Our best bet for Saturday’s NRL Elimination Final between the Cronulla Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys is the Sharks to Win / Under 47.5 / Mulitalo to Score Same Game Multi at $5.10, with Cronulla’s first-choice halves pairing back and Ronaldo Mulitalo scoring in each of the Sharks’ last five wins.

One team’s season will end on Saturday night, as the Sharks host the Cowboys in the second NRL Elimination Final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys

This is the toughest of the finals to call this weekend, with both teams bringing highly mercurial track records into this clash.

Cronulla were on track for a top-four finish before losing four of their last five, including their most recent two.

The Cowboys have been similarly patchy, losing three of their last five, bookended by an 82-12 loss to the Roosters in July and a 50-30 defeat to the Raiders most recently.

Leg 1 – Sharks to Win

There isn’t much in this one, but two factors point towards the Sharks getting over the line here.

First, they’ve got their first-choice halves pairing back in Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes. These two are integral to Cronulla’s attack, and when firing, are far superior to the Cowboys’ pivots.

Second, there’s some positive recent history for the Sharks when it comes to these two sides playing in NRL finals. They met in the semis two years ago, with Cronulla prevailing 26-18.

Leg 2 – Under 47.5 Points Total

Both teams have had their fair share of high-scoring matches in recent weeks, but this one should buck that trend.

Each will know they have a genuine shot at scratching their way to week two of the finals, despite being in poor form.

Expect this to create a scrappy, tight match where both sides struggle to handle the pressure at times.

Leg 3 – Ronaldo Mulitalo to Score

Mulitalo has been an excellent tryscorer bet in this column over the 2026 season.

The Sharks’ winger has 12 tries in just 15 matches so far this year, including in each of Cronulla’s last five wins.

Same Game Multi

Sharks to Win / Under 47.5 / Mulitalo to Score = $5.10

Value Bet

There’s no denying this match is a toss up, so picking the Cowboys to win 1-12 is a good way of offsetting the above multi.

North Queensland won their most recent meeting 46-34 and have the attack to beat any team when it’s firing.

They’ll come into this clash with the least expectation of the two sides, and could well pull off an upset if they’re able to play their best footy.

Cowboys 1-12 @ $4.20

Our best bet for Saturday’s NRL Qualifying Final between the New Zealand Warriors and Dolphins is the Warriors to Win / Over 46.5 / Tabuai-Fidow to Score Same Game Multi at $6.75, with the Warriors on a six-match win streak and five of their last six games producing 46 or more points.

Saturday night in Auckland sees second play third, as the Warriors host the Dolphins for the first NRL Qualifying Final of 2026.

New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins

Both teams bring plenty of form into this clash, with the Warriors riding a six-match win streak and the Dolphins sitting one better at seven straight.

Each was a little shaky last week, as New Zealand scraped past the Sea Eagles thanks to a late Chanel Harris-Tavita field goal, while the Dolphins held out the Titans for a 24-20 victory.

Leg 1 – Warriors to Win

The Warriors have been the form team of the competition the past two months, and it’s hard to see them dropping this one in front of a packed out crowd.

They’ve had defensive issues at times the last month, which the Dolphins’ sharp attack will exploit. However, where they’ve lacked in defence they’ve made up for in attack of their own.

Expect them to give the Auckland faithful the opening final victory they’re after on Saturday.

Leg 2 – Over 46.5 Points Total

Five of the Warriors’ last six matches have seen 46 or more points scored, including each of their last four.

This comes off the back of New Zealand’s relentless attack. We’re talking scores of 31, 46, 45 and 40, combined with their momentary defensive lapses.

Given how potent the Dolphins are with the ball in hand, it’s highly unlikely this unfolds as a low-scoring grind.

Leg 3 – Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to Score

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Tabuai-Fidow thrives in big matches, as evidenced by his tries in each of this year’s Origin matches.

He’s central to the Dolphins’ attack and has already scored 13 times this season, including a double last week.

Given how leaky the Warriors have been on defence, the Dolphins’ fullback should find his way over at some stage.

Same Game Multi

Warriors to Win / Over 46.5 / Tabuai-Fidow to Score = $6.75

Value Bet

The last two meetings between these sides have been razor tight, with margins of two points in each match.

Despite the Warriors’ home advantage and brilliant form, it’s tough to see them running away with this one for the full 80 minutes. They’ve consistently taken their foot off the throat in recent matches, which should allow this one to finish 1-12 on Saturday.

Warriors 1-12 @ $3.15

Our best bet for Friday’s NRL Elimination Final between South Sydney and Newcastle is the Rabbitohs to Win / Over 47.5 / Fifita to Score Same Game Multi at $5.25, with the Rabbitohs winning four of their last five and nine of their last ten games exceeding 47.5 points.

The Rabbitohs and Knights clash in the first of four NRL finals this weekend, with both teams putting their seasons on the line in this Elimination Final at Allianz Stadium on Friday.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights

Sixth plays seventh on Friday night, but it’s the Rabbitohs who bring the better form into this knockout match.

South Sydney have won their last two, against the Roosters and Titans, and four of their last five.

The Knights, on the other hand, have limped their way into playoff footy, losing back-to-back matches to the Warriors and Sea Eagles.

Leg 1 – Rabbitohs to Win

These are two sides headed in different directions, and this kind of momentum matters when it comes to finals.

The Rabbitohs have been firing on all cylinders, scoring 92 points across the past fortnight. Things couldn’t be more opposite for the Knights, who have leaked 90 in their last two.

South Sydney should get over the line here, as they did when these sides met in July.

Leg 2 – Over 47.5 Points Total

The Rabbitohs are notorious for high-scoring affairs, with nine of their last ten games exceeding the 47.5-point mark.

Newcastle are the one team that can rival them on this front. They haven’t had a match with less than 50 points since August 1.

The pressure of the moment may well see things tighten up a little for both teams, but their track records are loose enough that we should still see plenty of points.

Leg 3 – David Fifita to Score

Fifita has rounded into form at the right time this season, scoring three times in four matches, including his last two.

The Rabbitohs’ second-rower gets great ball off both Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell up the middle of the field.

Against a porous defence like Newcastle’s, and with plenty of experience behind him, expect Fifita to cross over again.

Same Game Multi

Rabbitohs to Win / Over 47.5 / Fifita to Score = $5.25

Value Bet

South Sydney are priced to win this one 13+, but the pressure of the moment should restrict their winning margin to 1-12.

A tight start to the match is to be expected, while Newcastle will throw the kitchen sink at the Rabbitohs late in the game once they find themselves behind.

Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $3.15

Our best bet for Sunday’s NRL Round 27 clash between the Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers is the Tigers +19.5 / Under 48.5 / Jenkins to Score Same Game Multi at $5.60, with seven of the last nine meetings seeing the Tigers cover the spread and Thomas Jenkins overdue for a try after four scoreless weeks.

Two teams on opposing ends of the NRL ladder meet in the final match of the regular season this Sunday, with the Panthers hosting the Tigers at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers

Penrith have a top-two spot confirmed already, but have opted to keep momentum going and field a full strength side for this fixture.

They’ve won back-to-back matches coming into this round, overcoming a late season wobble which saw them lose five of eight dating back to mid-June.

For the Tigers, their season was over weeks ago. Wests began well winning six of their first eight, but since then have only been able to add two victories, one of which was a fortnight ago against the table-topping Roosters.

Leg 1 – Tigers +19.5

Despite the regular gap between these two teams on the table, matches between the Tigers and Panthers have traditionally been tight.

Seven of the last nine have seen the Tigers cover the +19.5-point spread, the notable omission being earlier this year when they were shellacked 68-0.

Motivation is a big factor here, however. The Panthers have nothing to play for and will have an eye on the finals next week, while the Tigers know this is their final 80 minutes of the season and will be eager to finish strong.

Leg 2 – Under 48.5 Points Total

Bar their most recent meeting, the preceding 15 games between these two saw less than 48.5 points scored.

Neither team is known for racking up big scorelines as a rule of thumb. Penrith average 16 points over their last four, while the Tigers are at 17.5.

Leg 3 – Thomas Jenkins to Score

Jenkins is one of Penrith’s key finishers, crossing over 28 times in 2026.

He’s cooled slightly in recent weeks, not scoring for four weeks at present. This is the longest he’s gone without a try all year, so it’s hard to see him staying out of the action for another week.

Same Game Multi

Tigers +19.5 / Under 48.5 / Jenkins to Score = $5.60

Value Bet

If the Panthers are tentative and down on motivation, while the Tigers are pumped up and emptying the tank, there’s a world where this finishes as a relatively narrow win for Penrith.

It’s not a foregone conclusion, hence the healthy odds, but there’s value here for those willing to take a stab.

Panthers 1-12 @ $4.20

Our best bet for Friday’s NRL Round 27 Sydney Derby between South Sydney and the Roosters is the Roosters -20.5 / Over 54.5 / Johnston to Score Same Game Multi at $5.75, with the Roosters fielding their NSW Cup team and Alex Johnston scoring in each of his last seven matches with 29 tries from 20 appearances this season.

Two of Sydney’s best sides clash on Friday night in the final round of the NRL regular season, with the Rabbitohs hosting the Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters

The big news heading into this match is that the Roosters have effectively thrown in the towel, and are running out their NSW Cup team for this match.

With a top-four finish already confirmed, they’re bringing in 13 fresh faces, sidelining key figures like Daly Cherry-Evans, James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Sam Walker.

South Sydney have done a little rotation of their own, but still retain the same core as they push for a home Elimination Final next week.

Leg 1 – Roosters -20.5

Despite the Roosters fielding a much weaker team than usual, 20.5 points is still a massive spread.

There’s something to be said for a team playing with zero pressure, particularly one packed full of individuals that will be eager to prove they’ve got what it takes at this level.

Don’t expect Sydney to win, but do expect this to be a little closer than the 20.5-point spread has it.

Leg 2 – Over 54.5 Points Total

The Rabbitohs are notorious for high-scoring matches. Seven of their last nine have cracked 50 points.

Pair this with an inexperienced Roosters team that will be eager to throw the ball around, but perhaps not quite so resilient on defence, and all signs are pointing towards another hefty scoreline.

Leg 3 – Alex Johnston to Score

Johnston has 29 tries from 20 matches in 2026, including at least one in each of his last seven matches.

Up against a NSW Cup-level defence, it’s hard to see Johnston staying off the scoreboard in this one.

Same Game Multi

Roosters -20.5 / Over 54.5 / Johnston to Score = $5.75

Value Bet

Johnston has scored three or more tries on three occasions this season, each of which have come since Round 10.

He’s a core component of the Rabbitohs’ attack, and up against a weak defence in a likely high-scoring match, is in prime position to bag another hattrick this Friday.

Johnston to Score 3 Tries @ $4.00

Our best bet for Thursday’s NRL Round 27 dead rubber between the Canterbury Bulldogs and Brisbane Broncos is the Over 52.5 / Burton to Score / Staggs to Score Same Game Multi at $7.50, with three of Brisbane’s last four matches producing 64 or more points and Matt Burton scoring six tries from nine matches at centre this season.

The final round of the NRL regular season kicks off with a dead rubber between the Bulldogs and Broncos at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Thursday.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos

Few would have picked these teams to miss out on finals footy at the start of the season, given their top-four performances last year.

But with the Bulldogs down in 10th and the Broncos languishing in 15th, all that’s left to play for this Thursday is pride.

Neither side is in any kind of form, with both winning just once in their last four matches. Most recently the Bulldogs had their campaign ended at the hands of the Panthers 24-10, while the Broncos lost 46-20 to the Storm.

Leg 1 – Over 52.5 Points Total

As a dead rubber, plenty of expansive play can be expected here. Neither side will be looking to grind out a win. They’ll be throwing caution to the wind and having a crack.

As it stands, Brisbane’s defence has been leaky enough to push this one over the 52.5-point total. Three of their last four matches have had 64 or more points scored.

Leg 2 – Matt Burton to Score

Burton has been prolific since shifting to centre this season and should cross over in an open match like this.

The Bulldogs pivot has six tries in nine matches at centre, including three in his last two starts.

Leg 3 – Kotoni Staggs to Score

Staggs has had a forgettable season by his standards, but is well-placed to finish with a flourish on Thursday.

The Broncos centre is excellent in open play, of which there should be plenty in this clash.

He picked up a try last week against the Storm, his ninth of the season, and should make it two from two here.

Same Game Multi

Over 52.5 / Burton to Score / Staggs to Score = $7.50

Value Bet

Dead rubbers like this are usually something of a coin toss. Neither side has anything to play for. It just comes down to which club can get themselves motivated.

Brisbane are the better chance of doing so, given they’ve had weeks to come to terms with missing out on the finals, while the Bulldogs’ disappointment is still fresh.

Broncos 1-12 @ $4.80

Our best bet for Sunday’s NRL Round 26 clash between the New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights is the Knights +11.5 / Over 48.5 / Halasima to Score Same Game Multi at $9.00, with each of the Knights’ last three matches producing 54 or more points and the Warriors leaking big leads in their last two games.

The high-flying Warriors take on the Knights at Go Media Stadium in Auckland this Sunday afternoon, with the Kiwis looking to strengthen their grip on the Minor Premiership.

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights

Last weekend saw New Zealand ascend to top spot on the NRL ladder by the thinnest of margins, edging out the Rabbitohs to take a one-point lead on differential.

It was a far tougher round for the Knights, who fell 44-24 to an inspired Sea Eagles side.

The defeat pushed Newcastle down to sixth, a position they’ll be looking to shore up as they head into their final match of the season this weekend.

Leg 1 – Knights +11.5

The Warriors have been dominant in their past two matches against top-eight sides, but have had big lapses in periods as well.

Against the Rabbitohs, that saw a 32-8 lead cut to just six points midway through the second half, while against the Panthers they leaked two late tries and were fortunate to have a third disallowed.

New Zealand should come away with the two points from this fixture, but another lapse, or just a strong performance by the Knights, should keep this one within the +11.5 spread.

Leg 2 – Over 48.5 Points Total

Both teams are coming into this clash off the back of high-scoring matches, 68 points total for the Knights and 71 for the Warriors.

These weren’t one-offs either. New Zealand have cracked 40 points in three of their last four matches, while each of the Knights’ last three matches have had 54 or more points scored.

Leg 3 – Leka Halasima to Score

Halasima is playing centre this week, a position where he’s scored in three of his last four starts.

The returning Te Maire Martin will be eager to set him up with plenty of one-on-ones, which should lead to the barnstorming 20-year-old crossing over again.

Same Game Multi

Knights +11.5 / Over 48.5 / Halasima to Score = $9.00

Value Bet

New Zealand leak most of their line breaks up the middle of the field.

While Ponga isn’t necessarily the one who will make these breaks, he’s an excellent support runner and should be there to capitalise.

Kalyn Ponga to Score @ $3.20

Our best bet for Friday’s NRL Round 25 clash between the Dolphins and Parramatta Eels is the Eels +15.5 / Over 51.5 / Tabuai-Fidow to Score Same Game Multi at $6.00, with the Eels kept within 16 points in nine of their last ten matches and Tabuai-Fidow scoring in each of his last three NRL games.

An in-form Dolphins side looking to lock up a top-four finish host the Parramatta Eels on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Dolphins vs Parramatta Eels

There’s plenty on the line here for the Dolphins, who currently sit fourth but could finish as high as first or as low as eighth.

They’re in red-hot form having won four straight, most recently shutting out the Sea Eagles 22-0.

The Eels languish down in 13th on the ladder and have nothing to play for bar pride. Last week showed they’ll certainly do that, however, as they tipped over the eighth-placed Cowboys.

Leg 1 – Eels +15.5

Despite their abysmal points differential and lowly position on the table, the Eels actually haven’t been thrashed in a while.

Their last four matches, of which they’ve won two, have all been decided by margins of six or less.

Prior to that, with the exception of a 32-12 loss to the Rabbitohs, no team has beaten them by more than 16 points since mid-May.

That’s nine of their last ten matches where they’ve been right in the fight, and they should be again on Friday.

Leg 2 – Over 51.5 Points Total

Parramatta’s last two games have exceeded this line, with points flowing at both ends.

The Dolphins played out a tight one last week but their preceding four matches all saw 50 or more points scored.

This is shaping up to be a tit-for-tat, high-scoring spectacle between two attacks that have plenty to offer.

Leg 3 – Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to Score

Speaking of attacks, Tabuai-Fidow is a key part of the Dolphins’, and has regularly dotted down this season.

He rolled straight out of a strong Origin series which saw him bag a try in each game, and has kept things going in the NRL, scoring three times in his last three as well.

Lethal in broken play and excellent in the air, the Dolphins’ fullback should feature in what’s expected to be a free-flowing affair.

Same Game Multi

Eels +15.5 / Over 51.5 / Tabuai-Fidow to Score = $6.00

Value Bet

Before holding Manly scoreless last week, three of the Dolphins’ last four wins had been by 1-12.

Pair this with Parramatta’s track record of close shaves, and backing the home side to get the job done but not run away with things is an excellent bet.

Dolphins to Win 1-12 @ $3.55

Our best bet for Thursday’s NRL Round 26 clash between the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm is the Home Team Over 23.5 / Away Team Over 26.5 / Fa’alogo to Score Same Game Multi at $6.25, with both sides expected to throw the ball around in a dead rubber and Fa’alogo scoring 16 tries this season.

Round 26 of the NRL kicks off with an unlikely dead rubber, as the Broncos host the Storm in a repeat of the 2025 Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday.

Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm

Few would have expected both sides to be out of finals contention with two games to go, but it’s a clear reflection of how their seasons have gone.

Brisbane sit 15th with just seven wins from 22 played, having won last week for the first time in five matches.

Melbourne are marginally better at 11th, but also saw their finals hopes snuffed out when they lost 22-14 to the Panthers last week.

Leg 1 – Home Team Over 23.5 Points

With nothing on the line in this clash, picking a winner is a dangerous game. However, plenty of points can be expected as both sides will look to finish with a flurry and throw the ball around.

The Broncos’ attack clicked last week, racking up 34 points against the Raiders. Earlier this month, they put 32 points on the Dolphins too.

With Jesse Arthurs back in the mix this round as well, expect Brisbane to at least crack the 23.5-point mark.

Leg 2 – Away Team Over 26.5 Points

Likewise for the Storm, they’ll be throwing caution to the wind here.

The visitors get Jahrome Hughes back in a huge boost for their attack, which has already been improving this month.

Melbourne have scored 26, 22, 42 and 14 in their last four outings, so against the 15th-placed Broncos in a dead rubber, 26+ is very realistic.

Leg 3 – Sualauvi Fa’alogo to Score

One player who’s been in the midst of all Melbourne’s attack is Sualauvi Fa’alogo.

The Storm fullback has 16 tries for the season, and was on a three-match scoring streak until the Panthers held him out last week.

Expect him to bounce back here and find his way across the line in a free-flowing game on Thursday.

Same Game Multi

Home Team Over 23.5 / Away Team Over 26.5 / Fa’alogo to Score = $6.25

Value Bet

Despite their poor season, the Broncos have beaten Melbourne already this year.

In fact, Brisbane have won their last three against the Storm, the last two of which have been by a 1-12 margin.

Coming into this off the back of a win, with zero pressure, against a familiar foe, the Broncos are a dangerous side.

Broncos 1-12 @ $3.55

Our best bet for Sunday’s NRL Round 25 clash between the Gold Coast Titans and Cronulla Sharks is the Sharks -6.5 / Over 49.5 / Kennedy to Score Same Game Multi at $6.00, with Cronulla winning their last three meetings with the Titans by an average of 35 points and William Kennedy scoring ten times this season.

The Sharks head to the Gold Coast to take on the Titans at Cbus Stadium this Sunday, with Cronulla’s top-four hopes hanging in the balance.

Gold Coast Titans vs Cronulla Sharks

Cronulla enter this fixture in a spot of bother, having lost two straight and slipped down to fifth on the NRL ladder. A win and they’ll be right back in top-four contention, while a loss will have them concerned about falling further.

The Titans are also in poor form, but their season ended weeks ago. They’ve now lost three on the bounce, most recently to the Knights 36-26.

Leg 1 – Sharks -6.5

Expect the Sharks to bounce back here. They’ve got a relatively comfortable run into the post-season, Titans, Eels, Storm, and will be targeting three wins for a strong finish.

Their last three meetings with the Titans have all been heavily one-sided, with Cronulla winning by an average margin of 35.

They get Addin Fonua-Blake back for this one too, which will give them some of the impact up the middle that they’ve been missing in their recent slump.

Leg 2 – Over 49.5 Points Total

The total has exceeded 49.5 points the past two times these sides have met.

All signs point towards another high-scoring clash: Cronulla have scored an average of 34 points over their last six games, while the Titans are at 22.

Leg 3 – William Kennedy to Score

Kennedy has been having a field day at the back for the Sharks, scoring ten times this season including three in his last five matches.

The Titans are susceptible to falling off tackles, particularly in broken play, which is where Kennedy excels. Expect him to add to his tally this Sunday.

Same Game Multi

Sharks -6.5 / Over 49.5 / Kennedy to Score = $6.00

Value Bet

Another of Cronulla’s big try-scoring threats is Mulitalo. The Sharks’ winger missed the first half of the season through injury, yet has made up for it with ten tries since mid-May.

He’s collected three braces already in 2026, and is a good shot at picking up another if this match blows out in his team’s favour.

Ronaldo Mulitalo to Score 2 Tries @ $3.20