NRL Round 1 2026 Expert Tips & Predictions

The NRL kicks off this week for Round 1 action, kicking off with the Las Vegas double-header, including the Knights vs. Cowboys and Bulldogs vs. Dragons.

We have NRL betting tips for every game in 2026, including this week’s featured games between the Storm vs. Eels, Warriors vs. Roosters, and Broncos vs. Panthers.

NRL Round 1 Predictions

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Sunday 1/3/26

1:15pm Knights vs. Cowboys @ Allegiant Stadium

Betting Tip: Cowboys –4.5 @ $1.90

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The Cowboys could open their 2026 account with a win over the Knights, and they have been well-backed in the lead up to the Las Vegas opener.

They have the players needed to make a deep run this season, but consistency has been their downfall over the last couple of years. With the likes of Tom Deardon, Scott Drinkwater, and a stern forward pack, there are no excuses for the Cowboys.

The Knights welcome Dylan Brown, but they might need a few games to gel, so take the Cowboys –4.5.

Cowboys by 6

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3:30pm Bulldogs vs. Dragons @ Allegiant Stadium

Betting Tip: Dragons +6.5 @ $1.90

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We believe the Bulldogs are the better team, but the Dragons are good enough to cover the +6.5 line, and playing in Vegas could be better for them.

They have some entertaining players, and they want to entertain the crowds in the US. Therefore, the likes of Valentine Holmes and Moses Suli could put on a show.

A close game is likely, as teams look to shake off the rust.

Bulldogs by 4

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Thursday 5/3/26

8:00pm Storm vs. Eels @ AAMI Park

Betting Tip: Eels +7.5 @ $1.90

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The Eels tend to play well against the Storm and not much has gone right for the Storm during the offseason.

Injuries have hit them hard, and although they still have plenty of depth, it might not be enough to get past the Eels by at least eight points.

We’re not overlooking the Storm’s insane first round record, but it should be a close game.

Storm by 6

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Friday 6/3/26

6:00pm Warriors vs. Roosters @ Go Media Stadium

Betting Tip: Roosters –4.5 @ $1.90

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The Roosters have a team capable of winning a premiership, and although that doesn’t always translate to wins, we expect big things from them in 2026.

They face the Warriors in Auckland, which is a tough test, but the Warriors are still a bit weak in key positions, which could become glaringly obvious after a few weeks.

Look for the Roosters to score a comfortable road win.

Roosters by 10

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8:00pm Broncos vs. Panthers @ Suncorp Stadium

Betting Tip: Panthers +6.5 @ $1.90

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The Broncos played poorly in the World Club Challenge, but they’re warm favourites against the Panthers because Nathan Clearly is suspended for two weeks.

Getting suspended in a pre-season game isn’t ideal for Cleary, but the Panthers are good enough to hang with the Broncos without him.

Trusting the Broncos is hard after being beaten by Hull KR, so take the points with the visitors.

Panthers by 2

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Saturday 7/3/26

5:30pm Sharks vs. Titans @ Ocean Protect Stadium

Betting Tip: Sharks –9.5 @ $1.90

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We will likely avoid betting on the Titans for most of the year, as they have been awful over the last few years.

Our money is on the Sharks to win comfortably to kick off Super Saturday, and they have a team capable of producing big scoring totals.

It should be an easy opening win for the Sharks.

Sharks by 16

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7:35pm Sea Eagles vs. Raiders @ 4 Pines Park

Betting Tip: Raiders @ $1.87

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Life without Daly Cherry-Evans could be tough for the Sea Eagles, who are surprising $1.87 favourites against the Raiders.

Canberra is a team that enjoys early success, and coach Ricky Stuart always has the Raiders ready to fire from the outset.

Therefore, the Raiders at $1.97 is one of our better bets of the week, and money should come for them throughout the week.

Raiders by 8

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Sunday 8/3/26

4:05pm Dolphins vs. Rabbitohs @ Suncorp Stadium

Betting Tip: Dolphins –1.5 @ $1.90

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One of the hardest games to predict of the week is Dolphins vs. Rabbitohs, where we have the Dolphins scoring a close win.

They were the best attacking team in the NRL last year, but it didn’t account for a good season. However, despite the Rabbitohs having a good team this year, they might need a few weeks to showcase their best stuff.

Take the high-flying Dolphins to win.

Dolphins by 6

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.