Another epic edition of Magic Round is officially in the books and the best big event on the NRL agenda is of course State of Origin Game I.

The first clash between NSW and QLD this year goes down next Wednesday at Accor Stadium in Sydney, meaning most of the game’s stars are in camp and out of action for NRL Round 12.

It also means that Round 12 is the first major bye round of the season, with no less than seven sides sitting this week out.

Still, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your footy fix altogether, there are still five high quality games to be played, in a short, yet sweet NRL Round 12. 

How will these contests play out? Let’s find out! For all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of this week’s action, check out our expert NRL Round 12 tips and predictions below.

Canberra Raiders vs The Dolphins Prediction 

Thursday, May 21, 7:50pm AEST – GIO Stadium 

After missing out on Magic Round due to their bye, Canberra get the honour of opening NRL Round 12 when they welcome the Dolphins to town on Thursday night.

The Phins secured a statement win over the Rabbitohs last week, which led Queensland coach Billy Slater to say, come September, they could be competition favourites. 

A huge call, but with their combinations gelling and their forward pack running off Isaiya Katoa to perfection, who are we to argue with one of the greatest strategical minds in the game.

This game of course will be affected by Origin, with Hudson Young, Ethan Strange, Selwyn Cobbo, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Thomas Flegler and Max Plath in Origin camp. 

Still, with Katoa dodging selection, and the Phins hitting top form, we’re tipping him to lead his side to victory away from home here. 

Head-to-head prediction: The Dolphins. 

Betting tip: Under total match points. 

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm Prediction

Friday, May 22, 8:00pm AEST – Accor Stadium

There’s a Storm brewing once again in the NRL and it’s forecast to hit Accor Stadium on Friday night.

Just as they were written off by everyone, Melbourne now find themselves on the cusp of a three-game winning streak as they commence CPR on their season.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs appear to have flatlined, and we doubt even a defibrillator could save them at this point. 

Their losing streak extended to five in a row last week, with the calls for Cameron Ciraldo’s head growing louder and louder by the week. 

Melbourne have been absolutely pillaged as always by Origin representation, but with the way the Bulldogs have been defending of late, siding with the Storm still seems like the smart play.

This will be a close one, but after their showing last week against the Sharks, we simply can’t bring ourselves to tip the Bulldogs. 

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Storm. 

Betting tip: Big win, little win – Storm 1-12. 

St George Illawarra Dragons vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction

Saturday, May 23, 5:30pm AEST – Jubilee Stadium

An imperfect 10? Is that a thing? Well, it is now. The Dragons have officially opened their 2026 season with 10 straight defeats. Yikes.

They welcome the Warriors to town in Round 12 and boy are the Wahs flying. They’ve lost just twice this year to comfortably sit second in the standings, although it looks as if they’ve lost unlikely star Tanah Boyd for the season, after he sustained a suspected ACL tear in their beatdown of the Broncos.

This unfortunate turn of events comes just days after the club decided to let Luke Metcalf leave his contract early and sign for, you guessed it, the Dragons from next season onwards.

Still, he’ll be on deck here no doubt to give his future employers a taste of what they’re paying for and we’re quietly confident he’ll put on a show and lead the Warriors to victory in this one.

Head-to-head prediction: New Zealand Warriors. 

Betting tip: Luke Metcalf anytime try scorer. 

Manly Sea Eagles vs Gold Coast Titans Prediction

Saturday, May 23, 7:30pm AEST – Brookvale Oval

Another week, another win for Kieran Foran and Manly. Seriously, this has to be one of the best ever starts to an NRL coaching career.

Since Foran took charge, Manly (who had lost their first three opening games) have won six of their last seven to now sit in the top four. 

No such luck for their opponents the Titans under new boss Josh Hannay this season, they crashed to loss number eight for the season last week in Magic Round and we can see number nine on the horizon here. 

Head-to-head prediction: Manly Sea Eagles. 

Betting tip: SGM – Jason Saab first try scorer and Jason Saab to score 2+ tries. 

North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Prediction

Sunday, May 24, 4:05pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

The final game of a short but sweet NRL Round 12 sees the Cowboys host the Rabbitohs in a tie sure to be impacted by a few key Origin outs.

Cam Murray and Reuben Cotter will leave big shoes to fill in the middle for both sides.  It’s not just the players that got picked either, it’s the players that should have been picked, but are injured, namely Tom Dearden and Latrell Mitchell. 

In terms of a tip here, the Cowboys' gutsy win to snap the Roosters six game winning streak will have them full of confidence heading into this one.

They’ll be at home too and get to face a Bunnies side coming off a demoralising loss to the Dolphins. 

Head-to-head prediction: North Queensland Cowboys. 

Betting tip: Scott Drinkwater first try scorer. 

Brisbane Broncos, Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks, Wests Tigers – BYE. 

With NRL Round 12 being the first major bye round of the season, the Broncos, Eels, Knights, Panthers, Roosters, Sharks and Tigers make up the seven sides sitting this week out.