NRL Round 26 Expert Tips

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Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm
Tip: Storm 1-12

This is an incredibly tough game to call.

Brisbane have home-ground advantage, but Melbourne's experience and quality give them the edge in what should be a tight contest. The Storm have Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes available, while Cameron Munster will also be crucial to their chances of controlling the game. I think this will prove the difference.

The Broncos have plenty of talent through the middle, but I am backing Melbourne to grind out a narrow victory.

Manly Sea Eagles vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Tip: Sea Eagles 13+

Manly's finals hopes may be fading, but this is a game they should see as a major opportunity.

The Sea Eagles have the stronger squad on paper and will be desperate to produce a big performance in front of their home supporters. With the Dragons enduring a difficult season, Manly should have enough attacking quality to take control of the contest and outscore the Dragons.

If the Sea Eagles get an early lead, this could quickly become a long night for the Dragons, if the Dragons keep it close this could be a chance for them to snag a win.

Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Tip: Panthers 13+

The Panthers are chasing a crucial win as they continue their push towards the top of the ladder.

Penrith have named Jack Cole alongside Nathan Cleary in the halves, while the Bulldogs are dealing with some significant disruption heading into the clash.

The Bulldogs are fighting to keep their finals hopes alive, but the Panthers have too much at stake and too much quality across the park.

At home, I am expecting Penrith to make a statement again as they try to secure a first-place finish.

Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Tip: Rabbitohs 1-12

South Sydney have a massive opportunity to strengthen their position in the finals race.

The Rabbitohs have received a major boost with Latrell Mitchell likely returning to the side after a lengthy injury absence, although the Titans will be desperate to cause an upset at home.

I don't expect this to be straightforward. Gold Coast have enough attacking talent to stay competitive, but South Sydney's greater experience should get them over the line.

Sydney Roosters vs Dolphins
Tip: Dolphins 1-12

This shapes as the games of the round.

The Roosters are firmly in the race for the minor premiership, while the Dolphins are fighting to cement their position near the top of the ladder. James Tedesco has been named to return for Sydney, although his availability has been closely monitored.

The Roosters will be difficult to beat at home, but after a shocking performance last week and the ability of the Dolphins to pile points on I am backing the Dolphins to cause an upset in a close encounter.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers
Tip: Cowboys 13+

The Cowboys know just how important this game is to their finals hopes.

North Queensland have received some major selection boosts, including the return of Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai, and they'll be looking to take advantage against a Tigers side dealing with injury concerns.

Despite the Tigers shock win, the Cowboys should have too much attacking firepower at home and I am expecting them to win comfortably. The Tigers shocked the Roosters but played pretty average, the Roosters were just worse.

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights
Tip: Warriors 1-12

The Warriors have been one of the competition's standout teams and remain firmly in the battle for the minor premiership leading the competition coming in to the penultimate round.

Newcastle are a dangerous opponent and have plenty to play for themselves, but the Warriors' form and home advantage make them difficult to oppose. Te Maire Martin is among the key inclusions for New Zealand, while the Knights have some important absences to deal with.

I am expecting Newcastle to make this competitive, but the Warriors should find a way to get the points.

Parramatta Eels vs Cronulla Sharks
Tip: Eels 1-12

The Eels have been improving and have an opportunity to finish the season strongly.

Cronulla have plenty of quality and remain firmly in the finals picture, making this a difficult game to call. The Sharks should go in as a dangerous opponent, but Parramatta's home advantage, and the Sharks shakiness in recent weeks without Braydon Trindall the Eels could spring an upset.

Could be an easy win for the Sharks, but I am backing my team to pull off a shock win.