With State of Origin selections wreaking havoc across club line-ups, Round 12 of the NRL is set to test the depth, resilience, and spirit of every side. From injury-hit squads to last-minute reshuffles, this week’s matchups promise drama, grit, and potential upsets. The Bulldogs continue their fairytale fightback story, the Eels face a daunting task without their stars, and the Warriors and Raiders are poised to deliver a blockbuster. Whether it’s a golden point thriller or a blowout waiting to happen, here’s how we see it all playing out.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Dolphins:
When I die, bury me in a Bulldogs jersey because I might just come back! After two consecutive comebacks from half-time deficits against quality teams, the Dogs are continuing to prove they are genuine contenders in 2025. However, being down 10 starting players this week through State of Origin, injury, and suspension, Cameron Ciraldo will need to be fully stocked on that magic spray he’s been using at half time. The Dolphins, on the other hand, come into the contest after a tough loss at home to the Warriors and will be missing some players to Origin duties. While the Bulldogs continue to churn out club juniors who epitomise the next man up mentality, it’s very hard to back against them. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 10 points.
Parramatta Eels v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles:
Parramatta were an improved side last week as they decimated the Knights, but they lose all of their strike power to Origin duties this week. Conversely, Manly lose Daly Cherry-Evans to the same responsibility. Manly have faced their own struggles on the field of late, but nothing like that of some of the other Sydney clubs. Dylan Brown has failed to step up when Mitchell Moses is out, and with Zac Lomax out it’s hard to see who is going to drive the standards on the field for the blue and yellow this week. I’m going to have to tip Manly by 20+ points.
Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights:
This game will be the biggest test of the year for the Newcastle Knights. It’s do or die. The Panthers, who have struggled in their own right this year, sit deep in the wilderness of the bottom four, will be missing 5 players to State of Origin duties. Newcastle need a win, but even decimated as they are, I can’t see them beating Penrith. There just doesn’t seem to be any point scoring ability from the proud footballing town, and missing Kalyn Ponga will only hurt them more. I’m tipping Penrith by 16 points.
Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks:
The Chooks were very good for long periods against a dismantled Bulldogs line-up, but were ultimately not good enough as their half-time lead was run down. The Sharks, however, were too good for the Melbourne Storm as they held them off in their five point win. The Roosters offer plenty of exciting football in attack, but seem to lack defensive unity up the middle of the field on their own line, as was evident through the Xerri and Burton tries over the weekend. I can see Nicho and AFB really exploiting that this week, as the Chooks lose a few key forwards to State of Origin. I’m tipping the Sharks by 14 points.
New Zealand Warriors v Canberra Raiders:
This is hands down going to be the match of the round, as 2nd hosts 3rd. The Warriors just keep finding a way to win this season, as Luke Metcalf continually comes up clutch for the club. The Raiders on the other hand, seem to be a massive confidence team. They notched up the much-needed win over the Titans at home last week, but conceded big points along the way, on the back of their 32 conceded point 2nd half the week before. They’ll want to tighten that up quickly this week, as they take on a much better oiled unit in the Wahs. I think both teams are going to be up to the challenge here, and it’ll go deep- potentially even a golden point thriller! I’m going to tip the Warriors by 1 point.
As the dust settles on a chaotic Origin-affected round, one thing is clear: the clubs that adapt quickest and dig deepest will emerge with crucial mid-season momentum. The Bulldogs are proving they're more than just battlers, the Sea Eagles look primed to take advantage of a weakened Eels outfit, and the Warriors-Raiders clash could be a finals preview in disguise. With plenty of talent missing across the board, this week isn’t just about star power; it’s about the system, the belief, and which teams can truly live the “next man up” mentality. Strap in, because Round 12 is set to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Make sure you gear up and wear your colours with pride this week, whether it’s in clubland or repping your state, Jerseys Megastore has everything you need to fly your flag! Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy!