NRL Round 8 Expert Tips & Predictions

The NRL continues this week for Round 8 action, kicking off with the Wests Tigers vs. Raiders on Thursday night.

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

Thursday 23/4/26

7:50pm Wests Tigers vs. Raiders @ Leichhardt Oval

Betting Tip: Wests Tigers –5.5 @ $1.90

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The Tigers have made their way to third on the NRL ladder, and although they come off a one-point loss to the Broncos, they played well.

They’re playing better than the Raiders, who have some players missing, and with this game being played at Leichhardt Oval, the Tigers have the advantage.

We’re taking the –5.5 line before it moves to 6.5 during the week.

Wests Tigers by 6

Friday 24/4/26

6:00pm Cowboys vs. Sharks @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Betting Tip: Sharks -2.5 @ $2.00

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Most of the money has come for the Cowboys to cover the spread, but after what they showed last week, we can’t back them in Round 8.

Their winning streak came to an end against the Sea Eagles, and with the Sharks coming off a bye, they should be fit and ready to produce the goods.

Playing in North Queensland isn’t easy, but the Sharks are well-equipped to win.

Sharks by 8

8:00pm Broncos vs. Bulldogs @ Suncorp Stadium

Betting Tip: Broncos –1.5 @ $1.90

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The Broncos did well to knuckle down when beating the Tigers last week, and it was a much-needed win for them.

Injuries haven’t made it easy for the Broncos, but they’re a tough club, and they deserve to be at shorter odds against the Bulldogs, who suffered a heavy loss to the Eels as –14.5 favourites.

We have the Broncos covering the –1.5 spread.

Broncos by 6

Saturday 25/4/26

4:00pm Dragons vs. Roosters @ Allianz Stadium

Betting Tip: Dragons +16.5 @ $1.90

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The Dragons looked all but guaranteed to cover the +13.5 spread last week, but the loss resulted in their coach getting fired, as we predicted.

Teams coming off a coach firing often play well, and although the new coach hasn’t been confirmed, the Dragons often get up for the ANZAC Day clash.

The +16.5 line is sizable, and although the Roosters looked good in the second half last week, they should prepare for a close game.

Roosters by 12

6:05pm Warriors vs. Dolphins @ Hnry Stadium

Betting Tip: Warriors –5.5 @ $1.90

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The only games the Warriors have lost this season came when Luke Metcalf was playing, so they’re perfect without one of their best players from last season.

They come off an easy win over the Titans, where they led 28-4 at one stage, and they should be too good for the Dolphins, who had to endure the heat in Darwin last week.

That will be tough to bounce back from, so the Warriors are a good pick.

Warriors by 10

8:10pm Storm vs. Rabbitohs @ AAMI Park

Betting Tip: Storm –2.5 @ $1.90

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It’s not easy to bet on the Storm after losing five consecutive games for the first time in years, but we’re giving them one more chance.

They had a good chance to win last week, but one play turned the game on its head. We weren’t impressed with their effort levels, but coach Craig Bellamy could fire them up in their most important game of the year.

Their 2026 campaign hinges on this game, and they should come through for the win.

Storm by 6

Sunday 26/4/26

2:00pm Knights vs. Panthers @ McDonald Jones Stadium

Betting Tip: Panthers –10.5 @ $1.90

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It looked like the Panthers were going to cruise home against the Dolphins last week, but the game went to overtime in Darwin.

They could be tired from that game, but the Knights were run over by the Roosters in the second half last week, so we don’t have much faith in their ability to cover a spread.

On class alone, we’re taking the Panthers –10.5.

Panthers by 14

4:05pm Sea Eagles vs. Eels @ 4 Pines Park

Betting Tip: Eels +8.5 @ $1.90

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We backed the Eels at +8.5 last week against the Bulldogs, and they won outright, so we’re taking the line again.

They aren’t the easiest team to follow, but despite the Sea Eagles coming off a big win over the Cowboys, losing Tom Trbojevic will hurt them more this week.

It should be a close game, so back the underdogs to keep it close.

Eels 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.