The final round of the 2025 NRL regular season is here, and with finals spots, top-four finishes, and even the wooden spoon still on the line, Round 27 promises no shortage of drama. From the Broncos and Sharks jostling for crucial double-chance positions, to the Roosters fighting for survival against arch-rivals South Sydney, every game carries weight. The Sea Eagles cling to a faint finals hope in Daly Cherry-Evans’ farewell, while the Dolphins eye a maiden playoff berth if results fall their way. Add in the Panthers fine-tuning for another title tilt, the Raiders resting up after sealing the minor premiership, and the Eels and Knights closing the season with plenty of emotion, and fans are set for a blockbuster finish to the home-and-away season.
Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm:
Round 27 kicks off with a blockbuster as the Broncos look to secure their place in the top four in front of a fired-up Suncorp Stadium crowd. Sitting in fourth on 34 points, Brisbane are level with the Sharks and Warriors but hold the edge thanks to their points differential. With Reece Walsh electric at the back and Payne Haas laying the platform up front, the Broncos have all the ingredients to make a serious run in September – though a top-four finish and the valuable double chance could prove crucial. Meanwhile, the Storm are locked into second spot, but after being humbled 40-10 by the Roosters in Craig Bellamy’s milestone game, they’ll be desperate to bounce back. Hell hath no fury like a Bellamy scorned. I’m tipping the Storm by 12 points.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v New Zealand Warriors:
There’s plenty riding on this clash at 4 Pines Park, with Manly needing a miracle to keep their finals hopes alive in Daly Cherry-Evans’ farewell. The Sea Eagles must overturn an 82-point differential on the Roosters, who would also need to suffer a heavy defeat to Souths, before relying on the Raiders to topple the Dolphins on Sunday to sneak into eighth spot. On the other side, the Warriors are still clinging to a chance at a top-four finish if the Broncos stumble against the Storm. After dropping four of their past six, Andrew Webster’s side will be eager to rediscover their rhythm and build confidence ahead of their long-awaited return to finals footy. I’m tipping the Sea Eagles by 18 points.
Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
It’s do-or-die for the Roosters on Friday night at Allianz Stadium, with victory over arch-rivals South Sydney enough to book their place in the finals. Fresh off a dominant 40-10 win against the Storm, Trent Robinson’s side will be brimming with confidence but wary of a Rabbitohs outfit eager to spoil their season. Adding extra spice, Alex Johnston sits just two tries shy of equalling Ken Irvine’s all-time premiership tryscoring record, with the chance to etch his name in history against the Roosters. With finals on the line and records within reach, this clash promises another fiery chapter in the famous history of these two foundation sides. I’m tipping South Sydney by 8 points.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Penrith Panthers:
The Dragons will be out to end a tough season on a positive note when they host the Panthers at WIN Stadium, aiming to send the premiers into finals on the back of four straight defeats. Shane Flanagan’s men are also desperate to snap their own three-game skid, and with the home crowd behind them, they’ll be eyeing an upset. Penrith, meanwhile, return with a full-strength side after resting their stars last week, with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards all primed for a finals tune-up. While the Panthers are heavy favourites, they’ll need to stay sharp against a Dragons outfit that has shown it can rise to the occasion by toppling Canberra and Cronulla in recent weeks. I’m tipping the Dragons by 4 points.
Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers:
The Titans face a must-win clash against the Wests Tigers if they’re to avoid collecting the third wooden spoon in club history, with hopes also pinned on the Knights falling to the Eels on Sunday. After managing eight wins to finish 14th last year, it’s been a tough campaign for the Gold Coast, who have managed just five victories and spent much of the season anchored to the bottom since Round 13. The Tigers, on the other hand, have enjoyed a resurgence in 2025, boosted by the arrival of Jarome Luai, Terrell May and Sunia Turuva. Their Round 20 meeting saw the Tigers edge out a 21-20 thriller thanks to an Adam Doueihi field goal, though they’ll be missing his services this time around with the playmaker sidelined by a fractured cheekbone. With more to play for, I suspect the Titans will be ready for this contest. I’m tipping the Titans by 14 points.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Cronulla Sharks:
Fresh off a solid win over a depleted Panthers side, the Bulldogs will look to raise the intensity when they face fellow contender Cronulla on Saturday night. Locked into third spot and set for a week-one finals trip to Melbourne, Cameron Ciraldo’s men won’t be easing off, with only Jacob Kiraz sidelined through injury. The Sharks, however, still have plenty to play for, with their ladder position ranging anywhere from fourth to sixth depending on other results. When these teams met back in Round 4, the Bulldogs claimed a 20-8 victory on the back of a Bronson Xerri double and a dominant showing from Max King, who put himself firmly on the Origin radar. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 8 points.
Dolphins v Canberra Raiders:
The Dolphins could have everything to play for on Sunday when they welcome the Raiders, with a potential top-eight spot on the line. Kristian Woolf’s side sits two points adrift of the Roosters and will be hoping South Sydney does them a favour on Friday night. If that result falls their way, the Dolphins will then need a win plus a 15-point swing in differential to seal a maiden finals appearance. The Raiders, meanwhile, have already locked up the minor premiership after dismantling the Tigers and are expected to rest several stars as Ricky Stuart shifts his focus toward breaking Canberra’s long premiership drought. I’ll be tipping the Dolphins by 18 points.
Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights:
Parramatta will be looking to cap off their late-season resurgence with a strong finish when they host Newcastle in the final match of the 2025 regular season. The Eels have taken four wins from their past six outings, toppling the likes of the Broncos, Roosters and Warriors to build momentum heading into 2026. Their immediate task is overcoming a Knights side equally motivated, with Adam O’Brien coaching his final game in charge. Newcastle’s players will be out to send their departing mentor off with a victory before shifting focus to next year’s high-profile season opener in Las Vegas. I’ll be tipping Newcastle by 4 points.
Round 27 shapes as the perfect curtain-closer to a gripping regular season, with everything from finals berths to records and farewells on the line. Some clubs will be fighting for survival, others will be sharpening their blades for September, and a few will simply be playing for pride but every clash carries its own storyline. Whether it’s the Broncos chasing a top-four finish, the Roosters battling to stay alive, or the Dolphins pushing for history, fans can expect drama, intensity and emotion in spades. Strap in the stage is set for a thrilling finale before the real business of finals footy begins. Make sure you’re fully kitted out to support your team this finals series with all the latest officially licensed merchandise from Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy!
