Round 14 of the 2026 NRL Premiership delivers a fantastic mix of traditional rivalries, finals-shaping clashes and one of the biggest weekends on the rugby league calendar. The spotlight naturally falls on Queensland, where two fierce interstate battles will have fans across the Sunshine State talking, while the Canberra Raiders host a crucial Friday night clash against the Sydney Roosters in what could be one of the games of the season.
Here are our tips and predictions for every match of Round 14.
Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
The round kicks off at 4 Pines Park with Manly looking to continue their strong recent form against a South Sydney side still searching for consistency amongst injuries. The Sea Eagles have shown they can score points from anywhere on the field when their spine is functioning well, and the combination of speed out wide and strong middle forwards makes them difficult to contain on the Northern Beaches. South Sydney remain dangerous, particularly if their experienced leaders can control possession and field position, but their defensive lapses have been costly throughout the season. Playing at 4 Pines Park is never easy for visiting teams, and Manly should have enough attacking firepower to secure the two competition points.
Tip: Sea Eagles by 10
Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights
Traditionally speaking, few teams in the competition are as reliable at home as Melbourne Storm. AAMI Park remains one of the toughest road trips in rugby league and the Storm once again are starting to find some form. The Knights arrive with confidence after recent strong performances and possess match-winners capable of creating opportunities from broken play. However, Melbourne's defensive systems and ability to dominate possession generally prove too much for travelling opponents. Expect Newcastle to remain competitive early before Melbourne's class eventually shines through.
Tip: Storm by 4
Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters
Friday night football in Canberra always creates a special atmosphere, and this shapes as one of the most important matches of the round. The Raiders have built their reputation around physicality, defensive resilience and the ability to thrive in front of a passionate home crowd at GIO Stadium. Cold conditions, vocal supporters and a relentless forward pack often make Canberra extremely difficult to beat on home soil. The Roosters possess plenty of attacking quality and remain one of the competition's most talented rosters, but this feels like exactly the type of game the Raiders love. Expect a finals-like intensity from the opening whistle. If Canberra can control the middle third and maintain their defensive pressure, they should edge a closely fought contest.
Tip: Raiders by 4
North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins
The first Queensland derby of the weekend takes place in Townsville and promises plenty of fireworks. The Cowboys have traditionally been difficult to beat at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and will be eager to impose themselves physically through the middle of the field. The Dolphins, however, continue to establish themselves as one of Queensland's toughest and most resilient teams. Derby matches often ignore form guides, and this contest should be no different. Expect plenty of aggression, big collisions and momentum swings throughout the evening. Home-ground advantage may ultimately prove decisive, with the Cowboys narrowly holding off a determined Dolphins outfit.
Tip: Cowboys by 6
Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans
Queensland rugby league fans won't need to wait long for another derby showdown, with the Broncos hosting the Titans at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos enter the match under significant pressure to produce a statement performance. Their attacking potential remains among the best in the competition, but consistency has occasionally been an issue throughout the season. The Titans have shown improvement and possess enough attacking flair to trouble any defence when confidence is high. However, travelling to Suncorp Stadium and handling the Broncos' intensity is a completely different challenge. Expect Brisbane to embrace the occasion. The rivalry, the crowd and the importance of the contest should bring out their best football.
Tip: Broncos by 12
Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers
The Panthers continue to set the benchmark for professionalism and execution across the NRL. Wests Tigers have shown encouraging signs at various stages this season and will undoubtedly compete hard, but Penrith's ability to control matches through discipline and structure remains exceptional. The Panthers rarely beat themselves and generally force opponents into mistakes through sustained pressure.
Tip: Panthers by 18
Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Dragons
The local rivalry between the Sharks and Dragons always produces emotion, intensity and plenty of talking points. Cronulla appear the more balanced side entering the contest and possess one of the competition's more dangerous attacking structures. The Dragons have demonstrated improvement in recent weeks and will relish the opportunity to upset their fierce rivals. While derby games can often produce surprises, Cronulla's overall consistency gives them the edge.
Tip: Sharks by 8
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Parramatta Eels
The King's Birthday long weekend concludes with a traditional Western Sydney rivalry at Accor Stadium. These fixtures always carry extra emotion, and both clubs understand the significance of securing victory in front of a large holiday crowd. The Bulldogs have developed into one of the competition's toughest defensive teams, while Parramatta continue to search for consistency despite possessing plenty of talent across the park. The Eels are capable of producing moments of brilliance, but Canterbury's defensive resolve and confidence make them difficult opponents if they can click into gear.
Expect a physical encounter with plenty of intensity from the opening set.
Tip: Bulldogs by 8
Final Thoughts
Round 14 has all the ingredients for a memorable weekend of rugby league. The Queensland derby clashes between the Cowboys and Dolphins, along with the Broncos and Titans, could have a major impact on the battle for finals positions, while the Raiders and Roosters Friday night showdown feels like a genuine heavyweight contest.
Whether you're backing your club, tipping with mates or simply enjoying another huge weekend of NRL action, Round 14 promises plenty of entertainment and be sure you’re fully kitted out in all the latest officially licensed 2026 supporter wear from Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy.
