Round 13 of the NRL is shaping up as a pivotal weekend with State of Origin impact, ladder pressure, and key rivalries all coming into play. Several clubs are finding form at the right time, while others are desperate to stop the slide and stay in finals contention. From the high-stakes Western Sydney derby between the struggling Panthers and Eels, to a top-eight battle between the Rabbitohs and Warriors, there’s no shortage of drama. We've got emerging stars stepping up, Origin absentees testing depth, and a few must-win matchups that could shape the back half of the season. Here are our Jerseys Megastore tips and predictions for all the Round 13 action.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights:
The Newcastle Knights head into their clash with the St George Illawarra Dragons buoyed by a dominant win over reigning premiers Penrith and aiming for back-to-back victories for the first time since early in the season. Despite missing key players, they surged to a commanding early lead against the Panthers. The Dragons, meanwhile, are also riding high after a strong performance against the Broncos and a bye in Round 12. While just two competition points separate the teams, the Knights had a clear upper hand in their only meeting last year, winning 30-10. I’ll be tipping the Knights by 14 points.
Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm:
Currently 16th but just one win outside the top eight, the Gold Coast Titans face a crucial stretch of three regional matches; all theoretically winnable if they bring the right mindset. They host the Melbourne Storm, then travel to face the Broncos, before returning home to play Manly; three strong opponents who may be vulnerable during the Origin period. While the Titans have shown they can challenge any team when their attack fires, their defence remains the league's worst, averaging 31 points conceded per game. Meanwhile, the Storm, coming off a bye, will be aiming to find consistency after alternating wins and losses over six rounds. With their Origin stars currently set to back up, I’m tipping Melbourne Storm by 18 points.
North Queensland Cowboys v Wests Tigers:
With two wins, two losses, and a draw at home this season, the Cowboys aim to turn Queensland Country Bank Stadium into a stronghold as they push for a third finals appearance in four years. With seven home games remaining, including key clashes against the Storm and Bulldogs, their run needs to begin with a win over the Wests Tigers this weekend. Last season’s high-scoring matchups between the two sides suggest another attacking showcase, with key players like Drinkwater and Turuva set to feature prominently. Despite noticeable improvement in 2025, the Tigers’ ongoing defensive struggles, conceding 25 points per game, remain a hurdle to their finals hopes. In their first appearance since losing X-Factor Lachie Galvin, I’m tipping the Cowboys by 20 points.
Manly Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos:
The Sea Eagles return home to 4 Pines Park looking to bounce back from a poor run of form at the venue, having lost their last three there, including a disappointing defeat to Parramatta last weekend. They face a Broncos side fresh off a bye, with coach Michael Maguire pushing for a consistent 80-minute performance after their Round 11 loss to the Dragons. While Brisbane has battled inconsistency in 2025, the week off offered a chance to regroup ahead of their first game at 4 Pines Park since 2014, setting the stage for a crucial Saturday night clash. I’ll be tipping the Broncos by 14 points.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v New Zealand Warriors:
The Rabbitohs aim to strengthen their position in the top eight as they host the Warriors on Sunday, coming off a bye and looking to build on their Round 11 win over the Tigers. Halfback Jamie Humphreys continues to impress and will face a key challenge against Warriors star Luke Metcalf, the current Dally M leader. The Warriors, who suffered their first home loss of the season last week against Canberra, will look to bounce back quickly, having won five of their last six games in Australia under Andrew Webster’s guidance. Largely uninterrupted by State of Origin, I’ll be tipping the Warriors by 8 points.
Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels:
The Panthers return home from a disappointing loss in Bathurst to face the Eels in a crucial Western Sydney derby. Missing their Origin stars, Penrith were outplayed by a fired-up Knights side, a performance that likely frustrated coach Ivan Cleary. Meanwhile, the Eels impressed in their win over the Sea Eagles, with young talent like fullback Isaiah Iongi stepping up. Despite both teams sitting near the bottom of the ladder, Panthers surprisingly last and Eels 15th, the rivalry ensures this clash remains a high-stakes, passionate contest. The Eels seem to have had to wood over the Panthers in recent years, and because of that, I’m tipping Parramatta by 16 points.
Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders:
Two in-form Round 12 winners face off as the Roosters host the Raiders in what promises to be an entertaining showdown. Despite missing five Origin players, the Roosters showcased their depth with a dominant 42-16 win, highlighted by impressive performances from debutants Benaiah Ioelu and Xavier Va'a, who scored within 45 seconds of coming on. They've built strong momentum in recent weeks but now face a stern test against a resilient Raiders outfit, who battled through tough conditions to defeat the Warriors and climb to second place on the ladder. The Raiders have been up for a long time now, and have had some tough matches, combined with a lot of travel. I’ll be tipping the Roosters by 8 points.
With State of Origin absences shaking up team lists and finals aspirations on the line, Round 13 promises plenty of unpredictability and excitement. From blockbuster derbies to redemption clashes and key battles between form sides, each game carries added weight as we enter the middle third of the season. Whether you're backing the in-form Roosters, tipping an Eels upset, or watching rising stars step up under pressure, this round has something for every NRL fan. Don’t forget to rep your team and your state with all the latest officially licensed gear from Jerseys Megastore and stay tuned for more tips, insights, and analysis as the race to the finals heats up. Jersey’s Megastore, for all things footy!
