2025 NRL Round 6 Betting Predictions
Round 6 of the NRL season starts on Thursday night with both the Dolphins and Panthers looking to kickstart their season with a much-needed win.
Dolphins (14th) vs Penrith Panthers (15th)
The Dolphins head into Thursday night's showdown with confidence after dismantling the Titans in their last outing. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow continues to dazzle at fullback, and his strong try-scoring form against the Panthers makes him a key figure once again. With Tom Gilbert returning from suspension, the forward pack gets a timely boost, while Isaiya Katoa's milestone 50th NRL appearance adds extra motivation. Playing at their spiritual home, Suncorp Stadium, where their centres Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo have thrived recently, Wayne Bennett’s side will be aiming to exploit Penrith’s current slump and claim another big scalp.
The Panthers are desperate to snap a rare four-game losing streak, and the return of Dylan Edwards at fullback could be the spark they need. Coach Ivan Cleary will lean heavily on co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo to steady the ship as Penrith looks for its first win since Round 1. Despite recent setbacks, the Panthers boast an impressive record at Suncorp Stadium, winning nine of their last ten matches at the venue. With Scott Sorensen also back in the mix and young Blaize Talagi given a shot in the halves, the defending premiers will hope a fresh look and some familiar faces can reignite their title defence.
Stadium Record
The Dolphins are 5-5 in their last 10 games at Suncorp. Penrith are 9-1 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Panthers are 2-0 against the Dolphins since 2018.
Best Bet
Penrith get Edwards back this week but I think the Dolphins will be tough to beat. They come off a big win over the Titans and the underdog is 4-0 when the Dolphins are at Suncorp.
Same Game Multi
The Dolphins are 7-0 against the Under and hopefully the Panthers can fix up their defence, which has struggled this year.
Dolphins +7.5 / Under 48.5 pts = $3.30
St. George Illawarra Dragons (12th) vs Gold Coast Titans (8th)
The Dragons return to WIN Stadium looking to bounce back after a heart-breaking golden point loss to the Eels, despite having led by 12 points. Coach Shane Flanagan has opted to stick solid with the same 17, showing faith in a side that had previously knocked off the Storm. With dangerous strike out wide like Tyrell Sloan and Christian Tuipulotu — who have a strong try-scoring record at this venue — the Red V will be confident of rediscovering form against a Titans side they’ve beaten four of the past five meetings. With key leaders like Damien Cook and Jack De Belin setting the tone up the middle, the Dragons will hope a familiar home setting helps them turn promise into premiership points.
The Titans head south still stinging from a heavy defeat at the hands of the Dolphins and will be eager to respond under Des Hasler’s guidance. Jojo Fifita and Sam Verrills return in a welcome boost, while Moeaki Fotuaika continues to lead from the front in Tino’s absence. There’s plenty of attacking spark in this Titans outfit with AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell and Phillip Sami all capable of creating something from nothing, but breaking their WIN Stadium hoodoo — they’ve never won at the venue — will be a major test. With the bench bolstered by David Fifita, and Chris Randall shifting to lock, Gold Coast will be counting on versatility and resilience to overturn their poor record in Wollongong.
Stadium Record
St. George are 5-5 in their last 10 games at WIN Stadium. Gold Coast are 0-2 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Dragons hold a 6-4 record against the Titans.
Best Bet
After last week's effort against the Dolphins, expect the Titans to fire up without Tino on the park. The Dragons were disappointing against the Eels so I think they'll be eager to display a better showing in defence. So I think the Under is a good bet, it's also 8-1 in the Titans last 9 away games.
Brisbane Broncos (2nd) vs Sydney Roosters (16th)
Sitting 2nd on the ladder, the Brisbane Broncos head into Friday night’s blockbuster at Suncorp brimming with confidence. Fresh off a gritty win over the Wests Tigers, the Broncos are determined to keep the momentum rolling in front of a passionate home crowd. With Ben Hunt stepping into a more dominant playmaking role and Reece Walsh continuing to impress at the back, Brisbane’s spine looks well-balanced and dangerous. Their forward pack, led by Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, brings relentless aggression and go-forward. Historically strong at home, the Broncos are eyeing their first double over the Roosters in a season since 2018 – and the stats say Jesse Arthars is one to watch, having scored eight tries in his past six outings.
The Sydney Roosters, currently 16th, are desperate to turn their season around after a heartbreaking loss to the Rabbitohs last week. Despite their ladder position, the Tricolours remain a proud and dangerous outfit with plenty of upside. The club has turned to youth this week, with promising halfback Hugo Savala getting his first starting nod and Victor Radley making his return from injury. Injuries to key players like Lindsay Collins have forced a reshuffle, but there’s still strikepower out wide in Dominic Young – who has five tries in his past three games against the Broncos. The Roosters have lost three of their last four at Suncorp, but they’ll be fired up to flip the script and spoil Brisbane’s party.
Stadium Record
Brisbane are 4-6 in their last 10 games at Suncorp. Sydney are 5-5 in their last 10 games at Suncorp.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Roosters are 7-3 against the Broncos.
Best Bet
The Broncos are coming off a huge win over the Tigers at home and I think their attack will continue to be aggressive against the Roosters. Sydney are 6-1 against the Over at Suncorp so I like the trend to continue.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (10th) vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (6th)
The Cronulla Sharks head into Round 6 determined to bounce back after a narrow loss to the Raiders, and they'll welcome the return of key forwards Teig Wilton and Siosifa Talakai to bolster their pack. Playing at Optus Stadium in Perth, the Sharks will be eager to maintain their strong recent record in the west, having won their past three games there. With attacking threats like Nicho Hynes steering the ship and strike weapons out wide in Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jesse Ramien, Cronulla should have no trouble finding points — but it's their defence that will need to tighten up if they’re to climb the ladder and re-enter the top eight.
Manly will be looking for a swift response after being blown off the park by Melbourne, and they’ve received a timely boost with Josh Aloiai cleared to return in the front row. The Sea Eagles boast an electric backline, led by Lehi Hopoate and Tolu Koula, and their scoring ability is evident — averaging nearly 30 points a game. But much like their opponents, defence has been a concern. Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks will be instrumental in managing the game against Cronulla, while Haumole Olakau’atu’s milestone 100th NRL game gives the squad added motivation to make a statement in front of a packed Perth crowd.
Stadium Record
Cronulla are 1-0 at this venue since 2018. Manly are yet to play here.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head-to-head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
Both sides have been up and down, so I like the chances of the Over on a fast deck over in Perth. The Sea Eagles are 7-0 against the Over in away games and their defence was poor against Melbourne last week.
South Sydney Rabbitohs (5th) vs North Queensland Cowboys (13th)
The Rabbitohs head into this clash with a mix of confidence and concern. After a gutsy win over the Roosters, they’ve been hit hard by injuries to key players Cody Walker, Jamie Humphreys, and Mikaele Ravalawa. Superstar Latrell Mitchell shifts into the five-eighth role alongside Jayden Sullivan in a new-look halves pairing while try-scoring ace Alex Johnston returns on the wing and Euan Aitken is back in the centres. Despite their fighting spirit last week, the Bunnies’ recent record in Perth is poor—having lost their last four games there—and they’ve struggled historically without Walker. Still, with Mitchell firing and a solid forward pack, Souths remain a dangerous proposition.
The Cowboys are brimming with belief after notching back-to-back wins, including a gritty upset over the Panthers in Sydney. They’ll be boosted by the return of co-captain Reuben Cotter, reinforcing an already aggressive forward pack. Tom Dearden and Jake Clifford continue to guide the side in the halves, while Murray Taulagi and Scott Drinkwater pose major threats out wide. The team’s defensive effort last week was particularly impressive, holding off a late Panthers surge. Although North Queensland haven’t played in Perth since 1997, their current form and growing momentum could see them claim another scalp as they wrap up their long road trip.
Stadium Record
South Sydney are 0-2 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Rabbitohs hold a 3-2 record against the Cowboys.
Best Bet
Tough game to pick. The Rabbits have plenty of injuries and the Cowboys have travelled a lot lately. So I like the chances of a low-scoring grind and the under is 5-0 in Souths last 5 games.
Parramatta Eels (17th) vs Canberra Raiders (7th)
The Eels finally grabbed their first win of the season with a golden point comeback over the Dragons, but the victory came at a cost. Zac Lomax, originally named on the wing, has been ruled out with a fractured foot, prompting a backline reshuffle. Young hooker Ryley Smith impressed last week and retains his starting spot, while Charlie Guymer moves to the bench. Veterans Ryan Matterson and Bailey Simonsson are among the reserves and could be late inclusions. Despite the confidence-boosting win, Parramatta face a tough test in Darwin where they’ve lost three straight and conceded 105 points.
Canberra come into this match with strong momentum after stealing victory from the Sharks with a last-minute Seb Kris try. Coach Ricky Stuart has opted for stability, naming the same 17. Veteran prop Josh Papalii is again listed to start but could revert to the bench as he did last week. The Raiders are now 3-2 and sit comfortably inside the top eight. They’ll be confident facing the Eels, especially with Kris having a great strike rate against them, and Jamal Fogarty celebrating his 100th NRL game.
Stadium Record
Parramatta are 3-3 at this venue since 2018. Canberra are 0-1 at this venue since 2018.
Head to back to back
In the last 10 meetings, the head-to-head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
Parra are still missing Moses at halfback, which limits their scoring potential and I think the Raiders can outscore them in Darwin.
Melbourne Storm (3rd) vs New Zealand Warriors (4th)
The Storm are flying high in 2025, sitting third on the ladder and coming off a dominant attacking display against Manly. The return of Jahrome Hughes has reignited their spine, combining effortlessly with Munster, Grant, and Papenhuyzen to wreak havoc. Craig Bellamy has named an unchanged lineup for the clash, showcasing confidence in a group that’s firing on all cylinders. With a 16-game winning streak against the Warriors and a 22-2 home record at AAMI Park, the Storm are firm favourites and hungry to keep their momentum rolling.
The Warriors have shaken off a slow start and now boast three wins on the trot, thanks largely to the breakout form of Luke Metcalf at halfback. Their spine looks settled and dangerous, with Chanel Harris-Tavita complementing Metcalf well in the halves. The return of Rocco Berry boosts the backline as they look to end a long drought in Melbourne — they haven’t beaten the Storm at AAMI Park since 2014. Despite being underdogs, Andrew Webster's side has shown resilience and attacking flair, making them a dangerous outsider with nothing to lose.
Stadium Record
Melbourne are 8-2 in their last 10 games at AAMI Park. New Zealand are 0-6 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Storm are 12-0 against the Warriors.
Best Bet
The Storm love racking up points in day games at home, the Over is 6-0 at AAMI Park when they play in day conditions. I don't see the Warriors defence holding their spine in check.
Newcastle Knights (9th) vs Wests Tigers (11th)
The Knights head into Round 6 with resilience at their core, having endured a brutal injury toll in last week’s clash against the Bulldogs. Despite missing several key players, Newcastle’s grit was on full display, with their defence once again a highlight of their game. Back at McDonald Jones Stadium, the return of Kai Pearce-Paul and the inclusion of young talents like Kyle McCarthy, Matt Arthur and Tyrone Thompson will be crucial as the Knights look to bounce back and maintain their recent dominance over the Tigers.
Buoyed by the return of star playmaker Jarome Luai and electric winger Jeral Skelton, the Tigers travel to Newcastle determined to turn promise into points. Benji Marshall’s side showed plenty of fight against the Broncos but were ultimately overrun. With Samuela Fainu also back in the mix, Wests Tigers will be aiming to snap their seven-game losing streak to the Knights and get their season back on track with a rejuvenated spine and fresh energy across the park.
Stadium Record
Newcastle are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. Wests are 3-4 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Knights hold an 8-2 record against the Tigers.
Best Bet
These two sides met earlier this year and totalled just 18 pts. The Knights come off scoring 0 pts too. So I like the Under to close out the round.
