NRL 2026 - R21 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.

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

Parramatta lead the all-time rivalry 62-51, but recent history belongs to Penrith, who have won the last five meetings between the clubs. The Panthers also hold a 5-3 record at Commbank Stadium.

While Penrith have dominated this fixture, three of those five victories have come by margins of 1-12 points, suggesting the Eels can stay within striking distance. Thomas Jenkins has also enjoyed facing Parramatta, scoring in each of his three appearances against the blue and gold.

TIP: EELS +13.5 $2.20

MELBOURNE V SOUTHS — FRIDAY 6:00PM @ ACCOR STADIUM

Melbourne have dominated this rivalry, leading 36-8 overall and 9-3 at Accor Stadium. The Rabbitohs, however, have won their last six NRL games at the venue and produced one of the biggest upsets of the season when they thrashed the Storm 48-6 on Anzac Day.

Before that result, Melbourne had won the previous four meetings, highlighting how competitive this matchup has become. Tyran Wishart has also enjoyed playing South Sydney, scoring in each of the last two games he has started against the Bunnies.

TIP: STORM / WISHART ATS $5.90

KNIGHTS V ROOSTERS — FRIDAY 8:00PM @ McDONALD JONES STADIUM

The Roosters have enjoyed this matchup for many years, leading the overall record 40-21 and holding a commanding 19-10 advantage at McDonald Jones Stadium. They've also won the last five meetings overall and the last five played in Newcastle.

History suggests points could be hard to come by, with six of the last eight clashes producing 42 points or fewer. That trend, combined with Sydney's dominance in the fixture, makes the visitors appealing.

TIP: ROOSTERS / UNDER 45.5PTS $3.65

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

Canberra lead the overall rivalry 26-21 and have built a strong record at GIO Stadium, winning 14 of the 24 meetings there. The Raiders have also won their last five home games against the Tigers.

Recent meetings have been closely fought, with Canberra leading the last five clashes 3-2. Defence has generally won out too, with each of the last three encounters producing 47 points or fewer.

TIP: RAIDERS / UNDER 51.5PTS $2.50

BULLDOGS V WARRIORS — SATURDAY 5:30PM @ ACCOR STADIUM

Canterbury lead the all-time series 24-20 and have won seven of the 11 clashes played at Accor Stadium. The Bulldogs also bring winning form into this contest after claiming the last three meetings between the clubs.

There's plenty on the line for both teams. The Warriors sit just two competition points off top spot, while the Bulldogs remain just two points outside the top eight, making this one of the most important games of the round.

TIP: DOGS $2.45

COWBOYS V BRONCOS — SATURDAY 7:35PM @ QLD COUNTRY BANK STADIUM

Brisbane have dominated this rivalry, leading 42-21 overall and winning four of the last five meetings. They've also won their last three visits to Townsville and hold a 4-2 record at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

This fixture has produced plenty of points in recent seasons, with three of the last four clashes in Townsville finishing with 60 points or more. Another open contest looks likely.

TIP: BRONCOS / OVER 48.5PTS $3.20

DRAGONS V TITANS — SUNDAY 2:00PM @ JUBILEE STADIUM

St George Illawarra lead the head-to-head battle 21-12, although the record at Jubilee Stadium is locked at 4-4. The clubs haven't met there since 2016 when the Titans claimed a 20-point victory.

Low-scoring games have become a feature of this rivalry, with each of the last five meetings producing 48 points or fewer. That trend points towards another tight contest.

TIP: DRAGONS +12.5 / UNDER 48.5PTS $1.95

SEA EAGLES V SHARKS — SUNDAY 4:05PM @ 4 PINES PARK

Manly hold a commanding 68-32 overall advantage and have won 34 of the 43 meetings played at Brookvale. Despite that, Cronulla have had the wood over the Sea Eagles recently, winning the last four clashes overall and the last four at 4 Pines Park.

Points have generally flowed whenever these sides meet, with only one of the last 14 meetings producing fewer than 42 points. Tolu Koula also shapes as a danger after scoring a double in his most recent game against the Sharks.

TIP: OVER 42.5PTS / T KOULA ATS $3.84