Round 17 of the 2025 NRL season is here and it’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing yet. From the Panthers and Bulldogs going head‑to‑head in a potential Finals Footy preview, to desperate clashes between sides looking to save their seasons, this weekend has it all. Will the Broncos’ resurgence continue? Can the Titans compound the Cowboys’ misery? And will the Dolphins and Rabbitohs produce a try‑fest? The team at Jerseys Megastore have broken down every match and picked our winners for another thrilling round of footy. Let’s dive into Round 17!
Penrith Panthers v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs:
The Panthers origin stars are set to return this week, but an injury cloud over Nathan Cleary and Brian To’o could cause a disruption in Panthers training this week. The Bulldogs are soaring at the top of the ladder, with Matt Burton in tremendous form. Lachlan Galvin seems to have unlocked the Canterbury attack. This is the must see clash of the round, as Penrith look to resurrect their season and the Dogs look to build toward the minor premiership. It’ll be a close one for sure. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 2 points.
Manly Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers:
Manly are looking to shake things up this week to resurrect their own season. Tommy Turbo is set to move to the centres, with Lehi Hopoate keeping his spot at fullback. The Tigers have looked better every week, despite losing by narrow margins. They managed to keep the red hot Raiders scoreless for the last hour of their clash last week. This one could go either way. Reports are circulating of some disunity at the Manly club, with players not happy about the change ups. Will they put that to one side, or will the Tigers take their opportunity to pounce? I’m tipping the Tigers by 4 points.
Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders:
Newcastle are starting to hit their stride with 3 solid consecutive performances, including stopping the point scoring powerhouse run of the Dolphins. The Raiders on the other hand, haven’t looked this good since the 90’s. It would certainly be an upset if the Knights got the win this week over Canberra, but in front of a home crowd anything is possible. Funny things happen in Newcastle. The Raiders admittedly had some second half woes last week. I’m gonna tip Newcastle by 6 points.
Brisbane Broncos v New Zealand Warriors:
The Warriors were humbled at home last week against a second string Panthers attack, and the hope is that they haven’t been found out. The Broncos launched a tremendous come back against the Sharks at home last week, and despite critics over Madge Maguire, have found themselves in 5th place. Reece Walsh seems to be returning to form to help really propel the Broncos home in this back half of the year. I’m tipping the Broncos by 18 points.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Parramatta Eels:
Zac Lomax returns to the Gong as the Eels take on the Dragons. The Dragons are battling under the guidance of the Flanagans in 2025, and need to bounce back fast or else they may find themselves battling for the spoon, having only won one more game than the Titans. Parramatta have now won more games without Mitchell Moses this year than with him, as Dean
Hawkins seems to be settling into the NRL routine. Of late, there seems to be far more cohesion out in the west. I’m tipping Parramatta by 10 points.
Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
Both sides come into this clash with high scoring potential and off the back of respective losses. The Dolphins amassed 158 points in 3 weeks only a fortnight ago, while the Rabbitoh’s Alex Johnston is fresh off a 4 try frenzy of his own, as he eyes off Ken Irvine’s all time try scoring record. There doesn’t look to be much defence on the horizon in this game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the losing team still scores a minimum 20+ points. The red hot form of Kodi Nikorima and Isaya Katoa may be enough to get them over the line this week. I’m tipping the Dolphins by 14 points.
Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks:
It’s about that time of the year where Melbourne really start to kick it up a notch in the run home to finals. Cronulla have been tremendously inconsistent in 2025 despite pre season top four hopes. The Sharks managed an upset over the Storm back in Round 11 this year which will only make Melbourne want this even more. Their record at home is unmatched, with the trip to AAMI Park one of the hardest in the NRL. I’m anticipating a demolition job that may send Cronulla back to the drawing board for the back end of the year. I’ll be tipping Melbourne by 24 points.
Gold Coast Titans v North Queensland Cowboys:
The Cowboys are in crisis mode. Off the back of two spankings by the Dolphins and the Roosters, this will really test their resilience as they take on the last placed Titans. The Gold Coast are building under Des Hasler, after knocking off Manly and putting up a valiant effort against Parramatta. The Cowboys will be in a transition period as they look to work their way out of trouble, which will give the Titans an opportunity to capitalise. I’m tipping the Gold Coast by 12 points.
And there you have it; our tips and predictions for Round 17 of the 2025 NRL season! From blockbuster clashes to desperate battles for vital competition points, it’s shaping up to be an unmissable weekend of footy. Whatever the results, one thing’s certain… you’ll find everything you need to support your team right here at Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy. Enjoy the action, and see you in store or online!
