2026 NRL Round 19 Predictions

It’s gone from bad to worse for the Tigers, who face a crucial home clash with the Warriors under duress.  

FORM: The 7-9 Tigers have won only two of their last nine, with their current three-match slide culminating in a horrific 24-10 defeat to the last-placed Dragons that also saw them lose Api Koroisau to injury.  

The second-placed Warriors are under a bit of pressure after suffering three two-point losses from their last four outings – including a 26-24 defeat to the Dolphins in Round 17 where they conceded the match-winning try with two minutes left. 

INS AND OUTS: Jarome Luai (concussion) is back for the Tigers, while Josese Lanyon replaces Api Koroisau at hooker. Samuela Fainu returns from a foot injury in the second-row.  

Alofiana Khan-Pereira, James Fisher-Harris and Leka Halasima return for the injured Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, and the Warriors’ Origin duo Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell, who have both been named in the reserves.  

KEY MATCH-UP: If the Tigers are to be any chance, their forwards have to aim up – which puts the onus on Terrell May in his enforcer battle with Fisher-Harris.  

HISTORY: The Tigers snapped a nine-match losing streak with a stunning, Adam Doueihi-inspired 32-14 upset in Auckland in Round 4. The Warriors won a 26-24 thriller at Campbelltown last season.  

KEY STAT: Neither team has scored more than 34 points in the past 13 Tigers-Warriors clashes, with only three of those matches producing a total of more than 48 points.  

VERDICT: The wheels have fallen off the Tigers’ campaign and they can just about forget about a finals return if they can’t jag an upset here. Koroisau’s injury is another blow and Luai just hasn’t produced week to week. Doueihi is capable of inspiring but was poor last week.  

The Warriors have been dealing with a significant injury and Origin toll, but JFH and Halasima provide some punch to the pack with their return. Their inability to close out tight games is a concern but it seems unlikely that will come into the equation on Friday. 

Prediction: Back the Warriors to Cover the Line (-9.5) @ $1.85 

SGM: WARRIORS WIN / OVER 46.5 TOTAL POINTS / LEKA HALASIMA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JACOB LABAN ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $19.67 

Their winning streak coming to an Origin-impacted halt, the fourth-placed Dolphins take on the fifth-placed Sharks in a crunch clash at Redcliffe.  

FORM: The Dolphins won eight straight – culminating in a gutsy 26-24 eclipse of the Warriors despite losing Isaiya Katoa to injury – but a rejigged side was pipped 13-12 by the Knights in Newcastle on Sunday.  

The Sharks have won five of their last six, bouncing back from a disappointing 27-8 loss to the Roosters by outlasting the desperate – albeit severely weakened – Broncos 28-16 in Brisbane on Saturday.  

INS AND OUTS: The Dolphins have named Maroons Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Max Plath and Thomas Flegler and Blues debutant Jack Bostock. Ray Stone will be rested. The Sharks are unchanged, though Origin reps Briton Nikora, Addin Fonua-Blake and Blayke Brailey are in the reserves. 

KEY MATCH-UP: Kiwi Test teammates Ronaldo Mulitalo and the in-form Jamayne Isaako are set for a fascinating duel on the wing.  

HISTORY: The Dolphins are 3-1 against the Sharks, including a blistering 38-10 victory in Sydney in Round 3 this season.  

KEY STAT: The Dolphins have a modest 5-4 record at Kayo Stadium, crashing 52-18 to embattled Manly in their only match at the venue so far in 2026. The last five matches they’ve averaged totals of over 63 points.  

VERDICT: A huge encounter in the context of both in-form teams’ top-four aspirations. The Dolphins were gutsy in their streak-ending loss last week with so many Origin players absent, though Isaiya Katoa’s influence was clearly missed.  

The Sharks are arguably less proven, but Nicho Hynes’ strong showing against Brisbane was a big positive ahead of the run home. The visitors are getting a handy start and look the better value here.  

Prediction: Back the Sharks to Cover the Line (+4.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: EITHER TEAM BY UNDER 10.5 POINTS / OVER 49.5 TOTAL POINTS / JAMAYNE ISAAKO ANYTIME TRYSCORER / SIONE KATOA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / KL IRO ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $19.53 

There’s a do-or-die feel about this showdown for both 2026 sliders, with the 10th-placed Bulldogs hosting the 13th-placed Raiders.  

FORM: The Bulldogs have quietly turned things around with a three-match winning run prior to last week’s bye, edging out the Eels (14-12) and Sea Eagles (13-12) before overwhelming the Titans (30-12).  

The Raiders chalked up just their second win in seven games in Round 17 – a wholly unconvincing 24-14 defeat of the struggling Dragons at home.  

INS AND OUTS: NSW centre Stephen Crichton has been named to back up for the Bulldogs at five-eighth, while Jacob Kiraz has overcome a rib injury to take his place on the wing. 

Blues Ethan Strange and Hudson Young have also been named to play for the Raiders, while Josh Papalii and Noah Martin are set to bolster the pack. Seb Kris starts on the wing for Savelio Tamale.  

KEY MATCH-UP: It’s hard to go past the No.6 showdown between Origin teammates Chrichton – a huge success in the new role – and the game-breaking Strange.  

HISTORY: After losing nine in a row to the Raiders, the Bulldogs have won the last three encounters – including a 14-10 slugfest in Canberra in Round 3 this year.  

KEY STAT: The Bulldogs are on a three-match winning streak at Accor Stadium; the Raiders have only played there once since the 2019 grand final (a 2023 win over Souths).  

VERDICT: While not overly convincing, the Bulldogs have built up some momentum on this current three-match winning run and have rediscovered their defensive grit, conceded just 12 points in each of their last three after leaking 20-plus in seven straight games.  

The Raiders have been a shadow of the 2025 team and are getting worse – the drought-breaking defeat of the Dragons did little to raise optimism around Ricky Stuart’s side. They’ve been awful on the road, and this should all but put paid to their Top 8 hopes.  

Prediction: Back Bulldogs/Bulldogs Half-Time/Full-Time Double @ $2.10 

SGM: BULLDOGS WIN / UNDER 45.5 TOTAL POINTS / KAEO WEEKES ANYTIME TRYSCORER / MATT BURTON ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $29.38 

The Roosters are looking to cement their top-four standing when they take on a plucky Eels side showing signs of replicating their late-2025 renaissance.  

FORM: The 10-5 Roosters won the two games prior to the bye – a strong 27-8 defeat of the Sharks up there with their best of the season, and a less convincing 24-18 result against the struggling Broncos.  

The Eels bookended a heavy loss to Souths (32-12) with wins over the Raiders (15-12) and, in easily their best showing of 2026, the high-flying Sea Eagles (23-14).  

INS AND OUTS: Daniel Tupou returns for the Roosters to make his 300th NRL appearance. James Tedesco and Mark Nawaqanitawase have been named, while fellow Origin players Reece Robson and Sam Walker are listed in the reserves (Connor Watson and Hugo Savala are listed to start).  

Salesi Foketi and Spencer Leniu replace Nat Butcher (suspension) and Lindsay Collins (concussion).  

The Eels are hoping Mitch Moses backs up after Origin, which would push Jonah Pezet to the reserves. Araz Nanva replaces injured centre Sean Russell.  

KEY MATCH-UP: Daly Cherry-Evans will look to ease the load on the Roosters’ Origin spine members, while Ronald Volkman has been superb in the Eels’ halves in difficult circumstances.  

HISTORY: The Roosters have won 10 of their last 13 against the Eels but were upset 30-10 in Round 25 last season at CommBank Stadium.  

KEY STAT: The Roosters are on a seven-match winning streak against the Eels at the old and new incarnations of Allianz Stadium, last losing in 2008.  

VERDICT: The big sleepers in the premiership race, the Roosters are still to play anywhere near their potential – yet they are very nicely placed on the ladder approaching the run home. A hefty Origin representation may hold them back here, though quality depth is not an issue.  

It’s been a tough year for the Eels, with several areas in the roster being exposed. But recent performances suggest they are capable of proving a fly in the ointment of rivals’ finals bids – as they did last year by beating three eventual Top 8 teams in the last seven rounds.  

Prediction: Back the Eels to Cover the Line (+13.5) @ $1.98 

SGM: EELS OVER 2.5 TRIES / UNDER 48.5 TOTAL POINTS / SIUA WONG ANYTIME TRYSCORER / BRIAN KELLY ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $49.68 

In danger of dropping out of the Top 8, South Sydney welcomes in-form Newcastle to Accor Stadium.  

FORM: The 8-7 Rabbitohs picked off some low-hanging fruit with big wins over the Broncos and Eels, before crashing 36-14 to the Origin-hit Panthers last Friday.  

The 11-5 Knights are fourth after winning seven of their last eight. The freewheeling outfit have shown they have what it takes to graft out low-scoring wins when necessary, beating the Tigers (12-6) and Dolphins (13-12) at home in the past fortnight.  

INS AND OUTS: Souths welcome Campbell Graham back on a wing, while Tallis Duncan again goes into the centres, Matt Dufty comes in at fullback and Jayden Sullivan replaces the suspended Cody Walker in the halves. Jye Gray and Latrell Siegwalt have made way.  

Cameron Murray has been named to back up from Origin.  

The Knights have named Origin duo Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best, so Fletcher Sharpe reverts to five-eighth. Trey Mooney returns in time to replace the injured Jacob Saifiti.  

KEY MATCH-UP: Dufty gets a big opportunity in the Rabbitohs’ No.1 jersey, while Ponga will be eager to put in for the Knights – win or lose on Wednesday. 

HISTORY: The Knights are on a four-match winning run against the Rabbitohs, including a 42-38 barnburner in Newcastle in Round 9.  

KEY STAT: Greg Marzhew has scored seven tries in six career games against Souths. Alex Johnston has crossed for an eye-watering 17 tries in just 11 appearances against Newcastle. 

VERDICT: The Knights have been 2026’s overachievers, while the Rabbitohs are flirting dangerously with again contending for the mantle of the NRL’s most disappointing team despite still clinging to a place in the Top 8.  

Last week’s match-winning moment was huge for Knights No.7 Dylan Brown as a new-look spine – which has had its disruptions – continues to improve. Meanwhile, a halves pairing of Sullivan and Ashton Ward will need to play out of their skin for depleted Souths to get close.  

Prediction: Back the Knights to Win @ $1.82 

SGM: KNIGHTS TO WIN BY OVER 6.5 POINTS / OVER 48.5 TOTAL POINTS / MATT DUFTY ANYTIME TRYSCORER / FLETCHER SHARPE ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $20.32 

Striving to regain some consistency and maintain a stellar home record, Manly invites a North Queensland side nudging the Top 8 to the northern beaches.  

FORM: The Sea Eagles have fallen into a win-loss pattern over the past six weeks, mixing solid home wins over the Rabbitohs and Storm with upset away losses to the Bulldogs and Eels.  

The 9-7 Cowboys snapped a three-game slide with a stunning 26-12 upset of the competition-leading Panthers to mark Jason Taumalolo’s 300th game.  

INS AND OUTS: Tolu Koula is set to line up in the centres for the injured Clayton Faulalo, provided he comes through Origin unscathed, while Blues teammate Haumole Olakau’atu is also named to back up.  

The Cowboys are unchanged from Round 17 with Origin stars Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai and Murray Taulagi all named.  

KEY MATCH-UP: Whether they tangle at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday or not, the battle between Olakau’atu and Nanai at 4 Pines Park is must-see.  

HISTORY: Manly has won eight of its last 10 against North Queensland, including the last four straight. The Sea Eagles romped in 42-12 at home and 24-6 away last season, and 38-6 in Townsville in Round 7 this year.  

KEY STAT: The Cowboys have won five of their last seven at 4 Pines Park.  

VERDICT: Barrelling towards a top-four finish only a few weeks ago, the Sea Eagles could finish the weekend outside the Top 8 after some recent stumbles. The key factor shapes as home-ground advantage – Manly has won five from five under Foran at 4 Pines Park, by an average margin of 17. 

The Cowboys will be looking to channel the character of their rousing upset of the Panthers, but their last two away performances – in Canberra and Christchurch – were bleak.   

Prediction: Back the Sea Eagles to Cover the Line (-5.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: SEA EAGLES WIN / OVER 48.5 TOTAL POINTS / TOM TRBOJEVIC TO SCORE 2 OR MORE TRIES / HEILUM LUKI ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $39.67 

The Storm will be acutely aware of the importance of this home assignment as they vie to stay in the finals hunt, while the Titans have proved a fly in the ointment for some heavyweights despite their ongoing inconsistency.  

FORM: The Storm’s impressive 5-1 run hit a major roadblock courtesy of a 30-4 away defeat to the Sea Eagles in Round 17.   

The Titans followed up a character-laden 19-18 eclipse of the Panthers with a disappointing 30-12 defeat to the Bulldogs before taking their last bye in Round 18.  

INS AND OUTS: The Storm welcome Jahrome Hughes, Nick Meaney and Jack Howarth back, while Origin trio Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero have been named to back up.  

Maroons duo Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita are scheduled to line up for the Titans, and ex-Storm winger Dean Ieremia comes into the side for Jaylan De Groot. Cooper Bai returns from concussion in a key in.  

KEY MATCH-UP: Diminutive rival No.1s Sua Faalogo and Keano Kini are among the NRL’s most exciting game-breakers.  

HISTORY: The Storm have won 11 of their last 12 against the Titans, including a 28-16 result on the Gold Coast in their sole 2025 encounter.  

KEY STAT: The Titans lone victory in nine visits to AAMI Park was in 2014, losing all five since by margins of 16-plus points.  

VERDICT: Melbourne’s midyear revival took a major jolt at Manly – and this shapes as must-win with five of their remaining seven games against current Top 8 sides. But a bit of leeway from the Origin decider and the return of Hughes and co. should see the Storm chalk up their fifth straight home win. 

Gold Coast was moving in the right direction, which made the heavy home loss to Canterbury hard to rationalise. This has not been a pleasant road trip for the Titans historically and that trend is likely to continue.  

Prediction: Back the Storm to Win by 13+ @ $2.20  

SGM: STORM -9.5 / UNDER 48.5 TOTAL POINTS / SUA FAALOGO ANYTIME TRYSCORER / PHILLIP SAMI ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $23.60