NRL Round 26 betting tips, multi picks & predictions

With just two weeks left in the 2025 NRL regular season, Round 26 is shaping up to be a finals-shaping blockbuster. From a Queensland derby with top-four implications to must-win clashes for finals hopefuls, every game matters.

Here’s our full game-by-game rugby league betting preview with expert tips, value picks, and best bets for Round 26 of the NRL season.

Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers

Thursday, August 28 – 7:50pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney

The Bulldogs were brave in Melbourne last week and now face a severely depleted Penrith outfit with Ivan Cleary resting 16 frontline stars. With Matt Burton pulling the strings and Stephen Crichton fired up for a big one, Canterbury’s pack should bully a Panthers forward rotation filled with debutants. This sets up perfectly for a statement win heading into finals, and punters chasing extra value might consider taking the Bulldogs at the extended line of -41.5 at $6 odds.

New Zealand Warriors v Parramatta Eels

Friday, August 29 – 8pm NZST – Go Media Stadium, Auckland

The Warriors are clinging to fourth spot and return home, where they’ve been one of the toughest teams to beat all year. Andrew Webster’s men boast the league’s third-best defensive record and welcome an Eels side riding high after upsetting the Roosters last week. While Mitch Moses has Parramatta scoring freely, the Wahs’ discipline and structure should be enough to grind out another Auckland victory.

Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters

Friday, August 29 – 8pm AEST – AAMI Park, Melbourne

The Roosters’ season is on the line, and they head to AAMI Park missing Sam Walker and carrying bruises from a heavy loss to Parramatta. Melbourne are chasing a top-two finish and boast one of the league’s stingiest defences. Ryan Papenhuyzen’s spark at the back has added a new dimension, and Cameron Munster looks primed to lead a big win as the Storm warm up for finals footy.

Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers

Saturday, August 30 – 3pm AEST – GIO Stadium, Canberra

The Raiders’ golden-point win in Mudgee has them perfectly placed to secure just the second minor premiership in club history. Ethan Strange continues his breakout season, while Jamal Fogarty’s control in the halves has Ricky Stuart’s men humming. The Tigers, by contrast, blew a 12-point lead last week and look vulnerable defensively. Canberra should deliver for the home fans in a big way.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly Sea Eagles

Saturday, August 30 – 5:30pm AEST – Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Manly kept their faint finals hopes alive with a 58-30 demolition of the Dolphins, showcasing their attacking power through Tom Trbojevic, Luke Brooks, and Tolu Koula. The Dragons, meanwhile, were hammered by Souths in Round 25 and have struggled to contain opposition strike players. With momentum on their side and their season still alive, the Sea Eagles should fly high again.

Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights

Sunday, August 31 – 2pm AEST – PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

The Sharks return from their bye refreshed and ready to cement a top-four finish. Cronulla have feasted on bottom-eight teams this year and should again exploit Newcastle’s soft edge defence, which has leaked more than 43 points per game on average over the past month. With Nicho Hynes steering the attack and Ronaldo Mulitalo chasing tries, expect a comfortable win in the Shire.

Dolphins v Gold Coast Titans

Sunday, August 31 – 4:05pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

The Dolphins’ finals dream is hanging by a thread after leaking 58 points against Manly. With Kodi Nikorima back, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jamayne Isaako provide X-factor, yet the Titans have historically had their number. AJ Brimson and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui lead a Titans attack that has enough firepower to cause the upset in Brisbane.

NRL Round 26 multi of the week

• Bulldogs -30.5
• Warriors 1-12
• Storm 13+
• Raiders -14.5
• Sea Eagles H2H
• Broncos 13+
• Sharks -17.5
• Titans H2H

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