NRL Round 27 Best Bets 2026: Tips and Predictions for Every Game

The final round of the 2026 NRL regular season is here, and while the top eight has been decided, there is still plenty to play for. The Warriors and Panthers are fighting for the minor premiership, while several finals-bound teams can improve their position before September.

This week's NRL best bets feature a mix of line betting, head-to-head selections and match totals across all eight Round 27 games.

Best Bet: Brisbane Broncos +10.5

Canterbury should start favourites at home, but trusting them to win comfortably is difficult after another inconsistent season. Brisbane have endured an even worse premiership defence, although there is enough quality in their side to make this competitive. With both teams playing their final game of 2026, the +10.5 gives the Broncos plenty of room in what could be a scrappy contest.

Best Bet: Dolphins -4.5

The Dolphins produced a statement win over the Roosters last week and still have plenty to play for as they look to secure the best possible finals position. Gold Coast sit 16th after another disappointing season and have struggled to put complete performances together. The Dolphins have the stronger side and should cover less than a converted try.

Best Bet: South Sydney Rabbitohs -4.5

South Sydney can secure sixth position with a win, while the Roosters enter the derby after a costly defeat to the Dolphins. Sam Walker's season-ending injury is a significant blow for Sydney at exactly the wrong time. Form can go out the window in this rivalry, but the Rabbitohs are better positioned to take advantage and cover the -4.5 line.

Best Bet: Over 48.5 Points

New Zealand's win over Newcastle turned into a high-scoring affair last week, while Manly also exploded offensively in their big win over the Dragons. The Warriors need to keep scoring with their points differential almost identical to Penrith's in the minor premiership race. With Manly playing without finals pressure, this shapes as another open contest where both sides can contribute to the total.

Best Bet: North Queensland Cowboys -4.5

North Queensland have secured finals football but still have an opportunity to improve their position before September. Canberra have little beyond pride to play for after a major drop-off this season, while the Cowboys return home with momentum after beating the Tigers. A line of less than a converted try looks manageable for the finals-bound Cowboys.

Best Bet: Melbourne Storm Head to Head

Cronulla's form remains a concern heading into the finals after they were beaten by Parramatta last week. Melbourne won't feature in September, but their strong win over Brisbane showed they haven't completely checked out of the season. With the Sharks locked into fifth and struggling for momentum, the Storm are worth backing outright to cause the upset at Shark Park.

Best Bet: Parramatta Eels -3.5

Parramatta are finishing the season strongly and produced an impressive win over finals-bound Cronulla last week. The Dragons have officially secured the wooden spoon after a miserable campaign and have little beyond pride to play for. The Eels have shown enough late improvement to suggest they can finish 2026 with another win and cover the short line.

Best Bet: Penrith Panthers -4.5

Penrith have the minor premiership firmly in their sights and could enter this game knowing exactly what they need after the Warriors play on Saturday. With the two sides separated by almost nothing on points differential, there could be incentive for the Panthers to keep attacking. Against a Tigers side sitting 14th, Penrith should have little trouble covering a modest -4.5 line.