NRL Round 26 Best Bets 2026: Tips and Predictions for Every Game
Round 26 means we are almost to finals! There are 2 spots left in the top 8 and results this week could seal the deal for a number of teams or we could see everything pushed until the final round.
This week's NRL best bets feature a mix of winning margins, line betting and match totals, with opportunities across all eight games.
Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm
Best Bet: Melbourne Storm 13+ Win Margin
Brisbane have allowed 30+ points to their opponent in 4 straight games and are ranked 10th or lower in the majority of defensive metrics. Melbourne have won 6 of the last 8 games against the Broncos at Suncorp and with Jahrome Hughes back steering the ship, their attacking upside is greatly improved.
Manly Sea Eagles vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Best Bet: Manly Over 28.5 Team Total
Manly have scored at least 28 points in nine of their 10 wins this season and looked like a completely different team with Tommy Turbo back in the lineup. On the other end of the spectrum, St George Illawarra have conceded 30+ points 10 times this season and have one foot on the plane to Bali.
Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Best Bet: Canterbury +9.5 Line
Canterbury beat Penrith earlier in the year and the Panthers have problems with their defensive structures, especially in the middle where they have given up Run Metres and tries close to the line. The Dogs have improved their attacking output, scoring 24.4 pts across their last 5 and even if they don't win, should be able to keep it close here.
Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Best Bet: South Sydney Rabbitohs -9.5
Latrell Mitchell is expected to return after being named in the reserves which is a massive boost to a Rabbitohs team that could effectively seal their spot in the finals with a win against the Titans. Gold Coast have given up over 34 pts per game to their opponents during their 4 game losing streak.
Sydney Roosters vs Dolphins
Best Bet: Dolphins +4.5
Best Bet: Over 48.5 Game Total
Both of these teams have outstanding attacking players and even though their respective defences have been strong at times this season, they are also inconsistent especially against fast ball movement. It is likely we see long range tries and once the game has opened, even just a little, it will be hard to stop the points from coming.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers
Best Bet: Wests over 18.5 Team Total
The Tigers did a number on the Knights last week in one of the major upsets of the round. They will have momentum and confidence heading into this matchup knowing they can put a major dent in the Cowboys finals hopes. I still think North QLD win this game but the opportunity for points is clear, the Cows need to outscore their opponent and they can do it best while focusing on attack, not defence.
New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights
Best Bet: New Zealand -10.5
The Warriors are absolutely locked in and now have the luxury of a long run of home games, especially if they can finish in the top 2. A win here would go a long way to confirming that while the Knights have lost 3 of their last 5 road games and have been allowing 22 pts to opponents away from home.
Parramatta Eels vs Cronulla Sharks
Best Bet: Cronulla -6.5
The Sharks had no troubles putting 30 past the Titans last week without Braydon Trindall and with only minor changes in the lineup this week, the chance they do the same to Parramatta is big. While they are almost already guarenteed a home final, a top 4 finish for Cronulla is important to have that extra life given the inconsistency that has plagued them against top teams.
