The Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers will conclude the 2026 home-and-away season at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

A 24-10 win over Canterbury last Friday night all but secured a home qualifying final for the Panthers, though their final ladder position and opponent remain in question.

Just a single point differential separates them from the first-placed Warriors entering the round. 

A repeat of their 68-0 demolition of the Tigers from earlier this year would almost certainly secure a fourth minor premiership in seven seasons and a date with either the Roosters or the Dolphins. 

Speaking of the Chooks, after stunning them two weeks ago, the Tigers fell 24-10 to the Cowboys last Saturday. 

On the team front, the Panthers could regain Isaah Yeo in a timely boost, with the skipper named as a reserve. Mitch Kenny finally returns, while Luke Garner starts at centre for the injured Izack Tago. 

Meanwhile, the Tigers have made one change to their starting 13, with Sione Fainu replacing Tony Sukkar, while Latu Fainu, Sunia Turuva and potential debutant Vaka Aho are added to the bench.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of the final game of the 2026 regular season, check out our Panthers vs Tigers tips and predictions below!

Panthers vs Tigers Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The final game of the 2026 NRL regular season sees the Panthers host the Tigers as they go looking for another trophy to add to the cabinet.

With a big enough win here, the Panthers can steal the minor premiership away from the Warriors, but will Ivan Cleary elect to rest his stars as he usually does in the final round of every season?

Regardless of if they name their A or B team, they’re squaring off against a Tigers’ side that have lost nine of their last 10 matches, a run that tells you everything about their difficult season.

How much do Penrith really care about the minor premiership? We guess we’ll find out when Ivan Cleary names his side on Tuesday, but either way, we simply can’t tip the Tigers here. 

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

After conceding 661 points this season (the second most in the competition), it’s fair to say that the Tigers defence has plenty of holes.

Well, it appears one of their biggest in on their right-hand side, one in from the winger. 

In each of the Wests Tigers' last six away matches, the opposition's starting left centre has scored at least one try.

You can bet the Panthers know this and will be in a hurry to get the ball out to strike centre Casey McLean nice and early in this one. 

Betting tip: Casey McLean.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Penrith's last seven home matches against the Wests Tigers have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 48.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

Penrith has covered the line in six of their last seven home matches when playing with a rest advantage.

Betting tip: Panthers (-19.5) line. 

Panthers vs Tigers Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Jeral Skelton

Jeral Skelton has scored at least one try in each of the Wests Tigers' last two matches.

Nathan Cleary

Nathan Cleary has scored a try in each of Penrith's last five day matches in New South Wales.

Solomone Saukuru

Solomone Saukuru has scored at least one try in each of the Wests Tigers' last two matches in Sydney.

Liam Martin

Liam Martin has scored at least one try in three of Penrith's last four matches in New South Wales.

Lindsay Smith

Lindsay Smith has scored a try in each of Penrith's last two matches against the Wests Tigers.

Panthers vs Tigers Teams 

Penrith Panthers Team List 

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Thomas Jenkins

3. Luke Garner

4. Casey McLean

5. Brian To'o

6. Jack Cole

7. Nathan Cleary (c)

8. Moses Leota

9. Mitch Kenny

10. Liam Henry

11. Isaiah Papali'i

12. Liam Martin

13. Lindsay Smith

14. Freddy Lussick

15. Scott Sorensen

16. Luron Patea

17. Billy Phillips

18. Blaize Talagi

19. Billy Scott

Wests Tigers Team List 

1. Jahream Bula

2. Junior Tupou

3. Solomone Saukuru

4. Patrick Herbert

5. Jeral Skelton

6. Jarome Luai (c)

7. Jock Madden

8. Terrell May

9. Api Koroisau

10. Fonua Pole

11. Samuela Fainu

12. Sione Fainu

13. Alex Seyfarth

14. Latu Fainu

15. Vaha Aho

16. Ethan Roberts

17. Bunty Afoa

18. Heath Mason

19. Sunia Taruva

Panthers vs Tigers Match Details 

Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026. 

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST. 

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.