Round 20 of the NRL is upon us, and the finals race is heating up fast. With just a handful of weeks left, teams are starting to show their true colours, whether it’s a genuine tilt at the premiership or a desperate fight to avoid the wooden spoon. This weekend’s action kicks off with an all-Queensland showdown between the Dolphins and Cowboys, while other fixtures include fierce rivalries, crucial comebacks, and potential upsets. From injury-affected heavyweights to underdogs sniffing an opportunity, we’ve broken down every matchup and offered our best tips for what promises to be a blockbuster round of footy.
Dolphins v North Queensland Cowboys:
Two Queensland sides go head to head to kick off Round 20 of the NRL. The Dolphins were soaring before being humbled by a win rampaging Nicho Hynes and the Sharks last week. The Cowboys on the other hand are battling to keep their season alive after yet another loss, last week at the paws of the Bulldogs. I could genuinely see this one going either way. The Cowboys are a genuinely good side on their day, however their lackluster defence may cop a walloping by the fast finishing Dolphins. The scoreline read 58-4 the last time they met. I’m tipping the Dolphins by 30 points.
Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters:
Funny things happen at Shark Park. On paper you might expect the Sharks to win this one. But with the Roosters vying for finals contention and welcoming Sam Walker back into the fold, I think the chooks may be a decent Smokey here on Friday night. The Eastern Suburbs side picked up a big win when they last met back in Round 12. If Nicho Hynes can carry his form into this week that he did last week, I don’t think this will be a repeat blowout score; but will it be enough? I’m tipping the Roosters by 14 points.
Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
The Panthers come into this clash without star halfback Nathan Cleary, but the Bunnies will be without their star half Cody Walker for the rest of the year! Souths managed to pick up the win over their western Sydney rivals back in Round 4, however the Panthers have won 6 on the trot and look to be well and truly back. How long can they stay up for without Cleary and Yeo leading from the front though? Souths are desperate for a win, and Wighton and Humphries are certainly good enough to get them there. I sense another upset here. I’m tipping the Rabbitohs by 8 points.
Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels:
Day time football in the Nation’s capital… this could get ugly! The Raiders are flying high at the top of the table after a couple of near escapes against the Tigers and Dragons. Fresh off a bye, I think Ricky will have his side absolutely humming. They’ve nearly blown a couple of decent leads in recent weeks, however I suspect that will have been first point of order at training during the bye week. The last two times these sides have met, the Raiders won 12-50 (Round 6, 2025) and 41-8 (Round 5, 2024). A repeat offence may well and truly be on the cards. I’m tipping the Raiders by 36 points.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v St George Illawarra Dragons:
The Bulldogs return home after a big defensive effort in Townsville last week. They will welcome back captain Stephen Crichton and Origin Victor Kurt Mann into the side, whilst Lachie Galvin gets given the 7 jersey for the first time since joining the Belmore club! The Dragons have been struggling for form having lost 4 of their last 5 games, and both of their last head to heads against the Bulldogs. The Dogs have a real opportunity to flex some of their muscles heading into the finals and I expect them to do so. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 24 points.
Melbourne Storm v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles:
As Melbourne make a charge for the Minor Premiership, it is Manly who must be thrown to the wolves this week. The Storm will welcome back Cameron Munster after an emotional State of Origin victory and period of time with his family. Manly have once again been hit and miss this season, but find themselves just inside the top eight with vultures in the Sharks and Dolphins circling, looking to take their place. As the famous attacking prowess of Melbourne look to sharpen, I suspect the inconsistency of Manky may be exposed again this week. I’m tipping Melbourne by 18 points.
Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans:
Despite sitting in 14th, the Tigers are only 2 points clear of the last placed Gold Coast Titans. This is another potential spoon bowl preview, with a win this week, the Titans would go a long way to climbing off the bottom of the ladder. The last two head to heads between these sides are split one win apiece. Both teams look to making slight improvements on a week to week basis. The experience of Kieran Foran in the halves may boost the Titans drastically here. I’m going to tip the Titans by 6 points.
Newcastle Knights v New Zealand Warriors:
The Wahs didn’t miss a beat last week as Tanah Boyd slotted into the side, replacing the injured Luke Metcalf. There’s a lot of noise in Newcastle at the moment, with suggestions Kalyn Ponga is off to Rugby, and that head coach Adam O’Brien is on the chopping block. Regardless of if he stays or goes, one things for certain, Ponga will be on the sidelines this week with yet another foot injury. The Warriors will look to help keep their spot in the top four secured with a win this week. I’m tipping the Warriors by 12 points.
As Round 20 wraps up, the stakes continue to rise across the NRL. With finals spots on the line, form slumps to overcome, and pride driving the lower-ranked sides, every game matters now more than ever. Whether it’s the Dolphins looking to bounce back big, the Panthers proving they can win without Cleary, or the Warriors pushing for a top-four finish, this week’s clashes are packed with storylines and season-defining moments. Be sure to gear up with Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy and don’t miss a second of the action.
