NRL 2026 - R13 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.

SHARKS V MANLY — FRIDAY 8:00PM @ SHARK PARK

Manly hold a commanding 75-33 advantage overall but the Sharks have turned the matchup around recently winning the last three clashes. Cronulla also continue to start quickly at home having led at halftime in 11 of their last 12 games at Shark Park. Despite the overall numbers favouring Manly, the Sea Eagles still own a winning record away against Cronulla at 27-23.

Clayton Faulolo continues to emerge as a value try scorer with four tries in his last five matches and two tries in his last three games against the Sharks. This shapes as a close game with Cronulla likely to start stronger before Manly work back into the contest late.

TIP: SHARKS WIN FIRST HALF / FAULOLO ATS / MANLY TO WIN

KNIGHTS V EELS — SATURDAY 3:00PM @ MCDONALD JONES STADIUM

There is nothing separating these clubs historically with the overall record tied 31-31, although Newcastle hold a 20-12 advantage at McDonald Jones Stadium. Parramatta have still enjoyed recent success in Newcastle winning four of the last five clashes played at the venue and four of the last five meetings overall.

One trend that stands out is Parramatta’s fast starts. The Eels have led at halftime in the last seven clashes between the clubs which suggests they continue to match up well against Newcastle early in games.

TIP: EELS TO WIN FIRST HALF AND WIN

TIGERS V BULLDOGS — SATURDAY 5:30PM @ COMMBANK STADIUM

The Bulldogs lead the overall record 28-18 but the Tigers have surprisingly won three of the four clashes played at Commbank Stadium. Recent meetings have generally stayed tight with the biggest winning margin across the last four games sitting at just 14 points.

Alex Seyfarth has built a strong scoring profile at this venue crossing in three of his last four games at Commbank. With these matches regularly turning into grind-style contests, the value may again sit with an edge forward close to the line.

TIP: ALEX SEYFARTH ATS

STORM V ROOSTERS — SATURDAY 7:35PM @ AAMI PARK

Melbourne lead the overall record 33-21 and have been difficult to beat at AAMI Park with a 10-5 edge against the Roosters at the venue. Sydney haven’t beaten the Storm in Melbourne since August 2022 and once again face a tough assignment heading south.

Jack Howarth continues to improve every week and has scored in one of his last three games against the Roosters. Melbourne’s discipline and defensive systems at home remain among the best in the competition and they look well placed again here.

TIP: STORM / HOWARTH ATS

BRONCOS V DRAGONS — SUNDAY 2:00PM @ SUNCORP STADIUM

Brisbane narrowly lead the overall record 25-22 and are 13-11 against the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium. St George Illawarra have surprisingly won the last two clashes between the clubs and both victories came at this venue.

The concern for Dragons punters is form. The Red V have now lost 15 straight NRL matches with their last five defeats all by 13 points or more. Kotoni Staggs has consistently caused problems for the Dragons scoring five tries in his last three games against them.

TIP: DRAGONS +19.5 / STAGGS ATS

RAIDERS V COWBOYS — SUNDAY 4:05PM @ GIO STADIUM

North Queensland lead the overall record 27-25 and completely own this matchup recently winning the last eight clashes against Canberra. Even more concerning for Raiders fans is they haven’t beaten the Cowboys in Canberra since 2018.

The Raiders continue to start slowly at home trailing at halftime in their last six games at GIO Stadium. North Queensland’s ability to control field position and tempo early has been a major factor in this matchup over recent seasons.

TIP: COWBOYS TO WIN FIRST HALF AND WIN THE MATCH

PANTHERS V WARRIORS — SUNDAY 6:15PM @ COMMBANK STADIUM

Penrith hold a dominant 34-19 overall advantage and have won 10 of the last 11 clashes against the Warriors. The Panthers are also 18-8 against New Zealand at home which underlines just how difficult this assignment has been historically for the Warriors.

There is one interesting angle though. The Warriors arrive in far better ladder position than usual and have already shown they can handle Commbank Stadium smashing Parramatta 36-14 and 46-10 in their last two visits to the venue. If New Zealand can match Penrith through the middle, they’re capable of making this far more competitive than recent history suggests.

TIP: WARRIORS