{"id":91584,"date":"2026-09-23T10:34:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T00:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=91584"},"modified":"2026-09-23T10:34:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T00:34:10","slug":"2026-nrl-preliminary-finals-tips-predictions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/09\/2026-nrl-preliminary-finals-tips-predictions\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NRL Preliminary Finals Tips &amp; Predictions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We&#8217;ve reached the Prelim stage of the 2026 NRL Finals, and Oscar Pannifex has wasted no time ripping in to both games across Friday and Saturday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Phins battle the Chooks for the third time this season in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium, while the Panthers have been installed as heavy favourites to return to the Grand Final stage with a win over the Knights!<\/p>\n\n\n<style><\/style><div data-league=\"NRL\" data-event=\"nrl-20261113010\" data-market=\"Match Betting\" data-sport=\"rugby_league\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner wp-block-entain-sport-takeover-banner-block_3698e89995b2b271b662b545f1bc8d97 sport-data\">    <section class=\"sport-takeover-banner__wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"origin-banner__inner\">\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__details\">\n                <!-- Change data-countdown-to to your event date\/time. -->\n                <div\n                    class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown\"\n                    data-countdown-to=\"2026-09-25T09:50:00Z\"\n                    aria-label=\"Event countdown\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\" data-days-wrapper>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-days>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Days<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-hours>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Hours<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-minutes>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Mins<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-seconds>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Secs<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"sport-takeover-banner__title\">NRL<\/h3>\n                <p class=\"sport-takeover-banner__meta\">Suncorp Stadium &bull; Friday 25th Sep<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams\">\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--one\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/dolphins-vs-sydney-roosters\/db4d5b9b-1589-4de0-9311-1af86bdb9923\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#dolphins\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Dolphins <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/dolphins-vs-sydney-roosters\/db4d5b9b-1589-4de0-9311-1af86bdb9923\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$1.70<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams__vs\">vs<\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--two\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/dolphins-vs-sydney-roosters\/db4d5b9b-1589-4de0-9311-1af86bdb9923\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#sydney-roosters\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Sydney Roosters <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/dolphins-vs-sydney-roosters\/db4d5b9b-1589-4de0-9311-1af86bdb9923\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$2.20<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__disclaimer\">NRL odds correct as of 24\/09\/2026 and subject to change. <\/div>\n            \n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n<section class=\"entain-block teams-tip-block hoverable\">\n  <div class=\"teams-tip-header\">\n    <div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta\">\n      <!--div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta__inner\"-->\n        <div class=\"team-vs-team\" style=\"display:flex\">\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg?v=20260924a#dolphins\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n          <div style=\"display:flex; flex-direction:row; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center; align-items:center; text-align:center; column-gap:5px; font-weight: 700\">\n            <div class=\"team_1\" style=\"flex-direction:column;\">Dolphins<\/div>\n            <div class=\"versus\" style=\"font-weight:normal;font-style:italic;\">vs<\/div>\n            <div class=\"team_2\">Sydney Roosters<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"info\">9:50pm Friday | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane<\/div>\n                                              <\/div>\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg?v=20260924a#sydney-roosters\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <!--\/div -->\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      <div class='teams-tip-content'>\n      <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A fully fit squad fresh off an extra week\u2019s preparation has this Dolphins side well placed to advance to their first NRL Grand Final.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The spaces around Daly Cherry-Evans and Siua Wong remain a spot for opposing\u00a0teams\u00a0and it lines up against Redcliffe\u2019s greatest strength this week. The\u00a0Dolphins\u00a0left edge is the most lethal in the competition right\u00a0now\u00a0and we should expect them to score &#8211; or at the very least create scoring opportunities &#8211; down that channel in this one.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u00a0mightn\u2019t\u00a0come early though. Redcliffe have made a bad habit of starting slowly throughout the regular season and while they\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">know<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0they\u2019ll\u00a0enjoy impact from their bench rotation, the\u00a0Phins\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0allow Easts to get away to a fast start. Once fatigue sets in and the game settles into a grind though, this Dolphins squad can hurt you in so\u00a0many different ways\u00a0and from so many different areas on the field.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With all that in mind though, there\u2019s a bit of a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">narrative forming around Easts too and I\u2019m happy to give them a chance here.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An injury-hit Sharks side presented the Chooks with a training run last\u00a0weekend\u00a0and they responded to the tune of 46 points. After\u00a0failing to ask\u00a0many questions inside-twenty the week before, Easts appeared determined to hit the tram lines and put James Tedesco, Hugo Savala and Cherry-Evans into ballplaying involvements out wide.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We saw both backrowers consistently lay leads inside the two-man (defensive\u00a0centre) to create space for Robert Toia and\/or\u00a0Billy Smith\u00a0and\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0where\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0looking again here. If Redcliffe\u2019s wingers miss their cues to jam, the Roosters\u00a0centres\u00a0will make them pay.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tips<\/strong>: Sydney Roosters 1-12 @ $3.20<\/p>\n<p><strong>Anytime Tryscorer:<\/strong> Robert Toia @ $2.70, Mark Nawaqanitawase @$1.96<\/p>\n        <div class=\"teams-tip-button\">\t\t\t\n          <a class=\"track-me btn-standard bet-now-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/dolphins-vs-sydney-roosters\/db4d5b9b-1589-4de0-9311-1af86bdb9923\" target=\"_blank\" \n          data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"bet now button\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"db4d5b9b-1589-4de0-9311-1af86bdb9923\" data-tr-event-id=\"db4d5b9b-1589-4de0-9311-1af86bdb9923\"  \n          >Bet Now<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n<style><\/style><div data-league=\"NRL\" data-event=\"nrl-20261113020\" data-market=\"Match Betting\" data-sport=\"rugby_league\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner wp-block-entain-sport-takeover-banner-block_deb63aa6c702a9c8ee4822824684ea54 sport-data\">    <section class=\"sport-takeover-banner__wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"origin-banner__inner\">\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__details\">\n                <!-- Change data-countdown-to to your event date\/time. -->\n                <div\n                    class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown\"\n                    data-countdown-to=\"2026-09-27T06:00:00Z\"\n                    aria-label=\"Event countdown\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\" data-days-wrapper>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-days>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Days<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-hours>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Hours<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-minutes>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Mins<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-seconds>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Secs<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"sport-takeover-banner__title\">NRL<\/h3>\n                <p class=\"sport-takeover-banner__meta\">Accor Stadium &bull; Sunday 27th Sep<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams\">\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--one\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/penrith-panthers-vs-newcastle-knights\/b8ca5cf9-1427-4b53-b400-6adeab8cc2ce\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#penrith-panthers\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Penrith Panthers <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/penrith-panthers-vs-newcastle-knights\/b8ca5cf9-1427-4b53-b400-6adeab8cc2ce\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$1.28<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams__vs\">vs<\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--two\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/penrith-panthers-vs-newcastle-knights\/b8ca5cf9-1427-4b53-b400-6adeab8cc2ce\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#newcastle-knights\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Newcastle Knights <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/penrith-panthers-vs-newcastle-knights\/b8ca5cf9-1427-4b53-b400-6adeab8cc2ce\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$3.80<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__disclaimer\">NRL odds correct as of 24\/09\/2026 and subject to change. <\/div>\n            \n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n<section class=\"entain-block teams-tip-block hoverable\">\n  <div class=\"teams-tip-header\">\n    <div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta\">\n      <!--div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta__inner\"-->\n        <div class=\"team-vs-team\" style=\"display:flex\">\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg?v=20260924a#penrith-panthers\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n          <div style=\"display:flex; flex-direction:row; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center; align-items:center; text-align:center; column-gap:5px; font-weight: 700\">\n            <div class=\"team_1\" style=\"flex-direction:column;\">Penrith Panthers<\/div>\n            <div class=\"versus\" style=\"font-weight:normal;font-style:italic;\">vs<\/div>\n            <div class=\"team_2\">Newcastle Knights<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"info\">7:00pm Sunday | Accor Stadium, Sydney<\/div>\n                                              <\/div>\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg?v=20260924a#newcastle-knights\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <!--\/div -->\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      <div class='teams-tip-content'>\n      <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Newcastle\u2019s ability to\u00a0play to\u00a0their strengths has helped to offset the absence of both Trey Mooney and Jacob Saifiti in recent weeks.\u00a0They\u2019ve\u00a0been a shift-happy team all season but to reproduce that style under the pressure of\u00a0finals\u00a0footy is a credit to the Knights players and coaching staff.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s\u00a0been a hell of a run for\u00a0Newcastle\u00a0but\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0tipping the fairytale to end here.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where South Sydney and New Zealand\u00a0failed to\u00a0expose the Knights thinning forward rotation, expect Penrith to be far more clinical.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Their system is predicated on putting fatigue into the opposition middle and setting the game up early to win it late. Look for Nathan Cleary to constantly tip forward runners back against the grain in yardage and good-ball, testing the Knights ruck until the spaces appear.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When they eventually do, the points might come out\u00a0wide\u00a0but\u00a0it\u2019ll\u00a0start with the work of Cleary around the ruck.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In\u00a0defence, the Panthers system also profiles well against Newcastle\u2019s greatest strength this year; their willingness and ability to shift the ball out of the back field.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Penrith\u00a0have\u00a0set the modern trend for getting high and staying high on the edges to either force the ball back infield or dare you to make the pressure pass. When the Knights look to move the ball from their own\u00a0side of\u00a0halfway on Sunday, they must be prepared to do so in the face of a rushing\u00a0defence.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tips<\/strong>: Penrith Panthers to Cover the Line (-10.5) @ $1.90<\/p>\n<p><strong>Anytime Tryscorer:<\/strong> Blaize Talagi @ $3, Nathan Cleary @ $3.95, Greg Marzhew @ $2.65<\/p>\n        <div class=\"teams-tip-button\">\t\t\t\n          <a class=\"track-me btn-standard bet-now-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/rugby-league\/nrl\/penrith-panthers-vs-newcastle-knights\/b8ca5cf9-1427-4b53-b400-6adeab8cc2ce\" target=\"_blank\" \n          data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"bet now button\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"b8ca5cf9-1427-4b53-b400-6adeab8cc2ce\" data-tr-event-id=\"b8ca5cf9-1427-4b53-b400-6adeab8cc2ce\"  \n          >Bet Now<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"align wp-block-entain-sports-next-to-go\"><div data-league=\"NRL\" data-sport=\"rugby_league\" class=\"sport-next-to-go wp-block-entain-sport-next-to-go-block_d82b1d4ea59c96c2c80baa65603d921b sport-data\"><h3 class=\"sport-next-to-go__heading\">Upcoming NRL Matches<\/h3><div class=\"sport-next-to-go_wrapper\">            <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card\">\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__header\">\n                                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__badge\">1 day<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n                <hr class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__divider\" \/>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__teams\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__team\">\n                        <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon sport-next-to-go-match-card__flag\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#dolphins\"><\/use> <\/svg>                    <\/div>\n\n                    <h4 class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__title\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/dolphins-vs-sydney-roosters\/db4d5b9b-1589-4de0-9311-1af86bdb9923\">Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters<\/a><\/h4>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__team\">\n                        <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon sport-next-to-go-match-card__flag\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#sydney-roosters\"><\/use> <\/svg>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__odds\">\n                                            <a class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/dolphins-vs-sydney-roosters\/db4d5b9b-1589-4de0-9311-1af86bdb9923\">\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-label\">Dolphins<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-value\">1.70<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                    \n                    \n                                            <a class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/dolphins-vs-sydney-roosters\/db4d5b9b-1589-4de0-9311-1af86bdb9923\">\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-label\">Sydney Roosters<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-value\">2.20<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card\">\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__header\">\n                                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__badge\">3 days<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n                <hr class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__divider\" \/>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__teams\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__team\">\n                        <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon sport-next-to-go-match-card__flag\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#penrith-panthers\"><\/use> <\/svg>                    <\/div>\n\n                    <h4 class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__title\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/penrith-panthers-vs-newcastle-knights\/b8ca5cf9-1427-4b53-b400-6adeab8cc2ce\">Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights<\/a><\/h4>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__team\">\n                        <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon sport-next-to-go-match-card__flag\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-nrl-icon.svg#newcastle-knights\"><\/use> <\/svg>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__odds\">\n                                            <a class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/penrith-panthers-vs-newcastle-knights\/b8ca5cf9-1427-4b53-b400-6adeab8cc2ce\">\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-label\">Penrith Panthers<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-value\">1.28<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                    \n                    \n                                            <a class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/rugby-league\/penrith-panthers-vs-newcastle-knights\/b8ca5cf9-1427-4b53-b400-6adeab8cc2ce\">\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-label\">Newcastle Knights<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-value\">3.80<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div><p class=\"sport-next-to-go__disclaimer\">NRL odds correct as of 24\/09\/2026 and subject to change. <\/p><\/div><\/section>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-entain-latest-news\">\n  <section class=\"entain-block news-block latest-news-block\" data-section-heading=\"Latest News\">\n      <div class=\"entain-section-heading\">\n      <h2>Latest NRL News<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"news-block__inner\">\n      <div class=\"news-section latest-news\">\n          <div class=\"latest-news-grid\">\n                  <!-- <div class=\"latest-news-grid\"> -->\n                      <div class=\"latest-news__grid-item grid-item-0\">\n              <article class=\"news-card latest-news-card latest-news-card__column hoverable  post-91584 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-rugby-league tag-nrl-tips\">\n  <a class=\"article-wrapper track-me\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/09\/2026-nrl-preliminary-finals-tips-predictions\/\" aria-label=\"Read article: 2026 NRL Preliminary Finals Tips &amp; Predictions\" \n    data-tr-action=\"view article\" data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"latest news card\" data-tr-label=\"2026 NRL Preliminary Finals Tips &#038; Predictions\" >\n    <div class=\"hoverable-thumb thumbnail__aspect-ratio thumbnail__\"> \n        \n      <div class=\"thumbnail-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SocialTips_1460x1275.jpg-13-876x765.png\" alt=\"2026 NRL Preliminary Finals Tips &amp; Predictions\" role=\"presentation\"><\/div>\n             <span class=\"post-category\" style=\"\">Rugby League<\/span>    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n      <h2 class=\"article-title\">2026 NRL Preliminary Finals Tips &amp; Predictions<\/h2>\n      <div class=\"meta\">\n\t<time class=\"updated\" datetime=\"2026-09-23T00:34:09+00:00\">Yesterday<\/time><span class=\"author\"> &#149; Oscar Pannifex<\/span>\n<\/div>      <div class=\"article-excerpt\">We&#8217;ve reached the Prelim stage of the 2026 NRL Finals, and Oscar Pannifex has wasted no time ripping in to both games across Friday and Saturday. The Phins battle the Chooks for the third time this season in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium, while the Panthers have been installed as heavy favourites to return to the Grand Final stage with a win over the Knights! 0 Days 0 Hours 0 Mins 0 Secs NRL Suncorp Stadium &bull; Friday 25th Sep Dolphins $1.65 vs Sydney Roosters $2.25 NRL odds correct as of 23\/09\/2026 and subject to change. Dolphins vs Sydney&hellip;<\/div>\n            <span class='read-more slide-text-color'>Read More<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n   \n  <\/a>\n<\/article>            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"latest-news__grid-item grid-item-1\">\n              <article class=\"news-card latest-news-card latest-news-card__column hoverable  post-91586 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-rugby-league tag-nrlw-tips\">\n  <a class=\"article-wrapper track-me\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/09\/2026-nrlw-preliminary-finals-tips-predictions\/\" aria-label=\"Read article: 2026 NRLW Preliminary Finals Tips &amp; Predictions\" \n    data-tr-action=\"view article\" data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"latest news card\" data-tr-label=\"2026 NRLW Preliminary Finals Tips &#038; Predictions\" >\n    <div class=\"hoverable-thumb thumbnail__aspect-ratio thumbnail__\"> \n        \n      <div class=\"thumbnail-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SocialTips_1460x1275.jpg-9-876x765.png\" alt=\"2026 NRLW Preliminary Finals Tips &amp; Predictions\" role=\"presentation\"><\/div>\n             <span class=\"post-category\" style=\"\">Rugby League<\/span>    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n      <h2 class=\"article-title\">2026 NRLW Preliminary Finals Tips &amp; Predictions<\/h2>\n      <div class=\"meta\">\n\t<time class=\"updated\" datetime=\"2026-09-23T00:25:55+00:00\">Yesterday<\/time><span class=\"author\"> &#149; Oscar Pannifex<\/span>\n<\/div>      <div class=\"article-excerpt\">Oscar Pannifex breaks down Week 2 of the NRLW Finals, offering his usual expertise, analysis, and betting plays on the neds blog! 0 Days 0 Hours 0 Mins 0 Secs NRLW Allianz Stadium &bull; Saturday 26th Sep Sydney Roosters Women $1.05 vs Canberra Raiders Women $10.00 NRLW odds correct as of 23\/09\/2026 and subject to change. Sydney Roosters Women vs Canberra Raiders Women Saturday 26th September 2026 7:50 PM (Allianz Stadium) It\u2019s\u00a0difficult to make a case for the Canberra Raiders\u00a0here\u00a0and the bookies clearly feel the same.\u00a0\u00a0 For the second week in a\u00a0row\u00a0they fought past Wests Tigers but not without making&hellip;<\/div>\n            <span class='read-more slide-text-color'>Read More<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n   \n  <\/a>\n<\/article>            <\/div>\n                    <!-- <\/div> -->\n                    <!-- <div class=\"latest-news-grid\"> -->\n                      <div class=\"latest-news__grid-item grid-item-2\">\n              <article class=\"news-card latest-news-card latest-news-card__column hoverable  post-91535 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-rugby-league\">\n  <a class=\"article-wrapper track-me\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/09\/nrl-finals-week-3-chooks-taking-chances-farewell-sharks\/\" aria-label=\"Read article: NRL Finals Week 3: Chooks Taking Chances + Farewell Sharks\" \n    data-tr-action=\"view article\" data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"latest news card\" data-tr-label=\"NRL Finals Week 3: Chooks Taking Chances + Farewell Sharks\" >\n    <div class=\"hoverable-thumb thumbnail__aspect-ratio thumbnail__\"> \n        \n      <div class=\"thumbnail-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Craig-Fitzgibbon-2.jpg.webp\" alt=\"NRL Finals Week 3: Chooks Taking Chances + Farewell Sharks\" role=\"presentation\"><\/div>\n             <span class=\"post-category\" style=\"\">Rugby League<\/span>    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n      <h2 class=\"article-title\">NRL Finals Week 3: Chooks Taking Chances + Farewell Sharks<\/h2>\n      <div class=\"meta\">\n\t<time class=\"updated\" datetime=\"2026-09-21T05:27:16+00:00\">21 Sep<\/time><span class=\"author\"> &#149; Oscar Pannifex<\/span>\n<\/div>      <div class=\"article-excerpt\">After being&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;for not asking enough questions inside-twenty v Penrith, the Roosters attack responded in fashion on Saturday night.&nbsp; The conditions of the contest certainly lent itself to an attacking display (Cronulla\u2019s early injuries caused chaos to their middle rotation) but if nothing else, it was a shot of confidence for this trending Easts side.&nbsp;&nbsp; They&nbsp;appeared to make&nbsp;more of an effort to hit the edges in good-ball, persisting with three- and four-pass shifts in the face of a rushing&nbsp;defence&nbsp;to eventually cash in out wide\u2026 but not before making inroads first. Lindsay Collins &amp; Daly Cherry-Evans laid the foundations for Mark Nawaqanitawase&hellip;<\/div>\n            <span class='read-more slide-text-color'>Read More<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n   \n  <\/a>\n<\/article>            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"latest-news__grid-item grid-item-3\">\n              <article class=\"news-card latest-news-card latest-news-card__column hoverable  post-91530 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-rugby-league\">\n  <a class=\"article-wrapper track-me\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/09\/from-the-couch-nrl-finals-week-2-2\/\" aria-label=\"Read article: From the Couch: NRL Finals Week 2\" \n    data-tr-action=\"view article\" data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"latest news card\" data-tr-label=\"From the Couch: NRL Finals Week 2\" >\n    <div class=\"hoverable-thumb thumbnail__aspect-ratio thumbnail__\"> \n        \n      <div class=\"thumbnail-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ashley.webp\" alt=\"From the Couch: NRL Finals Week 2\" role=\"presentation\"><\/div>\n             <span class=\"post-category\" style=\"\">Rugby League<\/span>    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n      <h2 class=\"article-title\">From the Couch: NRL Finals Week 2<\/h2>\n      <div class=\"meta\">\n\t<time class=\"updated\" datetime=\"2026-09-21T04:49:01+00:00\">22 Sep<\/time><span class=\"author\"> &#149; Nick Tedeschi<\/span>\n<\/div>      <div class=\"article-excerpt\">The NRL Have Buried Their Head in the Sand For So Long:&nbsp;No matter what the propaganda arm of the NRL will say, the NRL\u2019s refusal to deal with the rampant egos and the widespread incompetence of officials has played a significant role in costing a team a season, hurting the game through the dark images of a referee being pelted by missiles and ensuring almost nobody outside of HQ has a modicum of faith in those charged with officiating matches. This column has been banging on ad nauseum for a long, long, long, long, long time &#8211; to the point&hellip;<\/div>\n            <span class='read-more slide-text-color'>Read More<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n   \n  <\/a>\n<\/article>            <\/div>\n                    <!-- <\/div> -->\n                    <!-- <div class=\"latest-news-grid\"> -->\n                      <div class=\"latest-news__grid-item grid-item-4\">\n              <article class=\"news-card latest-news-card latest-news-card__column hoverable  post-91049 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-rugby-league tag-nrl-tips\">\n  <a class=\"article-wrapper track-me\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/09\/2026-nrl-finals-week-2-tips-predictions\/\" aria-label=\"Read article: 2026 NRL Finals Week 2 Tips &amp; Predictions\" \n    data-tr-action=\"view article\" data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"latest news card\" data-tr-label=\"2026 NRL Finals Week 2 Tips &#038; Predictions\" >\n    <div class=\"hoverable-thumb thumbnail__aspect-ratio thumbnail__\"> \n        \n      <div class=\"thumbnail-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SocialTips_1460x1275.jpg-10-876x765.png\" alt=\"2026 NRL Finals Week 2 Tips &amp; Predictions\" role=\"presentation\"><\/div>\n             <span class=\"post-category\" style=\"\">Rugby League<\/span>    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n      <h2 class=\"article-title\">2026 NRL Finals Week 2 Tips &amp; Predictions<\/h2>\n      <div class=\"meta\">\n\t<time class=\"updated\" datetime=\"2026-09-15T23:25:21+00:00\">16 Sep<\/time><span class=\"author\"> &#149; Oscar Pannifex<\/span>\n<\/div>      <div class=\"article-excerpt\">Week 2 of the NRL Finals rolls around and Oscar Pannifex has you covered across both games. Can the Chooks steady and stave off a Sharks outfit looking to build on last week&#8217;s dominant win over the Cowboys? And could the Wahs really exit in straight sets? With a spot in the Prelims up for grabs, best bets and predictions below! 0 Days 0 Hours 0 Mins 0 Secs NRL Allianz Stadium &bull; Saturday 19th Sep Sydney Roosters $1.46 vs Cronulla Sharks $2.75 NRL odds correct as of 15\/09\/2026 and subject to change. Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks 7:50pm Saturday&hellip;<\/div>\n            <span class='read-more slide-text-color'>Read More<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n   \n  <\/a>\n<\/article>            <\/div>\n                  <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n  <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&#8217;ve reached the Prelim stage of the 2026 NRL Finals, and Oscar Pannifex has wasted no time ripping in to both games across Friday and Saturday. The Phins battle the Chooks for the third time this season in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium, while the Panthers have been installed as heavy favourites to return to the Grand Final stage with a win over the Knights! 0 Days 0 Hours 0 Mins 0 Secs NRL Suncorp Stadium &bull; Friday 25th Sep Dolphins $1.65 vs Sydney Roosters $2.25 NRL odds correct as of 23\/09\/2026 and subject to change. Dolphins vs Sydney&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":91599,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[1400],"hub_post_cat":[],"class_list":["post-91584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rugby-league","tag-nrl-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":"","md_tip_date_end":"","md_market_url":"","tip_date":"23\/09\/2026","event_country":"Australia"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91584"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91584\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":91715,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91584\/revisions\/91715"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/91599"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=91584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=91584"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=91584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}