NRL 2026 - R20 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.

PANTHERS V BRONCOS — THURSDAY 8:00PM @ COMMBANK STADIUM

Brisbane lead the all-time ledger 37-31, but Penrith have turned the tables in recent years, winning four of the last five meetings between the clubs. The Panthers have also won their last seven home games in 2026 and remain competition leaders despite dropping two of their most recent matches.

The Broncos return to Commbank for the first time since beating Parramatta there in Round 10 last year. Both sides welcome back Origin stars, although Penrith’s recent home form and the emergence of Thomas Jenkins, who has scored seven tries in his last four games, loom large. Brisbane’s defeats have generally been competitive, with four of their last five losses coming by 12 points or fewer.

TIP: BRONCOS +14.5 / UNDER 45.5PTS $3.45

SHARKS V KNIGHTS — FRIDAY 6:00PM @ SHARK PARK

Newcastle narrowly lead the overall rivalry 34-31, but Cronulla have dominated recent meetings, winning four of the last five and holding an 18-11 advantage at Shark Park.

One trend stands out at the venue: the Sharks have scored the opening try in eight of their last nine home games against Newcastle. The Knights have also struggled to post points in the Shire, failing to score more than 18 there since 2014.

TIP: SHARKS / SHARKS TO SCORE FIRST TRY / KNIGHTS TEAM TOTAL UNDER 21.5PTS $2.85

ROOSTERS V STORM — FRIDAY 8:00PM @ ALLIANZ STADIUM

Melbourne lead the overall record 34-21 and have won four of the last five clashes, including the last two at Allianz Stadium. The Roosters do hold an 8-5 edge at the venue overall, however.

Both clubs come into the match in strong form with four wins from their last five games. The caveat for Melbourne is that all four victories came at home, while their lone defeat was away to Manly. Harry Grant has a terrific record against the Roosters, scoring twice in his last three games against them and twice in his last three visits to Allianz.

TIP: STORM +12.5 / HARRY GRANT ATS $6.75

RAIDERS V RABBITOHS — SATURDAY 3:00PM @ GIO STADIUM

Canberra hold a commanding edge in this rivalry, leading 39-25 overall and 13-7 at GIO Stadium. They’ve also won each of the last five meetings.

South Sydney, though, arrive in solid touch having won three of their last four games, while the Raiders have dropped three of their past five at home. Alex Johnston has enjoyed this fixture, scoring in five of his last six appearances against Canberra.

TIP: SOUTHS / A JOHNSTON ATS $2.80

WARRIORS V DRAGONS — SATURDAY 5:30PM @ GO MEDIA STADIUM

St George Illawarra lead the all-time series 25-15, but recent history in New Zealand favours the Warriors, who have won the last four meetings between the clubs at Go Media Stadium.

The Dragons’ away record remains a concern, with 15 losses from their last 16 road trips. Encouragingly for St George fans, four of their last five defeats have come by 14 points or fewer. Low-scoring games have been the norm in this matchup, with the last five meetings producing 42 points or fewer.

TIP: DRAGONS +15.5 / UNDER 46.5PTS $3.00

BULLDOGS V TIGERS — SATURDAY 7:35PM @ ACCOR STADIUM

Canterbury lead the overall record 27-19 and have won 15 of 24 clashes at Accor Stadium. The Tigers have enjoyed success in the broader rivalry, winning six of the last 10 meetings.

One stat is impossible to ignore: Wests haven’t beaten the Bulldogs at Accor as the away team since Round 1, 2017, losing 14 straight. Jacob Kiraz also has form on his side, having scored in his last two games against the Tigers.

TIP: DOGS / KIRAZ ATS $2.82

TITANS V SEA EAGLES — SUNDAY 2:00PM @ CBUS SUPER STADIUM

Manly hold a 17-13 advantage overall and lead 9-6 at CBUS Stadium. They’ve also won three of the last five meetings between the clubs.

Points have flowed whenever these sides meet on the Gold Coast, with three of the last four clashes at CBUS producing at least 64 points. Expect another entertaining contest between two sides that rarely die wondering in attack.

TIP: MANLY / OVER 47.5PTS $2.94

DOLPHINS V COWBOYS — SUNDAY 4:05PM @ SUNCORP STADIUM

The Dolphins have enjoyed this matchup since entering the competition, leading the head-to-head battle 5-2 overall. North Queensland, however, hold a 2-1 advantage in meetings played at Suncorp Stadium.

This fixture has become one of the NRL’s most reliable sources of points, with six of the seven meetings producing at least 54. Murray Taulagi has been a constant threat, scoring in every game he has played against the Dolphins.

TIP: OVER 50.5PTS / TAULAGI ATS $3.42