NRL Round 26: Burgz Tipping Guide
Share
Article by Burgz
As we inch closer to the end of the NRL season, some of us might be blasting ahead or just holding on for dear life. But hey, there’s always next week, right? Let’s dive into the tips for Round 26, where we’ll see some teams fighting for their finals lives and others just trying to avoid a blowout.
Cowboys vs Storm
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Thursday 7:50 pm
The Cowboys are gunning for their third straight win against Melbourne, and they’ll be hungry to secure a home final. The Storm have rested several first graders, which should give the Cowboys an edge. However, don’t expect Melbourne to roll over—they still have plenty of fight in them.
Tip: Cowboys
Margin: 1-12
Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles
Accor Stadium, Friday 6:00 pm
The Bulldogs are on fire at home, riding a five-game winning streak and keeping their perfect home record intact. Manly’s discipline—or lack thereof—was their downfall against the Tigers last week, with three sin bins ruining any chance they had. While the Sea Eagles have historically had the upper hand against the Dogs, the form guide suggests the Bulldogs should edge them out in this one.
Tip: Bulldogs
Margin: 1-12
Panthers vs Rabbitohs
BlueBet Stadium, Friday 8:00 pm
The Panthers have hit a rough patch, losing two in a row, but they haven’t dropped three straight since 2019. The Rabbitohs, meanwhile, are in even worse shape, having lost five consecutive games. Penrith’s strong record against South Sydney, coupled with the Rabbitohs’ struggles, suggests this should be a comfortable win for the Panthers.
Tip: Panthers
Margin: 13+
Eels vs Dragons
CommBank Stadium, Saturday 3:00 pm
The Eels are flirting with disaster, potentially dropping to the bottom of the ladder if they can’t pull off a win here. Meanwhile, the Dragons have been inconsistent, unable to string together two wins in a row since Round 14. While Parramatta’s defense has been porous, the Dragons should have just enough to get over the line in what’s likely to be a tight contest.
Tip: Dragons
Margin: 1-12
Dolphins vs Broncos
Suncorp Stadium, Saturday 5:30 pm
The Dolphins have had a rollercoaster of a season, winning only 3 of their last 11 games. The Broncos, despite their ups and downs, are still in the finals hunt, with coach Kevin Walters confident they’ll be there come September. However, the Dolphins have shown glimpses of top-four form earlier this year, and I’m tipping them to bring their A-game and end the Broncos’ season on a high.
Tip: Dolphins
Margin: 1-12
Sharks vs Warriors
PointsBet Stadium, Saturday 7:35 pm
Nicho Hynes has been named among the reserves, so there’s a chance he could play, but all eyes will be on Shaun Johnson in his final game, fittingly against his old club. The Sharks are chasing their fifth straight win and have been proving themselves as a top-four side, even with injuries to key players. While it’ll be an emotional night for the Warriors, the Sharks should have enough to secure the win.
Tip: Sharks
Margin: 1-12
Knights vs Titans
McDonald Jones Stadium, Sunday 2:00 pm
The Knights are still mathematically in the finals race, but it’s a long shot. The Titans, on the other hand, have been in free fall, losing three straight and looking out of sorts. Kalyn Ponga had his best game of the season last week, which could be a turning point. If the Titans can manage to score 20 points, they might have a chance, but with Bradman Best back for the Knights, Newcastle should get the job done.
Tip: Knights
Margin: 1-12
Roosters vs Raiders
Allianz Stadium, Sunday 4:05 pm
The Roosters have made a habit of bullying teams outside the top 8, but they’ve struggled against stronger sides. The Raiders pulled off a shock win against the Panthers last week, but their away record leaves much to be desired. With Allianz Stadium being a tough venue for visiting teams, expect the Roosters to edge out a close one, dashing the Raiders’ finals hopes.
Tip: Roosters
Margin: 1-12
There you have it—Round 26 tips that should see you through to the final rounds, whether you’re playing for pride, planning for next season, or just trying to hang on to the finish. Good luck!