NRL Round 21 betting preview, free tips & predictions

The NRL 2025 finals race heats up for Round 21, with several top-eight battles and big spreads on offer. Here are our best NRL betting tips across the full round.

Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm

Thursday, July 24 – 7:50pm AEST – Allianz Stadium

Melbourne rarely lose two on the trot, and with Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant steering the ship, they should handle a Roosters side that’s been inconsistent all year. Xavier Coates’ strike power out wide adds value to any same-game multi.

North Queensland Cowboys vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Friday, July 25 – 6pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

The Cowboys are back at home and desperate to stay in the finals hunt. With Tom Dearden controlling play and Reuben Cotter returning to the middle, expect them to roll through a Dragons pack missing key experience.

Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels

Friday, July 25 – 8pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium

The Broncos are flying with five straight wins and have Payne Haas and Reece Walsh back. Parramatta’s defence has leaked 30 or more points regularly, and even the return of Mitchell Moses won’t fix their edge frailties. Brisbane should cover this easily at home.

New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans

Saturday, July 26 – 3pm AEST – Go Media Stadium

The Warriors are strong at home, but the Titans usually find a way to stay scrappy. Expect NZ to dominate possession yet win by a narrow margin, with their defence doing just enough in the second half to shut the door.

Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers

Saturday, July 26 – 5:30pm AEST – CommBank Stadium

Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo return to bolster the reigning premiers, who have hit their stride. Wests’ attack lacks punch against elite defensive units, and Penrith’s home record speaks for itself. Expect a comfortable double-digit cover.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks

Saturday, July 26 – 7:45pm AEST – Polytec Stadium

Cronulla should get the win, but Souths’ gritty home performances keep this close — even if this one is in Gosford. With Nicho Hynes pulling the strings and Addin Fonua-Blake controlling the ruck, take the Sharks to edge it by a couple of tries in a tight one.

Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights

Sunday, July 27 – 2pm AEST – GIO Stadium

Top-of-the-table Canberra are ruthless at home and should have too much firepower for a struggling Knights outfit. Their pack led by Joseph Tapine and Josh Papalii will set the tone and allow Jamal Fogarty to control the scoreboard.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles

Sunday, July 27 – 4:05pm AEST – Allianz Stadium

Manly’s upset win over the Storm shows their ceiling, and with Tom Trbjoveic firing at centre they’re dangerous again. Bulldogs rely heavily on defence but lack creativity in attack, opening the door for Daly Cherry-Evans and Reuben Garrick to capitalise late.

NRL Round 21 multi of the week

• Storm -4.5
• Cowboys -4.5
• Broncos -13.5
• Warriors 1-12
• Panthers -13.5
• Sharks 1-12
• Raiders -14.5
• Sea Eagles H2H

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