NRL 2026 - R12 Preview

Here are the stats and predictions for the upcoming round of the NRL.

These are the notes I use for 2GB radio and other media gigs for NRL updates.

RAIDERS V DOLPHINS — THURSDAY 7:50PM @ GIO STADIUM

These teams have already produced some fireworks in recent seasons with only one of the five clashes failing to crack 50 total points. Canberra lead the overall series 3-2 and won the only meeting between the clubs at GIO Stadium, but the Dolphins absolutely embarrassed them 62-24 in the most recent clash.

The Raiders return from the bye and begin a stretch of four straight home games, while the Dolphins arrive on a three-game winning streak. Origin duty has smashed the visitors with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Max Plath and Thomas Flegler all unavailable. Kodi Nikorima is also sidelined which leaves Bradley Schneider to steer the side around. Canberra lose Hudson Young and Ethan Strange but regain Zac Hosking and Xavier Savage.

TIP: RAIDERS / OVER 50.5PTS

BULLDOGS V STORM — FRIDAY 8:00PM @ ACCOR STADIUM

Melbourne continue to dominate this matchup having won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the clubs. The Storm also lead the overall record 26-23 and are 4-1 across the last five clashes. Despite that dominance, these games have generally stayed tight with the total only going over 40 points once in the last five meetings and no winning margin bigger than 14 points.

The Bulldogs enter this clash on a five-game losing streak and now lose Stephen Crichton to Origin duty. Jacob Kiraz returns on the wing which is a big inclusion for Canterbury. Melbourne have won their last two games but they’ve also been hit by Origin with Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero all unavailable.

TIP: STORM 1-12

DRAGONS V WARRIORS — SATURDAY 3:00PM @ JUBILEE STADIUM

St George Illawarra lead the overall record 25-14 and are 3-2 against the Warriors at Jubilee Stadium, but recent history belongs to New Zealand. The Warriors have won four of the last five clashes between the clubs and arrive in Sydney riding a five-game winning streak after smashing Brisbane 42-12 last start.

The Dragons head the other direction having now lost 14 straight matchesbut they did cover the line for us last week against the Panthers. New Zealand do lose Tanah Boyd to an ACL injury with Te Maire Martin taking over at halfback, while Origin also strips them of Kurt Capewell and Mitchell Barnett.

TIP: DRAGONS +12.5 / UNDER 50.5PTS

SEA EAGLES V TITANS — SATURDAY 5:30PM @ 4PINES PARK

Manly lead the overall record 16-13 but there’s nothing between these sides at 4 Pines Park with the venue split 6-6. The Sea Eagles smashed the Titans 38-8 in the last meeting at this ground, although Gold Coast still hold a 3-2 edge across the last five clashes overall.

Margins have been the big trend with four of the last five meetings decided by 13 points or more. Gold Coast also lose Alofiana Khan-Pereira who has been a nightmare matchup for Manly, scoring at least one try in his last four games against the Sea Eagles. With Jason Saab and Reuben Garrick both running into attacking opportunities on the edges, Manly look set to control this one at home.

TIP: MANLY 13+ / SAAB ATS / GARRICK ATS

COWBOYS V RABBITOHS — SUNDAY 4:05PM @ QLD COUNTRY BANK STADIUM

South Sydney narrowly lead the overall record 21-20 and have won their last three away games against the Cowboys, including two victories by a single point. Despite that trend, North Queensland have quietly built a strong profile against quality opposition, winning their last four games against teams sitting inside the top eight.

The Cowboys remain without Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter, although those absences didn’t stop them beating the Roosters last week. South Sydney are also without Latrell Mitchell which removes a huge chunk of their attacking spark. One interesting trend is the Cowboys have completed the half-time/full-time double in the last three meetings between the clubs.

TIP: COWBOYS FIRST HALF / COWBOYS