NRL Expert Tips Round 26

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The final round 2026 NRL season is here, and Round 26 shapes as another huge weekend of rugby league.

With the finals race over, there are now just battles for top 4, and the minor premiership.

There are several huge clashes on the schedule, including a blockbuster between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters, while the Warriors, Panthers and Dolphins will all be looking to continue their push towards the top of the ladder.

Can I go 8/8 again this week? Here are my expert tips and predictions for every match in NRL Round 26.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos
Tip: Bulldogs 1-12

The Bulldogs and Broncos open the round in what shapes as a closely contested encounter.

Neither side will want to finish the season without something positive to take from the match, and the Bulldogs should be confident of getting the job done in front of their home supporters.

The Broncos have enough attacking talent to make this a difficult contest, but Canterbury should have the edge in what I expect to be a tight game between two sides who haven't been near their best.

Gold Coast Titans vs Dolphins
Tip: Dolphins 13+

The Dolphins enter this clash as clear favourites and should have too much quality for the Titans.

Gold Coast are capable of producing dangerous attacking football, particularly when they build momentum, but the Dolphins have been one of the stronger sides throughout the season and in recent weeks have looked really ruthless in attack.

If the Dolphins can establish control early, their attacking weapons should eventually create separation on the scoreboard.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters
Tip: Rabbitohs 13+

One of the biggest games of the round sees the Rabbitohs take on the Roosters in another chapter of one of rugby league's greatest rivalries.

The Roosters have had injury issues and inconsistency heading into the business end of the season and are resting several key players, while South Sydney have an opportunity to build further momentum going into the finals.

Rivalry games can always produce unpredictable results, but I am backing the Rabbitohs to make a statement for Jai Arrow's 100th game.

If South Sydney bring their best defensive intensity and take their chances in attack, they have the ability to win this one comfortably.

New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles
Tip: Warriors 13+

The Warriors have been one of the standout teams of the season and should be too strong for Manly especially at home in the most important game of their season.

With plenty to play for near the top of the ladder, the Warriors will be determined to finish the regular season strongly and continue building momentum in top spot.

Manly are more than capable of producing dangerous football, but the Warriors have been the more consistent side.

Backing the home side to control the contest and eventually run away with this game, and will have their name on the minor premiership trophy.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders
Tip: Cowboys 1-12

This shapes as the toughest game to predict.

The Cowboys will be looking to finish strongly and take momentum into the finals, while Canberra will be desperate to end their campaign on a positive note.

North Queensland have the advantage of playing at home, and that could prove to be the difference.

Expect a competitive match that remains close deep into the second half.

The Cowboys should get the job done, but only narrowly with both sides capable of top class footy, and bottom class footy.

Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm
Tip: Storm 13+

The Storm may not have had the season many expected, but they still have the quality to cause serious problems for Cronulla.

Melbourne will want to finish the season strongly, while the Sharks have faced their own challenges with form and injuries.

The Storm's experience and attacking class could prove too much if they find their rhythm early against a second string Sharks half pairing.

I am backing Melbourne to produce one of their stronger performances of the season and finish the game as comfortable winners.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Parramatta Eels
Tip: Eels 1-12

The Eels get the edge in what should be a competitive clash against the Dragons.

Neither side will want to end the season quietly despite nothing at stake, and this has the potential to be one of the closer games of the weekend.

Parramatta have enough attacking quality to create opportunities, but the Dragons are capable of keeping themselves in the contest.

This could come down to the final 20 minutes.

Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers
Tip: Panthers 13+

The Panthers are favourites for a reason.

Penrith have once again been one of the competition's strongest teams and will be looking to maintain their momentum heading towards the finals, hoping they can bag another minor premiership.

The Tigers have been awful in the backend of the season. Expect the Panthers to be competitive early before their class and depth eventually take over.