NRL Round 26 betting tips & predictions | August 28–31, 2025

With just two weeks left in the 2025 NRL regular season, Round 26 delivers high-stakes matchups, finals-shaping storylines, and potential blowouts.

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

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers

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

The Bulldogs pushed Melbourne hard last week and now face a dream scenario against a Penrith side resting 16 regular starters. With Matt Burton controlling the kicking game and Stephen Crichton hungry to make a statement, Canterbury’s forward pack should dominate a severely understrength Panthers unit. For punters chasing bigger value, the Bulldogs -41.5 is also tempting at +500 with the top sports betting sites.

New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels

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

The Warriors are hanging on to fourth place and return home where they’ve been one of the league’s toughest teams to beat. Andrew Webster’s squad boasts the NRL’s third-best defense and welcomes a Parramatta team buzzing after upsetting the Roosters. While Mitch Moses will test them with his kicking game, the Warriors’ structure and composure should be enough to grind out another home victory.

Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters

Friday, August 29 – 8:00pm AEST – AAMI Park, Melbourne

The Roosters’ finals hopes are on the line, and they arrive at AAMI Park without Sam Walker and still reeling from a big loss to Parramatta. The Storm are chasing a top-two finish and boast one of the league’s strongest defenses. With Ryan Papenhuyzen adding strike power out the back and Cameron Munster in full control, Melbourne should dominate from start to finish.

Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers

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

The Raiders’ golden-point miracle over Penrith last week has them perfectly positioned to challenge for just the second minor premiership in club history. Ethan Strange’s breakout year continues, Jamal Fogarty’s game management has been superb, and Ricky Stuart’s side is firing on all cylinders. The Tigers collapsed late against the Cowboys and look vulnerable here, so expect Canberra to dominate at home.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles

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

Manly kept their faint playoff hopes alive with a 58-30 demolition of the Dolphins, showcasing the attacking brilliance of Tom Trbojevic, Luke Brooks, and Tolu Koula. The Dragons, by contrast, were thumped by Souths in Round 25 and continue to struggle defensively. With everything to play for and momentum on their side, Manly should extend their run and stay in the hunt for a finals spot.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos

Saturday, August 30 – 7:35pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Queensland derby time, and the Broncos are surging at just the right moment. Reece Walsh has rediscovered his best form, Deine Mariner has four tries in his last four games, and Billy Walters continues to impress in the halves. The Cowboys fought hard to beat the Tigers last week but now face a Brisbane side desperate to lock down a top-four finish. Expect the Broncos to pull away late.

Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights

Sunday, August 31 – 2:00pm AEST – PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

The Sharks return from their bye refreshed and ready to lock in a top-four finish. Cronulla have crushed bottom-eight opponents all season and should continue that trend against a Newcastle side giving up more than 43 points per game over the past month. With Nicho Hynes steering the attack and Ronaldo Mulitalo looking to add to his try tally, this one could get ugly.

Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans

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

The Dolphins’ playoff hopes are fading fast after conceding 58 points against Manly. Kodi Nikorima returns to partner Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jamayne Isaako in attack, but the Titans remain dangerous in this matchup. With AJ Brimson’s speed and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s power up front, Gold Coast have enough weapons to pull off the upset and play spoilers at Suncorp.

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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