Oscar Pannifex breaks down Round 4 of the NRLW, offering his usual expertise, analysis, and betting plays on the neds blog!
Cronulla came into this season with high hopes but have failed to deliver, three games in. With the second-worst completion rate in the NRLW and fourth-most penalties conceded, the Sharks simply haven’t given themselves a chance.
In contrast, Canberra have flipped the script to quickly erase any memories of a disappointing season 2025. Their ruck was a constant spot for opposing teams but the Raiders have added some starch to their middle while Sheriden Gallagher is proving a revelation at fullback.
This is Canberra’s to win.
Tips
Best: Raiders @ $1.46
Anytime Try Scorer: Leianne Tufuga @ $2.90
Same Game Multi: Raiders + Leianne Tufuga Anytime Try @ $3.53
We’ve seen glimpses of what this young Dragons side can do but the challenge is now to produce it for 70 minutes, week in and week out. They get a chance against an understrength Bulldogs side here to work through the gears and play to their strengths, but we need to see St George relish the dirty work that comes before any flashy highlight reel plays.
Canterbury are almost the opposite right now. They’re happy to stay in the grind and kick themselves out of trouble through Tayla Preston’s boot but the Bulldogs are lacking some attacking spark to go with the top teams.
This one should be close.
Tips
Best: Dragons 1-12 @ $3.40
Anytime Try Scorer: Teagan Berry @ $1.88
Same Game Multi: Dragons 1-12 + Teagan Berry Anytime Try @ $5.41
For longer term fans of the women’s game, there’s a bit of the 2023 Titans about how this Gold Coast side has worked its way into the season.
The Titans of ‘23 defended their way to an unlikely NRLW Grand Final appearance by conceding just 14 points per game on average throughout the year, before shutting out Easts in Round 1 of the Finals.
They mightn’t be defending the same click this time around, but this Gold Coast side looks as comfortable in the grind while adding a few very likely extra attacking pieces on top. Evania Isa’ako is killing them as a ballplaying backrower while Teagan Levi is the find of the NRLW season so far at five-eighth.
Titans by how many.
Tips
Best: Titans 13+ @ $1.85
Anytime Try Scorers: Teagan Levi @ $3.05 & Phoenix Raine-Hippi @ $1.70
Same Game Multi: Titans 13+ + Teagan Levi Anytime Try + Phoenix Raine-Hippi Anytime Try @ $6.72
A depleted Warriors outfit were dealt a harsh lesson in NRLW Round 2 but responded how they needed to; making light work of North Queensland last week.
Their power game through the middle third is difficult to contain for opposing packs while the speed and class of Apii Nicholls at fullback is consistently turning half chances into points on the edges.
I’ve had a soft spot for Parramatta for a few years now but their ill-discipline in defence and poor execution in attack is becoming difficult to ignore. For all the smart involvements of Rachael Pearson at halfback, the Eels are simply making things too difficult for themselves right now.
Tips
Best: Warriors 13+ @ $1.70
Anytime Try Scorer: Tysha Ikenasio @ $2.55
Same Game Multi: Warriors 13+ + Tysha Ikenasio Anytime Try @ $3.52
Newcastle have been superb to begin the year but now must deal with the absence of Yasmin Meakes (ACL) on their left edge. Fane Finau has impressed on the other edge and now becomes a strike player in this grinding Knights attack, but it mightn’t be enough against the defending champs.
Brisbane are working their way into the season nicely to carve out some repeatable actions through Tamika Upton and Jesse Southwell in particular. We know the Bronx can produce highlight reel moments in their sleep but it’s Brisbane’s habits and more simple actions that can help them go back-to-back.
This won’t be easy but it’s Brisbane’s to lose.
Tips
Best: Broncos @ $1.18
Anytime Try Scorers: Julia Robinson @ $1.96 & Romy Teitzel @ $4.50
Same Game Multi: Broncos + Julia Robinson Anytime Try + Romy Teitzel Anytime Try @ $8.71
The scoreline doesn’t read nicely for Wests last week but they made it a contest against Brisbane before dropping off late. There are genuine improvements in the Tigers this year but the Broncos – and now Easts – set a pretty high bar and it might be a task too tall again here.
Tarryn Aiken is still building towards her best but made a big step forward last week. I’m looking for her to kick through the gears again here and strip the Tigers edges (or back in behind the ruck) once fatigue sets in.
Tips
Best: Roosters 13+ @ $1.88
Anytime Try Scorers: Tarryn Aiken @ $2.80 & Brydie Parker @ $1.92
Same Game Multi: Roosters 13+ + Tarryn Aiken Anytime Try + Brydie Parker Anytime Try @ $6.86
