NRL Finals Week 1 Tips 2026: Best Bets for Every Game
The NRL Finals are here, and the opening week gives us four very different betting opportunities. Penrith and the New Zealand Warriors looks like the teams most likely to continue their stellar regular season form but the South Sydney Rabbitohs have got Latrell Mitchell.
Here are our best bets for all four games in Week 1 of the 2026 NRL Finals.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights
Best Bet: Rabbitohs 13+ Win Margin
In normal circumstances this game would be a much closer affair. But Newcastle have just lost both their starting front rowers to add to the already large casualty ward. It would be a miracle if they were able to stop the Rabbitohs pack marching up the field.
New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins
Best Bet: Warriors 1-12 Win Margin
This game could very well end up 34-30 with both teams possessing amazing attacking talent. The Warriors on their home deck in front of a sold out crowd against the Dolphins in their first ever finals campaign is not something to take lightly. New Zealand have the caliber of players to ensure this game doesn't get away from them late.
Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys
Best Bet: Over 47.5 Game Total
In reality this is probably a stay away game. Cronulla have beat up on teams below them this year but that was with a healthy Braydon Trindall running the team. While he is back on the park, we don't know what level of fitness he is at. The Cowboys scraped into finals and their defence has been leaky but you can never count them out of a contest.
Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters
Best Bet: Under 42.5
Last time these two teams played it finished 12-6 to the Roosters, so the question is how much will the loss of Sam Walker really mean if the game is largely a defensive effort. Since that win the Roosters have been poor at both ends of the park while the Panthers snatched the minor premiership from the grasp of the Warriors. This game will be close and it's anyones at the death.