NRL Round 18 Expert Tips & Predictions 2026

The NRL continues this week for Round 18 action, kicking off with the Panthers vs. Rabbitohs on Friday night.

We have NRL betting tips for every game in 2026, including this week’s featured games between the Broncos vs. Sharks, Eels vs. Sea Eagles, and Knights vs. Dolphins.

Friday 3/7/26

8:00pm Panthers vs. Rabbitohs @ CommBank Stadium

Betting Tip: Panthers –2.5 @ $1.90

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After losing their last two games, the Panthers have come under pressure. However, despite not having their Origin players, they should step up and deliver for punters.

Beating the in-form Rabbitohs won’t be easy, but the Panthers often play well without their best players, and the Rabbitohs are also missing key players, and we think they need their complete team more than Penrith.

It’s unlikely the Panthers will lose three straight, so take the –2.5 line.

Panthers by 6

Saturday 4/7/26

5:30pm Dragons vs. Wests Tigers @ Jubilee Stadium

Betting Tip: Tigers –5.5 @ $1.90

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The Dragons were unlucky against the Raiders last week, but their lack of attacking prowess is a big concern against the Tigers, so we’re taking the visitors –5.5.

The Tigers held a 6-0 lead over Newcastle last week before losing 12-6, so they also need to find some offence. However, they’re not heavily affected by Origin, and if they’re at their best, they have a potent attacking team.

We expect the –5.5 line to move throughout the week, so lock in the early value.

Wests Tigers by 8

7:35pm Broncos vs. Sharks @ Suncorp Stadium

Betting Tip: Sharks -5.5 @ $1.90

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The Broncos are all but out of finals contention after losing last week, and although they put up a fight, nothing has gone to plan for the defending champions.

Cronulla currently sits in 8th on the NRL ladder, and they come off a bye well-rested and ready to send a message to the Broncos.

They have enough fire power to put up a big score on the Broncos, so the –5.5 line is worth including in NRL picks this week.

Sharks by 12

Sunday 5/7/26

2:00pm Eels vs. Sea Eagles @ CommBank Stadium

Betting Tip: Sea Eagles -9.5 @ $1.90

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The Sea Eagles produced their best effort this season last week against Melbourne, and they should be confident of another big victory.

Facing the Eels without Mitch Moses is about as easy as it gets, and although the Eels can be tough to get past, the Sea Eagles look like title contenders.

It’s another favourite in Round 18, and they should dominate the contest.

Sea Eagles by 14

4:05pm Knights vs. Dolphins @ McDonald Jones Stadium

Betting Tip: Knights @ $2.17

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A close game is expected on Sunday with both teams missing a lot of players due to Origin, and we’re going with the Knights.

The Dolphins’ backline is missing a lot of stars, including Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, and Jack Bostock, who makes his debut for New South Wales next Wednesday. That could be too much to handle, and the Knights could capitalise.

The $2.17 odds are generous enough to include in NRL picks.

Knights by 4

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.