The 2026 NRL season is underway, and looks likely to provide plenty of headaches for tippers throughout the year. Tipping all the winners each weekend is near impossible, so we’ll give you some extra help with three standout games.
The sure thing
Brisbane Broncos vs. Parramatta Eels, Suncorp Stadium, Thursday March 12, 8pm (AEDT)
The Broncos were stunned last week by the ruthless efficiency of the Penrith Panthers, but they will be very keen not to start the season 0-2. They will regroup, hit the training paddock and sweat away the memories of that opening clash. They might have had their noses collectively bloodied by the Panthers, but they still have a squad full of very talented footballers.
The Eels on the other hand, started well against the Storm, but were just brushed aside into the second half. The Storm are a massive test for any side, but most concerning for Eels fans would have been the total lack of pride in the jersey on display after the break.
It all adds up to a very nasty Thursday night in Brisbane for the Eels.
Round 2 sure thing: Broncos
The toss of the coin
New Zealand Warriors vs. Canberra Raiders, Go Media Stadium, Friday March 13, 6pm (AEDT)
The Warriors enjoyed a mountain of possession last week and were able to draw away from the Roosters with their attacking flair on full display. Concerningly, they relaxed in typical fashion and allowed in a couple of Roosters tries.
The Raiders didn’t touch the ball for the first 11 minutes of their clash with the Sea Eagles and before they knew it they were trailing by 14 points. After the break they showed all the skills that contributed to their minor premiership last year. They ran down the Sea Eagles and built a 14-point lead of there own. Worryingly though, they completely clocked off and allowed Manly to send the game into golden point extra time.
Whichever team can maintain their focus for the full 80 minutes will win this. I just think the Raiders have the slight edge in attacking brilliance.
Toss of the coin game winner: Raiders
The roughie
Sydney Rooster vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs, Allianz Stadium, Friday March 12, 8pm (AEDT)
The Roosters really struggled in Auckland last week, giving up a mountain of possession while spending way too much energy arguing with the referee over all the penalties he was awarding against them. They are expected to bounce back in this bitter derby, but I have my doubts.
The Rabbitohs were the roughie pick last week as well and played like a team that is going to be a serious contender for a Top 8 spot this year. Latrell Mitchell was firing out wide, while the Bunnies pack, inspired by Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita and Cameron Murray really monstered the Dolphins.
While the Roosters should win this clash, the Rabbitohs would love nothing more than to pull off the upset, with Alex Johnson equalling and breaking the NRL try-scoring record along the way.
Round 2 roughie: Rabbitohs
