The NRL season is heating up, and Round 14 is shaping up to be a blockbuster with upsets looming, rivalries reigniting, and finals hopes on the line. From a desperate Broncos outfit facing the last-placed Titans, to a fired-up Raiders side honouring a club legend, there’s plenty to unpack. This week’s matchups promise fireworks, and we’ve dived in to see where the edges lie and who’s primed to make a statement. Whether you’re backing a favourite or sniffing out an underdog, here’s what to expect from a huge weekend of footy.
Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles:
This game has all the hallmarks of an upset if ever I’ve seen one. Manly come into this match up having just lapped the Broncos, while Newcastle were given a touch up themselves by the Dragons. Newcastle need a win badly here to resurrect their season, and in front of the home faithful is no better time. This is the exact kind of head to head that Manly tend to drop during the home and away season that leaves the punters questioning if they’re the real deal. I’m tipping Newcastle by 6 points.
Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys:
Melbourne looked clunky against the Titans this week and are in big danger of dropping this game to the Cowboys. North Queensland looked home for all money against the Tigers, before a fast finishing Tigers attack took the game deeper than Todd Payton would’ve hoped for, before still squeezing away a win. Having taken their wake up call last week, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cowboys make the trip down south and go home with a win. I’m tipping the Cowboys by 10 points.
Dolphins v St George Illawarra Dragons:
The Dolphins come in fresh off the bye, while the Dragons managed to keep Newcastle at arm’s length. The Dragons sit just inside the top 8, while the Redcliffe club are fighting to keep their season alive. They looked the goods against the Bulldogs two weeks ago, and you’d think they’d be hard to stop again this time around. However, it’s the exact kind of game Shane Flanagan would get his side up and about for. I’m tipping the Dragons by 8 points.
Cronulla Sharks v New Zealand Warriors:
The Sharks come into this contest fresh off the bye, while the Warriors only just fought off a fast finishing South Sydney. Fifth hosts third in this top eight clash, and both sides are fighting to prove they are the real deal. The knock on the Sharks has been they can’t beat top eight sides, let alone top four. I wouldn’t have thought much will change here this week. I’m tipping the Warriors by 6 points.
Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans:
It’s do or die for the Brisbane Broncos this week. The Titans are running dead last, and the Broncos have to win. The drums are beating in Brisbane. With all the strike power you could possibly need to win a comp, you’d have to think they’re a big chance of putting on a big score here. If they don’t, social media may go into a frenzy… I’m tipping the Broncos by 30 points.
Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
Josh Papali’i breaks the record for most games as a Canberra Raider this weekend as they host the Bunnies in the Nation’s capital. The Raiders have been playing a fast, in your face brand of football in 2025 and I’m expecting this game to go off! Two fiery forward packs going head to head. Expect a sin bin or two. Given the enormity of the occasion, I can see the Raiders boys really rallying behind their man Papa. I’m tipping the Raiders by 7 points.
Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers:
Jarome Luai takes on his old side for the first time this week as the Tigers host the Panthers. Thirteenth plays fourteenth as two of the most inconsistent sides go head to head. The Tigers are fighting to keep their season alive, but you’d have to think Penrith will be just too good now that they’re getting back into the swing of the season. Nathan Cleary and his boys will be eager to get one over Jarome and their other former teammates. I’m tipping the Panthers by 14 points.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Parramatta Eels:
The Dogs have had two weeks to sit on their embarrassing loss to the Dolphins, and will no doubt have been working extra hard at training. The inclusion of Lachie Galvin into the side adds some mystery around who plays where this week, but the star power in the side, fresh off a bye, leads me to think their defence will be hard to get through while they have a point to prove. Parramatta have been looking better as the week’s go on, but probably not good enough to beat the ladder leaders. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 14 points.
With finals spots on the line and pride at stake, this round shapes as a defining one for several clubs. Whether it’s the Broncos looking to silence the critics, the Raiders rallying behind Big Papa, or the Sharks trying to shake the “flat track bully” tag, every game brings its own narrative and pressure. Gear up for a massive weekend of footy by heading into Jersey’s Megastore for all the latest officially licensed supporter gear. Jersey’s Megastore, for all things footy!