The NRL season is entering its business end, and with just three rounds remaining before the 2026 finals, every game now carries a little more weight.
The shape of the top eight is becoming increasingly clear. While the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs remain an outside chance of sneaking into the finals, the rest of the likely finals contenders are beginning to turn their attention towards one thing: building momentum at exactly the right time.
For teams already out of the finals race, these final three rounds are about pride, finishing the season strongly and giving supporters something to celebrate. For the contenders, it is about finding consistency, staying healthy and making sure they enter September with confidence.
There is plenty to look forward to in Round 25, including a huge Friday night at GIO Stadium as the Canberra Raiders play their final home game of the regular season against the Brisbane Broncos.
Here are our NRL Round 25 tips and predictions.
Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers
Tip: Penrith Panthers
Thursday night football gets Round 25 underway with a heavyweight clash at AAMI Park.
The Panthers have been one of the benchmark teams of the 2026 NRL season and, despite some recent challenges, remain the side everyone will be measuring themselves against when the finals arrive. Penrith have also had some disruption to their squad, with Isaah Yeo ruled out and Dylan Edwards in contention after recent injury concerns.
Melbourne, meanwhile, are playing for pride after their finals hopes disappeared earlier in the season. That makes the Storm dangerous, particularly at home, but Penrith have too much to play for.
With the minor premiership and finals momentum still on the line, expect Nathan Cleary and the Panthers to be focused from the opening whistle.
Jerseys Megastore tip: Panthers by 8 points.
Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos
Tip: Canberra Raiders
This is the one Raiders fans have been waiting for.
Friday night marks the Canberra Raiders' final home game of the 2026 regular season, and GIO Stadium should be rocking as the Green Machine welcomes the Brisbane Broncos.
It has been a frustrating run home for Canberra, with their finals hopes effectively ending after their recent loss to Newcastle. Ricky Stuart has already made selection changes following disciplinary issues, but there is still plenty of pride on the line for the Raiders.
The Broncos arrive in Canberra in a very different position to the one many expected at the start of the year. The reigning premiers have endured a dramatic fall from their 2025 heights and are now battling to avoid finishing with the wooden spoon. Their situation has become even more difficult with Reece Walsh's season now over and Adam Reynolds' availability uncertain.
For Canberra, this is the final chance to give the home fans something special before the season ends. Expect the Raiders to lift for the occasion.
Jerseys Megastore tip: Raiders by 10 points.
And if you're heading to GIO Stadium on Friday night, it is the perfect excuse to get behind the Green Machine in your favourite Canberra Raiders jersey or supporter gear from Jerseys Megastore.
Tip: Dolphins
The Dolphins continue to establish themselves as one of the more intriguing teams heading towards the finals.
They have spent much of the season around the top end of the ladder and have developed into a side that can trouble the competition's best. With only three rounds remaining, every win becomes increasingly valuable as they look to secure the best possible finals position.
Parramatta, on the other hand, are playing for pride and an opportunity to finish the season strongly.
The Eels have shown enough throughout the year to cause an upset, but the Dolphins' combination of experience, youth and attacking threats makes them the safer pick here.
Jerseys Megastore tip: Dolphins by 12 points.
Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles
Tip: Newcastle Knights
This could be one of the most entertaining games of the weekend.
Newcastle have continued to show plenty of resilience this season, with Kalyn Ponga producing some of the best football of his career. The Knights have also recently dealt a major blow to Canberra's finals hopes, demonstrating that they remain a difficult team to handle.
Manly desperately need a turnaround after a prolonged slump has seen their finals hopes fade. The Sea Eagles have suffered five consecutive losses and now need a significant change in fortunes to finish the season on a positive note.
The Sea Eagles have enough talent to make this competitive, but Newcastle's current resilience gives them the edge.
Jerseys Megastore tip: Knights by 6 points.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v New Zealand Warriors
Tip: New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors are one of the teams nobody will want to face when the finals begin.
New Zealand have surged up the ladder at exactly the right time and have recently shown they can knock over the competition's best. Their victory over Penrith was a major statement and has strengthened their claims as a genuine premiership threat.
South Sydney are also right in the finals picture, so this is much more than a routine regular-season match. The Rabbitohs have plenty of attacking firepower, but the Warriors' disciplined, physical style has made them one of the most reliable teams in the competition.
This could be a finals-style contest, and we are backing the Warriors to win a tight one.
Jerseys Megastore tip: Warriors by 4 points.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Tip: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
If there is one team that simply cannot afford to lose this weekend, it is Canterbury.
The Bulldogs sit just outside the top eight and their finals hopes are hanging by a thread following their recent loss to South Sydney. They are now relying on almost everything going their way, but they remain an outside chance of making September.
That makes this clash with the Dragons absolutely critical.
St George Illawarra have already been eliminated from finals contention, but that does not mean they will roll over. The Dragons have every reason to finish their season strongly and spoil the Bulldogs' run.
Canterbury should have more urgency, however, and that could prove decisive.
Jerseys Megastore tip: Bulldogs by 10 points.
Gold Coast Titans v Cronulla Sharks
Tip: Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks have been one of the more consistent teams throughout 2026, but their recent form has raised a few questions heading towards September.
Cronulla remain a genuine finals threat and will want to use the final three rounds to rediscover their best football. The Titans, meanwhile, have endured a difficult season and are now looking towards 2027.
This is exactly the type of game the Sharks need to win if they want to be considered a serious premiership threat.
Jerseys Megastore tip: Sharks by 14 points.
Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers
Tip: Sydney Roosters
The Roosters are another side that has shown just how dangerous it can be when everything clicks.
Sydney's spine is beginning to develop some serious cohesion, and the return of James Tedesco adds another important piece as the Roosters prepare for the finals.
The Tigers have endured a difficult finish to the season, with injuries adding to their challenges. Sunia Turuva's knee injury is among the latest setbacks for Wests.
The Tigers will be desperate to finish the year strongly, but the Roosters should have too much class across the park.
Jerseys Megastore tip: Roosters by 16 points.
Our Round 25 NRL Tips
| Match | Jerseys Megastore Tip |
|---|---|
| Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers | Panthers |
| Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos | Raiders |
| Dolphins v Parramatta Eels | Dolphins |
| Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles | Knights |
| South Sydney Rabbitohs v New Zealand Warriors | Warriors |
| St George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | Bulldogs |
| Gold Coast Titans v Cronulla Sharks | Sharks |
| Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers | Roosters |
Three Rounds to Go – Who Has What to Play For?
With only three rounds remaining, the 2026 NRL season is rapidly approaching its finals crescendo.
For the likes of Penrith, New Zealand, Cronulla, the Roosters and the other finals contenders, the focus is now on momentum and positioning. Nobody wants to limp into September, and every win can make a difference when the finals draw takes shape.
For the teams outside the finals picture, these final weeks are about pride. Players are fighting for contracts, combinations are being tested and supporters want to see their teams finish the season on a high.
Then there is Canterbury.
The Bulldogs have the toughest job of all. They need results to go their way, but until the mathematics says otherwise, they will continue to believe.
And for Canberra supporters, Friday night is one to circle on the calendar. The Raiders' final home game of 2026 is a chance for the Green Machine to give GIO Stadium one last memorable night before attention turns towards next season.
Three rounds. Plenty to play for. And plenty of footy still to come.
For all things footy, Jerseys Megastore has you covered.
