NRL 2026 - Round 7 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.

Round 6 saw total attendance tick past one million for the 2026 season and the product is reflecting that interest. We’re now averaging 52 points per game and the six again rule is clearly playing a role. Fatigue is kicking in, defences are cracking late and markets are starting to catch up. The edge now is identifying where they still haven’t.

SEA EAGLES V COWBOYS — THURSDAY @ TOWNSVILLE

Manly have had the wood on North Queensland for a while, leading 23 to 15 overall and winning the last three clashes. They’ve also handled the trip north better than most, going four from four at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. This is a matchup that can open up late, with four of the last seven clearing 54 total points.

Jason Saab has been a constant threat in this fixture, scoring in each of his last three against the Cowboys. With Manly’s ability to shift early and isolate edges, he’s likely to see his chances again in a game that should be played at a genuine tempo.

TIP: MANLY / JASON SAAB ANYTIME TRY SCORER $4

RAIDERS V STORM — FRIDAY @ GIO

Melbourne still lead this matchup comfortably 38 to 18 and 16 to 7 at GIO, but Canberra have closed the gap winning four of the last six including the past two. The Storm haven’t been back to GIO since 2022 when they won 34 to 10, so there’s a slight unknown around conditions.

Recent meetings suggest a grind. Four of the last six have gone under 40 total points and margins have been tight, with four decided by 10 or less. This shapes as a controlled contest rather than a shootout, especially if both sides settle into middle dominance early.

TIP: UNDER 47.5 TOTAL POINTS / EITHER TEAM BY UNDER 10.5 POINTS $3.50

DOLPHINS V PANTHERS — FRIDAY @ DARWIN

Penrith hold a slight edge 2 to 1 overall, but the Dolphins proved they can match them with a 30 to 12 win last time at Suncorp. This one heads to Darwin which adds another layer. TIO Stadium has been hosting games since 2012 and conditions often turn matches into endurance tests.

The Dolphins have already handled the venue, putting 44 on Parramatta in their only appearance here. Hamiso Tabuai Fidow has scored in all three games against Penrith and remains their most dangerous weapon in broken play. With conditions likely to test the Panthers late, the line looks generous.

TIP: DOLPHINS +14.5 / TABUAI FIDOW ANYTIME TRY SCORER $3

WARRIORS V TITANS — SATURDAY @ GO MEDIA

Gold Coast lead this matchup 21 to 15 overall and have had the better of recent meetings, winning three of the last five. What stands out is scoring. The last six clashes have all produced 40 points or more, pointing to two sides comfortable playing at speed.

The Titans have also proven they travel well to Auckland, winning their last three at Go Media as outsiders. If this turns into another up tempo contest, they’re well equipped to match the Warriors blow for blow.

TIP: TITANS / OVER 38.5 POINTS $4.32

RABBITOHS V DRAGONS — SATURDAY @ ACCOR

South Sydney lead this rivalry 39 to 27 and hold a strong 16 to 8 record at Accor. They’ve taken three of the last five meetings and come in against a Dragons side that has now dropped 10 straight NRL matches.

Despite that, the Dragons have been more competitive than results suggest, getting within 13 points in three of their last five losses to Souths. This points to a game where the Rabbits should control it, but not necessarily run away from them.

TIP: RABBITOHS 1 TO 12 $3.20

TIGERS V BRONCOS — SATURDAY @ CAMPBELLTOWN

Brisbane dominate this matchup 24 to 9 overall and are a perfect eight from eight at Campbelltown. They’ve also won the last three meetings. That said, this is a different Tigers side in 2026 and far more capable of contributing to the scoreboard.

Recent history suggests points. Four of the last five clashes have cleared 54 total points and if that trend holds, this sets up as one of the higher scoring games of the round. Payne Haas has even chipped in with two tries in his last three against the Tigers and looms as a genuine value play again.

TIP: OVER 52.5 POINTS / PAYNE HAAS ANYTIME TRY SCORER $14.26

ROOSTERS V KNIGHTS — SUNDAY @ ALLIANZ

The Roosters have dominated this matchup 40 to 22 overall and 16 to 6 at Allianz. They’ve won eight of the last nine including the last four, and Newcastle’s record at this venue is a major concern.

The Knights have scored 14 points or less in their last six games at Allianz against the Roosters, and every one of those ended in a 13 plus defeat. That trend is hard to ignore and suggests a similar script here.

TIP: ROOSTERS 13+ / KNIGHTS UNDER 20.5 POINTS $2.17

EELS V BULLDOGS — SUNDAY @ COMMBANK

This rivalry sits slightly in favour of the Bulldogs 88 to 76 overall, but Parramatta have been strong at Commbank leading 5 to 2. Recent meetings are split, with the Dogs taking three of the last five.

This shapes as one of the tighter games of the round. Both sides have shown they can match each other physically, and with no dominant trend in scoring, it’s likely decided in the final 20 minutes. It's been low scoring in recent clashes with the last 4 bouts resulting in 44pts or less.

TIP: EELS +12.5 / UNDER 48.5PTS @$3.20