Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Just like that, we have arrived at the final round of the NRL regular season for another year.

Speaking of crying and smiling, there were plenty of tears shed in 2026 by the likes of the Dragons, the Tigers and fallen premiers the Broncos. 

While the Warriors, Panthers, Dolphins and Roosters spent most of the campaign grinning ear from ear.

NRL Round 27 will give everyone one last shot at either heartbreak or elation and with the minor premiership still to be decided, it’s not time to fully focus on finals just yet.

Tissues at the ready, it’s time to say farewell to another regular season of rugby league, as 17 teams become just eight as of next week.

For all the latest news, analysis, and predictions ahead of this week's action, check out our NRL Round 27 tips and predictions below.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos Prediction

Thursday, September 3, 7:50pm AEST – Accor Stadium 

There will be only pride on the line in the opening match of NRL Round 27, as neither the Bulldogs nor the Broncos are able to make the finals this season.

There’s not a whole lot to love about either of these sides or much to report either. Both were last start losers and the only real edge to be found anywhere is the fact that Canterbury have won each of its last seven home matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.

That should be more than enough against a Brisbane team who appear to have given up weeks ago, particularly away from home.

We’re tipping the bulldogs to add one more L to the arguably the worst premiership defence in NRL history. 

Head-to-head prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs.

Betting tip: Under total match points. 

Gold Coast Titans vs The Dolphins Prediction

Friday, September 4, 6:00pm AEST – Cbus Super Stadium

The Dolphins will zip up the M1 and arrive on the Gold Coast in red-hot form after a statement win last week.

The Phins beat the Sydney Roosters 26-12 in a top four showdown, with Selwyn Cobbo scoring a double and Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima both dominant. A result that confirmed the Dolphins as genuine title contenders.

The Titans have had a season to forget and have been simply making up the numbers for some time now. Against a Dolphins side on a serious run, that's a tough spot to be in.

The numbers back the visitors, too. The Dolphins have won each of their last 11-night matches, an outstanding run under lights. With a Friday evening kick-off, that trend looks likely to continue against a Titans side who lost in front of their own just last week. 

Head-to-head prediction: The Dolphins. 

Betting tip: Selwyn Cobbo first try scorer. 

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Prediction

Friday, September 4, 8:00pm AEST – Allianz Stadium

This NRL Round 27 blockbuster pits two fierce rivals against each other on Friday night and boy what an occasion it should be.

South Sydney officially secured their finals berth with a 42-22 win over the Titans last week, with an inspirational display from skipper Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell returning from injury. 

Adding to the occasion this week, Jai Arrow will play his 100th game for the Rabbitohs, in what should be emotional scenes.  

The Roosters, meanwhile, have a cloud over their spine. Halfback Sam Walker had ankle surgery and is racing the clock to be fit for finals, which means the Chooks may manage their roster carefully here.

History favours the Roosters in this fixture, they've won six of their last seven against South Sydney. But with Walker sidelined and the Rabbitohs surging on the back of Mitchell's return, plus the emotion surrounding Arrow’s situation, the momentum has seemingly shifted to the home side.

Head-to-head prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs. 

Betting tip: Cameron Murray first try scorer. 

New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles Prediction

Saturday, September 5, 3:00pm AEST – Go Media Stadium

The Warriors are flying. More than flying in fact, they’re first! They've won each of their last five matches, including a 46-32 victory over the Knights last week that featured Jett Cleary's debut. 

Sitting first on the ladder but a single point of points differential, New Zealand will want to seal the minor premiership and keep their run going in front of a passionate home crowd.

Manly's finals hopes are already over, so this is about spoiling the party. They can be dangerous when they click, but stopping a red-hot Warriors side in Auckland is a big ask.

The Go Media Stadium factor is significant. When the Warriors are winning and the crowd is behind them, they're a genuinely difficult team to beat, particularly when their first minor premiership in 24 years is on the line. 

Head-to-head prediction: New Zealand Warriors. 

Betting tip: Jett Cleary anytime try scorer. 

North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders Prediction

Saturday, September 5, 5:30pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

The Cowboys locked in their finals spot with a 24-10 win over the Wests Tigers last week, and they'll be desperate to get one more win under their belt before finals begin. Playing at home in Townsville is a major advantage for them.

The head-to-head record here is striking: the Cowboys have won each of their last five home matches against Canberra. 

That's a trend built on their ability to grind out results in the tropical heat, which visiting teams often struggle to handle, particularly those from chilly Canberra. 

The Raiders will be tough opponents, but the Cowboys' home dominance in this fixture is hard to look past. Expect a physical contest that North Queensland edges through their forward pack.

Head-to-head prediction: North Queensland Cowboys.

Betting tip: Jaxon Purdue first try scorer. 

Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm Prediction

Saturday, September 5, 7:30pm AEST – Ocean Protect Stadium

This is a big test for Cronulla, who are coming unravelled at the wrong time. They lost 38-18 to the Eels last start and have serious questions to answer heading into this clash. 

To make matters worse, Tom Hazelton faces a one-game ban for a hip drop, thinning out their forward stocks.

The saving grace for the Sharks is their fortress. Cronulla has won 14 of their last 16 matches at Ocean Protect Stadium which is an elite home record that gives them a real chance against anyone.

Melbourne cut the shape of a fallen giant and will miss finals for the first time what feels like forever after a season to forget.

If Cronulla's home form can offset their recent stumble and missing personnel, they should be able to overcome an emotionally and physically depleted Storm side. 

Head-to-head prediction: Cronulla Sharks. 

Betting tip: Sione Katoa first try scorer. 

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Parramatta Eels Prediction

Sunday, September 6, 2:00pm AEST – WIN Stadium

Two sides outside the finals meet at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but of the two, it’s who Parramatta arrive with a spring in their step after thumping Cronulla 38-18 last week. 

That result showed the Eels can be devastating when their attack fires and for a defence as dismal as the Dragons’, that could be a real concern

The head-to-head number leans heavily towards the visitors: Parramatta has won each of their last eight day matches against St George Illawarra. With a Sunday afternoon kick-off, that trend is directly relevant here.

St George Illawarra will fight hard at home, but the Eels' recent form and their day-match dominance in this fixture make them our pick.

Head-to-head prediction: Parramatta Eels. 

Betting tip: Tallyn Da Silva anytime try scorer. 

Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers Prediction

Sunday, September 6, 4:05pm AEST – CommBank Stadium

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. 

Head-to-head prediction: Penrith Panthers. 

Betting tip: Brian To’o first try scorer. 

Newcastle Knights – BYE 

The Knights have officially booked a place in the finals and get a well timed week off to prepare for their upcoming dose of do-or-die footy.