Round 8 of the NRL is shaping up to be an action-packed weekend of footy, with blockbuster clashes, fierce rivalries, and key players stepping into the spotlight. From the Broncos’ battle to bounce back against a Bulldogs side that may never lose again, to the traditional Anzac Day showdowns, and a heavyweight halfback duel between Cleary and Cherry-Evans, there’s plenty to look forward to. With form lines tightening and finals hopes starting to take shape, every result counts and we’ve got our predictions locked in for what promises to be a cracking round. Let’s dive into this week’s tips!
Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs:
The Brisbane Broncos will look to rebound from consecutive losses as they host the undefeated Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium to kick off Round 8 on Thursday night. Brisbane will be hopeful home support might help them recover after a golden point defeat to the Warriors, but they face a soaring Bulldogs side that’s riding high after historic back-to-back shutouts and conceding only 14 points in their last four games. With the Broncos missing key fullback Reece Walsh, the Bulldogs will rely on their strong defence to maintain their winning streak. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 12 points.
Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons:
The traditional Anzac Day clash between the Roosters and Dragons opens a trio of matches, with both teams entering under contrasting form. The Roosters are coming off a heavy loss to the Panthers but have proven capable of stepping up against strong opponents and hold a historical edge over the Dragons, including a dominant win last year. Meanwhile, the Dragons ride into the match with momentum from back-to-back victories, including a thrilling win over the Sea Eagles, and will be looking to build on that confidence. All signs point to this one going right down to the wire. I think this will be the week James Tedesco stands up and reminds the footy world how great he is. I’m tipping the Roosters by 8 points.
New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights:
The Warriors head to Christchurch aiming to build on their impressive golden point win over the Broncos, secured by a clutch 50-metre penalty goal from Luke Metcalf despite missing key players. They’ll host the struggling Knights, who are coming off their fourth consecutive loss and searching for form and resilience. History isn’t on Newcastle’s side, having won just two of their last 17 games in New Zealand, making this a challenging task for Adam O’Brien’s squad. With the Knights struggling on both sides of the ball right now, this can only go one way. I’m tipping the Warriors by 18 points.
Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs travel to Melbourne to face Craig Bellamy’s Storm in a symbolic Anzac Day clash between master and apprentice. Bellamy, once coached by Bennett, has forged his own legacy during a dominant 23-year run with the Storm. Both teams are eager to bounce back from recent defeats, the Storm from a surprising 42-22 loss to the Dolphins, and the Rabbitohs from a 32-0 Good Friday shutout by the Bulldogs. History favours Melbourne, as South Sydney have never won in the Victorian capital across 19 previous attempts. Melbourne averages 38 points per game coming off a loss, which means this could get ugly… I’m tipping the Storm by 30+ points.
North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans:
The Cowboys return to Townsville refreshed and confident after back-to-back road wins over the Panthers and Rabbitohs, followed by a bye. They’ll face a determined Titans side desperate to break a three-game losing streak. Despite showing flashes of promise in their recent loss to the Raiders, Gold Coast will need to address their inability to hold leads, something coach Des Hasler will be keen to fix ahead of this crucial Queensland clash. I’m tipping the Cowboys by 14 points.
Penrith Panthers v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles:
A blockbuster battle between two elite halfbacks looms as Nathan Cleary’s Panthers host Daly Cherry-Evans’ Sea Eagles on Saturday night. Cleary led Penrith to a much-needed win last week, snapping a five-game losing streak, and will aim to build on that momentum despite the absence of suspended hooker Mitch Kenny. Rising playmaker Blaize Talagi continues to grow alongside Cleary in the halves. Meanwhile, Manly head to CommBank Stadium looking to halt a three-game slide, with Cherry-Evans hoping to inspire a turnaround in his final season with the club. It appears the Roosters may have woken the sleeping giant in their loss last week though. I’m tipping Penrith by 14 points.
Canberra Raiders v Dolphins:
The Dolphins head to Canberra for the first time, riding high after a stunning win over the Storm and ready to face the Raiders in what promises to be another closely fought clash. Though Canberra holds a narrow 2-1 edge in their head-to-head history, all previous matches have been decided by six points or fewer. With both teams boasting strong attacking firepower and GIO Stadium hosting its first Sunday afternoon game of the season, a big crowd is expected for what should be an entertaining encounter. I’m tipping the Raiders by 4 points.
Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks:
The Sharks surged into the top eight after a dominant win over the Knights and will aim to maintain that momentum in a Sunday clash with the Wests Tigers. With nine players surpassing 100 running metres, Cronulla’s power through the middle and clinical outside backs will again be key, led by Addin Fonua-Blake. Meanwhile, the Tigers are coming off a tough 38-22 loss to the Eels and a turbulent week off the field that saw them fail to galvanise as a club. While the Sharks crushed them 58-6 in their last meeting, the Tigers will hope their strong record at Leichhardt Oval, six wins from ten matches there since 2000, gives them an edge. I’d expect the Cronulla back line to be too strong in this one though. I’m tipping the Sharks by 10 points.
With Round 8 delivering marquee matchups, historic rivalries, and plenty of intrigue across the board, fans are in for a thrilling weekend of rugby league action. Whether it’s the emotion of Anzac Day clashes, high-stakes battles between top-eight hopefuls, or teams desperate to turn their seasons around, every game brings its own storyline. As always, form, history, and momentum will all play their part but as we’ve seen time and again, anything can happen in the NRL. Strap in for another unpredictable and entertaining round, and don’t forget to rep your colours proudly with the latest gear from Jerseys Megastore! For all things footy!
