NRL 2026 - R24 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.

PENRITH V ROOSTERS – THURSDAY

The Roosters lead the overall head-to-head 57-46 and have an outstanding record at CommBank Stadium, winning nine of their 11 games there, including against Penrith in 2025. Their only defeats at the venue have come against Parramatta.

Penrith have been equally strong at CommBank this season, winning nine of 11, and have completely dominated this match-up with victories in 12 of the last 13 clashes. The knock on the Roosters is their record against the benchmark — they’ve failed to beat the competition leader in their last nine attempts.

Robert Toia has scored in each of his last two games against Penrith.

TIP: ROOSTERS / ROBERT TOIA ATS @$4.50

MANLY V DOLPHINS – FRIDAY

Manly lead the short history between these clubs 3-1 and have won both clashes played at Brookvale.

Those two wins were emphatic, with Manly remarkably scoring 58 points on both occasions. Tolutau Koula also crossed in each of those Brookvale meetings.

TIP: MANLY / TOLUTAU KOULA ATS @$5.50

CANTERBURY V SOUTHS – FRIDAY

Canterbury hold a narrow 86-82 advantage overall and lead 21-19 in meetings at Accor Stadium.

Souths arrive with a terrific record at the venue, having won their last seven NRL matches at Accor. Marcel Montoya has crossed in each of the last two meetings between these clubs.

TIP: DOGS 13+ @$3.00

CRONULLA V CANBERRA – SATURDAY

Cronulla lead the overall rivalry 44-42 and have built a strong 23-13 advantage over Canberra at Shark Park.

The Sharks have won four of the last five clashes and their attack has consistently fired in this match-up, scoring between 31 and 40 points in four of those five meetings.

TIP: SHARKS / SHARKS 31-40PTS @$3.41

PARRAMATTA V NORTH QUEENSLAND – SATURDAY

Parramatta lead the overall head-to-head 27-22 and have won four of the last five meetings between the clubs, including the last three.

Josh Addo-Carr has been particularly dangerous in this match-up, bagging a double in each of the last two clashes.

TIP: EELS / JOSH ADDO-CARR ATS @$3.75

BRISBANE V NEW ZEALAND – SATURDAY

Brisbane lead the overall head-to-head 28-23 and hold an 11-5 advantage over the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.

The Warriors won't have any fears returning to Brisbane after dismantling the Broncos 42-12 at Suncorp during Magic Round. Brisbane are now winless across their last eight appearances in Queensland.

There’s also been an interesting pattern between these sides: the team winning the first half has gone on to win the second half in four of the last five clashes.

TIP: WARRIORS TO WIN BOTH HALVES / DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK ATS @$3.40

NEWCASTLE V GOLD COAST – SUNDAY

Newcastle lead the overall head-to-head 18-15 and hold an 11-5 advantage against the Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Four of the last five meetings have produced at least 44 points, while Fletcher Sharpe has feasted on the Titans with six tries across his last four games against them.

TIP: KNIGHTS 13+ / FLETCHER SHARPE ATS @$3.25

WESTS TIGERS V ST GEORGE – SUNDAY

The Dragons lead the overall head-to-head 26-22 and have won four of the last five clashes between the clubs.

Their most recent meeting at CommBank finished 24-22 in favour of St George. Despite their recent dominance of the match-up, the Dragons haven't scored more than 16 points in the first half in any of the last five meetings.

TIP: DRAGONS / DRAGONS UNDER 16.5PTS FIRST HALF @$2.80

NIC'S WEEKEND BEST

"Newcastle will be pumped on Sunday - home crowd and chance to seal a finals spot. They'll play hard for 80 mins and look a chance to put a stack of points on a Titans team that really have nothing to play for. Fletcher Shapre has been scoring tries for fun especially in this match up."

KNIGHTS 13+ & SHARPE ANYTIME IS YOU WANT AN SGM