NRL 2026 - R27 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.

CANTERBURY V BRISBANE

Canterbury lead the overall head-to-head 39-25 and hold a narrow 10-9 advantage over Brisbane at Accor Stadium. The Broncos have had the better of this match-up recently, winning four of the last five, but they've lost the first half in seven of their last eight NRL games. The 52.5 total has also been cleared just once in the last four clashes between these clubs in Sydney.

TIP: DOGS -9.5 / DOGS WIN FIRST HALF @$2.20

DOLPHINS V TITANS

The Dolphins have dominated this match-up 6-1 overall and are unbeaten in three meetings with the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium. Two of those three wins have been by 13+ points, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has crossed in each of his last three games against the Titans.

TIP: DOLPHINS TO WIN BY 21-30 / HAMISO TABUAI-FIDOW ATS @$7.00

SOUTHS V SYDNEY ROOSTERS

This one has been turned on its head by the Roosters resting nine players ahead of the finals. They've gone so deep into the squad the NRL doesn't even have headshots for some of the fill-ins! Alex Johnston scored a double in the last clash between these clubs and gets his chance to cash in against a heavily weakened Roosters outfit.

TIP: SOUTHS -21.5 / ALEX JOHNSTON 3+ TRIES @$6.00

WARRIORS V MANLY

Manly lead the overall head-to-head 29-14 and have an impressive 11-6 record against the Warriors at Go Media Stadium. But the Warriors have plenty to play for as they chase the minor premiership and may need to pile on the points. Alofiana Khan-Pereira has enjoyed this match-up, scoring seven tries in his last four games against Manly.

TIP: WARRIORS -10.5 / ALOFIANA KHAN-PEREIRA 2+ TRIES @$5.50

COWBOYS V RAIDERS

Nothing separates these clubs overall with the head-to-head locked at 26-26, but North Queensland have dominated this match-up recently. The Cowboys are 5-1 against Canberra at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and have won four of the last five clashes overall. The 41-50 total points band has landed in three of the last five meetings between these sides at this venue.

TIP: COWBOYS / TOTAL POINTS 41-50 @$6.00

CRONULLA V MELBOURNE

Melbourne lead the overall head-to-head 32-18, although Cronulla hold a 10-8 advantage at Shark Park and the Storm haven't beaten them in Sydney since 2020. Melbourne have won three of the last five clashes, and the equation changes significantly here with Cronulla resting several of their biggest names.

TIP: STORM OVER 38.5PTS $4.25

PARRAMATTA V ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA

Parramatta lead the overall head-to-head 25-18, but the Dragons have won five of seven clashes between the clubs at WIN Stadium. These games have also produced points recently, with 50+ scored in three of the last four meetings.

TIP: DRAGONS / OVER 49.5PTS TOTAL @$3.00

PENRITH V TIGERS

Penrith dominate the overall head-to-head 29-15 and are unbeaten in five clashes with the Tigers at CommBank Stadium. The Panthers won by a staggering 68 points when they met in June after winning by 34 in 2025, while Thomas Jenkins has scored six tries in his last three games against the Tigers. The big watch is the Warriors result - Penrith will know exactly what they need to win the minor premiership, although heading into the finals with a healthy squad may ultimately be more important than finishing first.

DON'T BET UNTIL AFTER WARRIORS V MANLY.

TIP: PENRITH OVER 37.5PTS / PANTHERS -10.5 FIRST HALF / THOMAS JENKINS 2+ TRIES @$5.25

★ NIC'S BEST ★

STORM OVER 38.5PTS $4.25