Round 15 of the NRL is shaping up to be a crucial weekend, with key matchups that could shake up the top eight and offer some fierce rivalries. From the always-heated southern Sydney derby between the Sharks and Dragons to the Sunday showdown between the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs, each clash comes with its own storylines and stakes. With State of Origin selections forcing several key players out, teams will be tested on depth, resilience, and form. Here are our tips and predictions for a round that promises plenty of drama, big moments, and potential upsets.
Cronulla Sharks v St George Illawarra Dragons:
The southern Sydney derby will kick off Round 15 as the Sharks take on the Dragons. Both teams are looking to bounce back from recent losses; Cronulla to the Warriors and St George Illawarra to the Dolphins. The Sharks, sitting fifth on the ladder, aim to secure their spot in the top eight, while the Dragons, currently 11th, remain in the hunt with several teams tied on points. Though the rivalry is typically intense, Cronulla has dominated in recent years, winning nine straight and 11 of the last 12 encounters, with the Dragons last winning at Sharks Stadium in 2018. After last week’s effort by the Dragons, I’ll be tipping the Sharks by 18 points.
Gold Coast Titans v Manly Sea Eagles:
The Sea Eagles head to the Gold Coast looking to rebound from a narrow golden point loss to the Knights, where they squandered a 16-point halftime lead. Meanwhile, the Titans are also coming off a heavy 44-14 defeat to the Broncos and will be without key players Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika due to Origin duties. Manly, unaffected by Origin omissions, will have captain Daly Cherry-Evans available after his surprise exclusion from the Queensland squad, adding extra fire to his motivation. Undefeated against Queensland teams this season, the Sea Eagles face a Titans side eager to bounce back under coach Des Hasler and with experienced playmaker Kieran Foran returning, making this a potentially tricky clash. Ultimately though, I think Manly will get the win by 14 points.
Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters:
After a thrilling comeback win over the Sea Eagles, the Knights will look to build on that momentum when they host the Roosters. Trailing 16-0 at halftime, Newcastle rallied in the second half before Kalyn Ponga sealed the win in golden point. The Roosters, coming off a bye, have been in solid form with three wins from their last five games, and their two recent losses were by narrow margins. Both teams will be impacted by State of Origin selections, with the Knights losing Ponga and the Roosters missing five players. Despite the absences, the Roosters’ emerging talent and the Knights’ recent surge set the stage for a competitive clash. Something is building in Newcastle, I’m tipping the Knights by 4 points.
North Queensland Cowboys v Dolphins:
The Cowboys and Dolphins, sitting sixth and seventh on the ladder, are under pressure from a group of teams chasing a spot in the top eight. The Cowboys, coming off a loss to the Storm, will be without key Origin players Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Reece Robson, and Jeremiah Nanai as they aim to rebound at home. The Dolphins arrive with momentum after a dominant win over the Dragons, though they’ll be missing star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow due to Origin duties. The two teams have already met twice this season, each claiming a win, setting the stage for a high-stakes third encounter. With the momentum they’re building, it’s hard to go past the Dolphins by 20 points.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
The Rabbitohs have shown grit under returning coach Wayne Bennett in 2025, but their season continues to be disrupted by injuries. After leading the Raiders 12-0 at halftime last week, they faded in the second half, compounded by Cody Walker’s groin injury and Campbell Graham’s late withdrawal. Meanwhile, the ladder-leading Bulldogs face their own challenge with key players Stephen Crichton, Kurt Mann, Max King, and Matt Burton all out for Origin. When these teams last met on Good Friday, the Bulldogs dominated with a 32-0 win, highlighted by standout performances from Max King, Connor Tracey, and Jacob Kiraz. With Galvin moving into the starting halves this week, I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 12 points.
With ladder positions on the line and Origin disruptions adding another layer of intrigue, Round 15 is set to deliver some thrilling contests and defining moments. Whether it’s a fierce rivalry, a bounce-back opportunity, or a clash of emerging contenders, fans are in for a cracking weekend of footy. Don’t forget, no matter who you’re backing, Jerseys Megastore has you covered for all things footy!
