NRL Betting Tips Round 26

NRL Footy Tips Round 26

This week’s NRL Round 26 tips and predictions begin on Thursday with the North Queensland Cowboys taking on the Melbourne Storm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, and finishing up with the Sydney Roosters and the Canberra Raiders at Allianz Stadium in Sydney with the Tigers sitting out this round with a bye.

Cowboys vs Storm

Thursday, August 29, 2024

7:50 PM @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

The North Queensland Cowboys are hosting the Melbourne Storm this Thursday at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, with kickoff set for 7:50 pm.

 Round 26 Injuries

Computer Prediction:

Final Scores: Cowboys 24, Storm 26

Win Percentages: Cowboys 48.1%, Storm 54.4%

Statistically Who is Better and Where?

Cowboys have a marginally better tackle efficiency.

Storm are better in every other metric.

Pre-match Analysis:

Last week, the Melbourne Storm secured the minor premiership, much to the delight of North Queensland Cowboys fans, as it paved the way for their team to host a home final. The Cowboys begin the round by welcoming a Storm side that’s missing many regulars, yet still features key players like Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster. These two, along with Sualauvi Faalogo—who scored twice in his last outing—are the only ones retaining their starting spots following Melbourne’s decisive win over the Dolphins.

On the other hand, Manly’s unexpected defeat allowed the Cowboys to climb to sixth place, giving them the opportunity to determine their own fate. Historically, the Cowboys have dominated the last two clashes between these teams, winning by a combined 55 points, although their most recent face-off was back in Round 14 of 2023. Notably, Jason Taumalolo and Jeremiah Nanai have been added to Todd Payten’s starting lineup.

Final Score Prediction:

Storm 30-20

 

Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles

Friday, August 30, 2024

6:00 PM @ Accor Stadium, Sydney

This Friday night, the Canterbury Bulldogs are taking on the Manly Sea Eagles at Accor Stadium in Sydney with kickoff at 6:00 pm.

 Round 26 Injuries

Computer Prediction:

Final Scores: Bulldogs 24, Sea Eagles 21

Win Percentages: Bulldogs 53.9%, Sea Eagles 46.1%

Statistically Who is Better and Where?

Bulldogs are better in average points against per match, strong current form, wins this season, points conceded this season, and reliability to win after leading at HT.

Sea Eagles are better in average points per match, marginally better tackle efficiency, points scored this season, and won their last game by 18 points.

Pre-match Analysis

The Canterbury Bulldogs are set to face the Manly Sea Eagles at Accor Stadium on Friday night, providing an early taste of finals action. The Bulldogs, currently sitting in fifth place, are eyeing a top-four finish, but a win here would at least ensure a home elimination final. On the other hand, the Sea Eagles, after a costly loss to the Tigers, are now in a position where they must rely on other results to secure home ground advantage for the first week of finals.

Manly has welcomed back Tommy Talau, with Tolutau Koula moving to the bench. Josh Aloiai and Matt Lodge are also on the bench, with Lodge replacing the suspended Corey Waddell for his first game since Round 11. The Bulldogs will be without captain Stephen Crichton due to suspension, and Kurt Mann, who suffered an injury last week, is out for the season. Jeral Skelton and Jaeman Salmon have been named in the starting lineup.

Final Score Prediction:

Bulldogs 24-21

 

Panthers vs Rabbitohs

Friday, August 30, 2024

8:00 PM @ BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

This Friday night at BlueBet Stadium in Penrith, the Penrith Panthers are up against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 8:00 pm.

 Round 26 Injuries

Computer Prediction:

Final Scores: Panthers 29 Rabbitohs 18

Win Percentages: Panthers 60.5%, Rabbitohs 39.5%

Statistically Who is Better and Where?

Panthers are better in almost every single metric coming into this game.

Rabbitohs have a better reliability to win after leading at halftime, however, have won 36% less games.

Final Score Prediction:

Panthers 36-12

 

Eels vs Dragons

Saturday, August 31, 2024

3:00 PM @ CommBank Stadium, Sydney

This Saturday afternoon, the Parramatta Eels will face off against the St. George Illawarra Dragons at CommBank Stadium in Sydney with a 3:00 pm kickoff.

 Round 26 Injuries

Computer Prediction:

Final Scores: Eels 25, Dragons 25 (Likely Draw)

Win Percentages: Eels 51.1%, Dragons 48.9%

Statistically Who is Better and Where?

Eels are marginally better with average points per match, and points scored this season, and won their last game by 6 points.

Dragons are better in average points against per match and points conceded for the season, completion rate, tackle efficiency, wins this season, reliability to win after leading at halftime, and the halftime/full time double.

Pre-match Analysis

Final Score Prediction:

Dragons 26-18

 

Dolphins vs Broncos

Saturday, August 31, 2024

5:30 PM @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

This Saturday at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the Redcliffe Dolphins will be taking on the Brisbane Broncos at 5:30 pm.

 Round 26 Injuries

Computer Prediction:

Final Scores: Dolphins 24, Broncos 24 (Likely Draw)

Win Percentages: Dolphins 51.8%, Broncos 48.2%

Statistically Who is Better and Where?

Dolphins are marginally better in average points per match, completion rate, points scored this season, and reliability to win after leading at halftime.

Broncos are better in average points against per match and points conceded this season, have a better current form, marginally better tackle efficiency, and won their last game by 14 points.

Pre-match Analysis

The Dolphins and Brisbane Broncos will face off at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, each battling to keep their seasons alive. The Dolphins have slipped to 10th place after losing seven of their last nine games, putting their finals hopes in jeopardy despite spending 20 consecutive rounds in the top eight.

In contrast, the Broncos, who appeared to be out of contention just three weeks ago following a heavy defeat to the Titans, have bounced back with consecutive wins either side of their bye. They now look like strong contenders for the eighth spot. The Broncos have made just one adjustment to their lineup, with Ben Te Kura replacing Kobe Hetherington on the bench due to concussion protocols. The Dolphins have also made changes, bringing Sean O’Sullivan and Mark Nicholls into the starting side, with Kodi Nikorima and Jesse Bromwich sidelined due to concussions.

Final Score Prediction:

Brisbane 24-20

 

Sharks vs Warriors

Saturday, August 31, 2024

7:35 PM @ PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

This Saturday, the Cronulla Sharks are set to take on the New Zealand Warriors at PointsBet Stadium in Sydney, with kickoff at 7:35 pm.

 Round 26 Injuries

Computer Prediction:

Final Scores: Sharks 26, Warriors 19

Win Percentages: Sharks 59.4%, Warriors 40.6%

Statistically Who is Better and Where?

Sharks have better average points per and against per match, better current form, wins this season, points scored and conceded this season, won their last game by 4 points, more reliability to win after leading at halftime, and a marginally better HT/FT double.

Warriors have better completion rate and marginally better tackle efficiency.

Pre-match Analysis

Despite a growing list of injuries, the Cronulla Sharks continue to find ways to win and are on the verge of securing a top-four spot with a victory against the New Zealand Warriors at PointsBet Stadium. The Sharks have strung together four consecutive wins, propelling them to third on the ladder and regaining momentum just in time for the finals after a challenging period that threatened their campaign.

For the Warriors, this match is all about respect, as their underwhelming season ends this weekend, followed by a bye. Their goal will be to finish on a positive note, particularly as they bid farewell to club legend Shaun Johnson, who will play his final NRL game against the Sharks—the club he played for during a three-season stint between his time with the Warriors. New Zealand will be without Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Adam Pompey, with Taine Tuaupiki and Ali Leiataua stepping in. The Sharks welcome back Sione Katoa and Siosifa Talakai, though they will be missing Jesse Ramien due to suspension.

Final Score Prediction:

Sharks 26-19

 

Knights vs Titans

Sunday, September 1, 2024

2:00 PM @ McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

This Sunday, the Newcastle Knights will be going head-to-head with the Gold Coast Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, with kickoff at 2:00 pm.

 Round 26 Injuries

Computer Prediction:

Final Scores: Knights 23, Titans 21

Win Percentages: Knights 53.9%, Titans 46.1%

Statistically Who is Better and Where?

Knights are better in average points against per match and points conceded this season, slightly better current form, marginally better tackle efficiency, wins this season, reliability to win after leading at halftime, and a better HT/FT double, additionally they won their last game by four points.

Titans are better in average points per match and points scored this season however average points is marginal, and a slightly better completion rate.

Pre-match Analysis:

The Newcastle Knights are hanging on, though their future hinges on the outcomes of other games. Their immediate task is clear: they must win their final two fixtures, starting with a clash against the Gold Coast Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Knights secured a crucial win against the Rabbitohs, boosting their points differential with a dominant performance. With two home games remaining, they are optimistic about their chances but still require some favourable results from higher-placed teams.

The Titans, who haven’t triumphed in Newcastle since 2016, have leaked 124 points in the past three rounds, rounding off another disappointing season. For this match, the Titans will see Phillip Sami replace AJ Brimson, who is set for surgery. The Knights welcome back Bradman Best, with Brodie Jones stepping into the starting lineup to cover for Tyson Frizell, and Thomas Cant joining the bench.

Final Score Prediction:

Knights 26-21

 

Roosters vs Raiders

Sunday, September 1, 2024

4:05 PM @ Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Rounding off this weeks NRL games, the Sydney Roosters will be going toe-to-toe with the Canberra Raiders at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, with kickoff at 4:05 pm.

 Round 26 Injuries

Computer Prediction:

Final Scores: Roosters 30, Raiders 19

Win Percentages: Roosters 61.9%, Raiders 38.1%

Statistically Who is Better and Where?

Roosters are better in average points for and against per match and for the season, have a better current form, 23% more wins this season, and a better HT/FT double, additionally they won their last game by a significant 28 points.

Raiders have a marginally better tackle efficiency, and a higher reliability to win after leading at halftime.

Pre-match Analysis:

The Sydney Roosters have surged into second place on the ladder, positioning themselves well to secure a home final and a valuable double chance in the finals in two weeks’ time. They will face the Canberra Raiders at Allianz Stadium, a rematch of the 2019 Grand Final, to close out the second-to-last round.

The Raiders kept their season alive in 2024 with a surprise victory over the Panthers, inadvertently aiding the Roosters’ cause. Although still a slim mathematical possibility, the Raiders’ chances of making the finals are remote. Coach Ricky Stuart has shown faith in his team by sticking with the same 17 players who pulled off the upset against Penrith.

The Roosters, on the other hand, will be without Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves but have brought back Brandon Smith and Connor Watson. Spencer Leniu will start at prop, Naufahu Whyte has been included on the bench, and Michael Jennings steps into the centres after being the 18th man in the previous match.

Final Score Prediction

Roosters 32-12

 

Byes:

• Wests Tigers

This Weeks NRL Multi

• Storm
• Panthers
• Sharks
• Knights
• Roosters

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NRL Draw

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