NRL Week 26

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Bulldogs V Panthers – Accor Stadium – 21.50NZT
The Bulldogs will win this. This comes at a great time for them after losing two in a row.

And the Panthers rest 16 players. There’s not too much else to say. I guess a few of these guys are playing for contracts. Maybe Perth or PNG – so I think this game will be closer than most people think, but the Bulldogs will win.

TIP: Bulldogs 13+

 

FRIDAY: Warriors V Eels – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 20.00NZT
Wahs at home, with a top four spot on the line. Back ‘em in. The Eels were so good last week, upsetting the Roosters, so expect them to bring the heat over the Tasman to try to ruffle the feathers of the home side.

The Warriors are a good side. Everyone’s writing their season off – but it’s not over yet. I think they have a couple of good games left in them this year.

Eels definitely have the X Factor to compete against the Warriors, but the home crowd will get the Wahs home.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

Storm V Roosters – AAMI Park – 22.00NZT
Craig Bellamy coaches game 600 for the Melbourne Storm. A remarkable feat. So yes, there’s no way they lose this milestone game.

And the Roosters are teetering on the edge of the eight. Could almost tumble out if they lose their last two fixtures.

While yes, the Storm are resting a couple of players, they have so much motivation and reason to win this one. They’ve been so strong at home in 2025, and the Roosters’ form has been up and down of late. Hard to get a read on them.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Raiders V Tigers – GIO Stadium – 17.00NZT

This win for the Raiders could almost cement their JJ Giltinan Shield win as Minor Premiers. The Tigers have this rogue outsider chance of making the top eight that won’t happen, but it is the hope that kills you, Tigers fans.

While losing Xavier Savage is a downer, the inclusion of Savelio Tamale almost balances it out.

Hope to see some flair and positive attacking football. Raiders have been flaunting it all year, Tigers gave us glimpses last week – we deserve it.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Dragons V Sea Eagles – Jubilee Stadium – 19.30

The odds for this one are close, and I think that’s a fair representation of this game. Despite being spanked by the Rabbitohs last week, they are back at home and ready to end the Sea Eagles season.

While Manly are looking to send out DCE on a high, they have to knuckle down to beat a side like the Dragons who are just so competitive.

Manly definitely have more points on them, but the Dragons have more grit.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Cowboys V Broncos – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 21.30NZT

Jordan McLean plays his last ever NRL game, which will be a nice end to a nice career. It’s a shame that it comes against the Broncos who will undoubtedly spank them.

I am looking forward to seeing the Cowboys blue light jersey – but that’s about all I expect of the Cowboys against such a quality opposition.

Broncos form is really coming in. I like what I am seeing. They’re timing their run perfectly.

TIP: Broncos 13+

SUNDAY: Sharks V Knights – Sharks Stadium – 16.00NZT

Another huge loss for the Knights is incoming. They’re so woeful. Honestly. Must be tough to be a Novocastrian.
Sharks – fresh off the bye – they should be coming in HOT and ready to add more misery onto Newcastle.

Don’t expect anything other than a big win for Cronulla.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

Dolphins V Titans – Suncorp Stadium – 18.00NZT
The last Queensland derby of the year and it comes with the Dolphins missing out on the top eight, just – for a third straight season….and the Titans being a titanic disappointment for the second year in a row.

Dolphins are a much better side, but with Des having only this game and the following week left as a head coach in the NRL, you’d like to see a bit more from the Titans troops.

Will be tough to gauge what the result will be, but I believe we’ll see a high scoring affair.

TIP: Dolphins 1-12

BYE: Rabbitohs

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