, Kirstian Woolf’s side should have too much class for a Cowboys outfit still stinging from a 58-4 hiding when these sides met in Round 15. North Queensland’s backline reshuffle won’t be enough to reverse the form.

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters

Friday, July 18 – 6pm AEST – Sharks Stadium, Sydney

Chad Townsend steps in for the injured Hugo Savala, and while it’s a shock call from Trent Robinson, the Roosters have a powerful record against Cronulla, winning eight of the last nine meetings in Sydney. The Sharks are steady but can falter against quality sides, and this looms as a perfect ambush spot for the Tricolours.

Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Friday, July 18 – 8pm AEST – CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo are missing for the Penrith Panthers, but Ivan Cleary’s side remains stacked with quality and defensive resilience. The Rabbitohs look brittle, and they’ve lost 11 straight against teams on a winning streak. Latrell Mitchell’s return will help, but Penrith should grind this one out in a tight contest.

Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels

Saturday, July 19 – 3pm AEST – GIO Stadium, Canberra

The Raiders welcome back Origin bruisers Josh Papalii and Hudson Young and are humming along nicely at the top of the NRL table. The Eels are experimenting in the halves and look vulnerable through the middle. Kaeo Weekes is on fire at fullback and can trouble the Eels’ edges.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Saturday, July 19 – 5:30pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney

Lachlan Galvin returns at halfback for the Bulldogs in a high-stakes move from Cameron Ciraldo. The Dragons are gutsy but continue to struggle in crunch moments. Expect the Dogs to sneak home in a tight one, especially with Stephen Crichton’s Origin class back in the centres.

Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles

Saturday, July 19 – 7:35pm AEST – AAMI Park, Melbourne

The Storm get Cam Munster and Xavier Coates back, but the Sea Eagles look settled and sharp after their pre-bye win. Tom Trbojevic is thriving in the centres, and Manly’s spine could rattle a Storm side still ironing out some defensive lapses. This is prime upset territory at juicy odds with the top online bookmakers.

Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans

Sunday, July 20 – 2pm AEST – Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Taylan May’s debut boosts the Tigers’ firepower, but the Titans welcome Tino Fa’asuamaleaui back to the starting side and retain David Fifita on the bench for impact. The Titans have won seven of the last eight first halves against Wests in Sydney. At these odds, Gold Coast are the value play.

Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors

Sunday, July 20 – 4:05pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

the Knights are brave but depleted and face a Warriors pack brimming with State of Origin muscle. Kurt Capewell’s return bolsters the Warriors’ edges, and they should overpower Newcastle late. A bigger margin looms in the Hunter.

NRL Round 20 multi of the week

Want to go large? Try this Round 20 multi:

• Dolphins -4.5
• Roosters H2H
• Panthers 1-12
• Raiders 13+ / Weekes try
• Bulldogs 1-12
• Manly H2H
• Titans H2H
• Warriors 13+

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