With only six rounds remaining in the 2026 NRL regular season, every competition point has become crucial. The battle for a top-four finish is intensifying, while several clubs are fighting to keep their finals hopes alive. At the other end of the ladder, teams are looking to finish the season strongly and build momentum heading into 2027. Current injury concerns, player returns and the tightening ladder are dominating discussion across the league as Round 22 approaches.
Here's our Round 22 preview and predictions.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters
The Cowboys continue to sit firmly in the finals race but face one of their biggest tests against a Roosters side chasing a top-four finish. North Queensland have been impressive at home throughout the season, with Tom Dearden continuing to steer the side around the park.
The Roosters have shown they can win in different ways this year, combining attacking flair with a much-improved defensive effort. Even with injury concerns affecting their outside backs, Trent Robinson's side has consistently found solutions and remains our premiership favourite.
Prediction: Sydney Roosters by 8.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Dolphins
The Dragons have shown glimpses of improvement but have struggled to string together consistent performances. Their attack has often looked dangerous before defensive lapses have undone their hard work.
The Dolphins remain right in the hunt for a finals berth and know these are the matches they simply have to win. Their forward pack has laid an excellent platform throughout the year, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow continues to be one of the competition's most dangerous attacking weapons.
Prediction: Dolphins by 12.
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
This shapes as one of the matches of the round.
The Bulldogs have been one of the biggest improvers of the second half of season 2026, with their defensive systems and resilience making them genuine contenders. However, travelling to Melbourne remains one of the toughest assignments in rugby league.
Craig Bellamy's Storm continue to make life hard for themselves by losing close games uncharacteristically, although to be fair, injuries have tested their depth in recent weeks. Their ability to control field position and capitalise on opposition errors used to make them incredibly difficult to beat at AAMI Park. However this new look Melbourne isn’t what it once was.
Prediction: Bulldogs by 14.
Gold Coast Titans vs New Zealand Warriors
The Titans have found some confidence in recent weeks and are beginning to play with greater freedom despite sitting outside finals contention. Consecutive wins have shown there is genuine improvement under Josh Hannay.
The Warriors remain locked in the finals battle and possess one of the competition's most balanced squads. Their forward pack continues to dominate the middle, while their disciplined style has kept them in almost every contest this season.
Gold Coast will make this competitive, but the Warriors should prove too consistent.
Prediction: Warriors by 10.
Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders
This could easily be the game of the round.
The Panthers are timing their run towards September perfectly, with their trademark defence returning at exactly the right time. Their experience in big matches continues to separate them from the rest of the competition.
The Raiders have exceeded expectations in recent weeks, playing an aggressive, physical style that has troubled several premiership contenders. If Canberra can dominate possession and limit Penrith's opportunities, they are every chance of causing an upset. Could the Miracle at Mudgee get a sequel?
Prediction: Canberra Raiders by 1!
Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights
The defending premiers have endured a frustrating season and now face an uphill battle to keep their slim finals hopes alive. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued Brisbane throughout 2026.
Newcastle have also battled injuries, particularly around Kalyn Ponga's fitness, but continue to compete strongly every week.
With both clubs desperate for victory, expect a high-intensity contest. Home ground advantage could be enough to lift the Broncos.
Prediction: Brisbane Broncos by 2.
Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Cronulla continue to look every bit a genuine premiership threat. Their powerful forward rotation, disciplined defence and composed halves have made them one of the most complete teams in the competition.
South Sydney have been hit by several injury setbacks in recent weeks, making an already difficult task even tougher.
Unless the Rabbitohs can produce something special, Cronulla should control proceedings.
Prediction: Cronulla Sharks by 14.
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels
The traditional rivals meet with plenty on the line.
The Tigers, simply put, have lost their way in recent weeks. After a standout start to kick off the home and away season, Benji’s men have slumped back into their old standards.
Parramatta have been inconsistent throughout the season in their own right but possess enough quality to trouble any opponent when Mitchell Moses directs the attack.
This should be an entertaining contest, with plenty of points on offer but Parramatta's experience in close games gives them a slight edge.
Prediction: Parramatta Eels by 4.
Final Thoughts
With the finals race entering its decisive stage, Round 22 could significantly shape the top eight. Every win becomes increasingly valuable, while every loss places enormous pressure on clubs chasing September football. Expect finals-like intensity across the entire weekend as teams battle for ladder position.
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