NRL 2026 - Round 8 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 8 shapes as another tight, tactical slate despite the high scoring environment we’ve seen in 2026. Markets are now pricing in the six again rule and elevated scoring, which means the edge is often in identifying where games don’t follow that trend.

RAIDERS V TIGERS — THURSDAY @ LEICHHARDT

Canberra lead this matchup 26 to 21 overall and 4 to 2 at Leichhardt, but the bigger edge is recent dominance. The Raiders have won 10 of the last 11 clashes and consistently find a way to control this fixture. What stands out is scoring restraint, with five of the last seven meetings producing 40 points or less.

That suggests this is more likely to be a grind than a shootout. If the Raiders dictate tempo through the middle, the Tigers will struggle to lift the scoring.

TIP: EITHER TEAM TO WIN BY UNDER 10.5PTS / UNDER 48.5PTS TOTAL $3.50

COWBOYS V SHARKS — FRIDAY @ TOWNSVILLE

Cronulla dominate this matchup 41 to 20 overall and 5 to 1 in Townsville. They’ve also won 14 of the last 16 against North Queensland, making this one of the most one-sided rivalries in the competition.

Braydon Trindall has quietly become a key piece in this matchup, scoring in two of his last three against the Cowboys. With the Sharks’ structured attack and strong record in these conditions, they look set to control the game again.

TIP: SHARKS / BRAYDON TRINDALL ANYTIME TRY SCORER

BRONCOS V BULLDOGS — FRIDAY @ SUNCORP

Brisbane lead 40 to 25 overall and 13 to 7 at Suncorp, with eight wins from their last nine against Canterbury. The Bulldogs have also dropped three of their last four this season, which raises questions around consistency.

The absence of Haas and Walsh has pushed the price out on Brisbane, but it hasn’t shifted the underlying matchup. They still hold the edge here and look well placed at the odds.

TIP: BRONCOS $2.48

ROOSTERS V DRAGONS — SATURDAY @ ALLIANZ

The Roosters lead 30 to 23 overall and 16 to 12 at Allianz, winning four of the last five meetings. This fixture tends to produce points, with only one of the last five clashes falling below 50 total.

But the ANZAC Day angle adds a twist. In five of the last eight clashes on this stage, the Dragons have either won or kept it within 10 points. That suggests they consistently lift for this occasion, even against stronger opposition.

TIP: DRAGONS +10.5 $2.45

WARRIORS V DOLPHINS — SATURDAY @ GO MEDIA

This matchup sits evenly at 4 to 4 overall, with the Warriors holding a slight 3 to 2 edge in New Zealand. Recent games have been tight and controlled, with four of the last five producing 44 points or less and four decided by four points or fewer.

That trend points strongly to another close, low margin contest where neither side gets clear separation.

TIP: EITHER TEAM TO WIN BY UNDER 10.5PTS / UNDER 48.5PTS TOTAL

RABBITOHS V STORM — SATURDAY @ AAMI

Melbourne’s dominance in this fixture is overwhelming, leading 36 to 7 overall. South Sydney have beaten them just once at home in 21 attempts and have never beaten them in 13 games at AAMI Park.

Scoring trends reinforce that gap. In their last five visits to AAMI, the Rabbits have scored between 8 and 20 points. That makes it difficult to see them matching Melbourne over 80 minutes.

TIP: STORM / RABBITOHS UNDER 23.5PTS TOTAL $2.20

KNIGHTS V PANTHERS — SUNDAY @ NEWCASTLE

Penrith lead 30 to 25 overall and 17 to 11 at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Knights’ biggest issue is their inability to handle top sides, losing their last 21 matches against competition leaders.

This fixture has also trended lower scoring, with five of the last six meetings producing 44 points or less. If that holds, it brings the margin into play again.

TIP: EITHER TEAM TO WIN BY UNDER 10.5PTS / UNDER 49.5PTS TOTAL

SEA EAGLES V EELS — SUNDAY @ BROOKVALE

Manly dominate this matchup 97 to 63 overall and 49 to 21 at Brookvale. They’ve also won the last three at this ground, where Parramatta have struggled historically, especially in this Sunday afternoon slot.

Lehi Hopoate is emerging as a key angle. He’s scored three tries in just two games against the Eels and comes in off a double last week, with five tries in his last three games. With Manly strong at home and attacking well on edges, he’s the one to follow.

TIP: MANLY / LEHI HOPOATE ANYTIME TRY SCORER $2.10