NRL 2026 - R23 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.

TITANS V COWBOYS — THURSDAY 8:00PM @ CBUS SUPER STADIUM

North Queensland lead the overall rivalry 23-13, but the Titans have held their own at CBUS Super Stadium, leading the venue record 9-7. Recent meetings on the Gold Coast have been tightly contested, with each of the last three decided by nine points or fewer.

Murray Taulagi continues to thrive in this fixture, scoring in each of his last four games against the Titans. With little separating these sides on recent history, another close contest looks likely.

NIC'S BEST: EITHER TEAM UNDER 12.5PTS

VALUE SGM: EITHER TEAM UNDER 12.5PTS / TAULAGI ATS $3.20

WARRIORS V PANTHERS — FRIDAY 6:00PM @ GO MEDIA STADIUM

Penrith have controlled this rivalry for several years, leading the overall record 35-19 and winning 11 of the last 12 meetings. They also hold a narrow 12-10 advantage at Go Media Stadium.

The Warriors have struggled to post points against the Panthers, exceeding 20 just once since 2019. Four of the last six meetings have produced 38 points or fewer, suggesting another defensive battle despite Casey McLean missing after scoring a double in the most recent clash.

NIC'S BEST: WARRIORS TEAM TOTAL 11-20PTS

VALUE SGM: WARRIORS TEAM TOTAL 11-20PTS / TOTAL POINTS 31-40 $5.75

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

The Roosters lead the all-time rivalry 95-83 and hold a 15-12 advantage over Canterbury at Allianz Stadium. They've also won three of the last five meetings, although three of those games were decided by four points or fewer.

Sydney are in outstanding form on home soil, winning their last nine games in New South Wales. They've also scored the first try in each of their last nine matches at Allianz Stadium, making fast starts a feature of their success.

NIC'S BEST: DOGS +12.5

VALUE SGM: DOGS +12.5 / DOGS TO WIN A HALF $2.70

SEA EAGLES V STORM — SATURDAY 3:00PM @ HBF PARK, PERTH

Melbourne hold a slender 27-20 advantage overall, but recent history favours Manly, who lead the last five meetings 3-2. The Sea Eagles also boast a perfect 2-0 record at HBF Park, while the Storm are 2-2 at the venue.

Tolu Koula has become a genuine menace for Melbourne, scoring in every game he's played against the Storm. If Manly continue their recent success in Perth, he'll likely play a major role again.

NIC'S BEST: KOULA ATS

VALUE SGM: MANLY 13+ / KOULA ATS $5.25

DOLPHINS V BRONCOS — SATURDAY 5:30PM @ SUNCORP STADIUM

Brisbane have dominated the Queensland derby, leading the overall record 6-1 and winning five of the six meetings played at Suncorp Stadium.

This shapes as one of the Dolphins' biggest games of the season, with victory keeping their top-four hopes alive. The Broncos will be without Adam Reynolds, while Herbie Farnworth has scored twice in three games against his former club. Jake Averillo also enjoys this fixture, crossing in each of his last four appearances against Brisbane.

NIC'S BEST: DOLPHINS 13+

VALUE SGM: DOLPHINS 13+ / FARNWORTH ATS $4.20

RABBITOHS V EELS — SATURDAY 7:35PM @ ALLIANZ STADIUM

South Sydney lead the overall series 79-56, but Parramatta hold a 6-3 advantage over the Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium. Recent meetings have generally produced points, with four of the last five clashes finishing with 44 points or more.

Josh Addo-Carr has an outstanding record against South Sydney, scoring 14 tries in 16 games, while Brian Kelly has crossed four times in 11 appearances against the Rabbitohs. If this becomes another open contest, both players will be dangerous.

NIC'S BEST: EELS TO WIN

VALUE SGM: EELS / OVER 46.5PTS / ADDO-CARR ATS $10.80

KNIGHTS V RAIDERS — SUNDAY 2:00PM @ McDONALD JONES STADIUM

Canberra lead the overall rivalry 32-28, although the Raiders' dominant 21-8 record at GIO Stadium has heavily contributed to that advantage.

Newcastle have plenty to play for, with a win going a long way towards securing a top-eight finish. Simi Sasagi has also enjoyed facing the Knights, scoring in each of his last three games against them.

NIC'S BEST: KNIGHTS TO WIN

VALUE SGM: KNIGHTS / SASAGI ATS $5.25

DRAGONS V SHARKS — SUNDAY 4:05PM @ JUBILEE STADIUM

Cronulla lead the overall rivalry 32-24, although St George Illawarra hold a narrow 8-7 edge at Jubilee Stadium. The Dragons also won the last meeting at the venue 22-14.

The Sharks are chasing a top-four finish, while the Dragons appear destined for the wooden spoon. Local derbies, however, often ignore the ladder. St George have scored between 10 and 20 points in nine of their last 12 games against Cronulla, making that team total an appealing angle.

NIC'S BEST: DRAGONS 11-20PTS

VALUE SGM: SHARKS / DRAGONS 11-20PTS $2.25

NIC'S WEEKEND BEST

"tbc"