It’s already Round 4 of the 2026 NRL season and only three-teams remain undefeated following a Multicultural Round full of drama and surprises.
Panthers and Bulldogs have started 2026 in the winner’s circle, both undefeated in the fourth week of the competition. But it’s the boys from across the ditch, the Wahs who have shocked the Rugby League World.
New Zealand Warriors are undefeated and leading the comp, having scored 120 points in just three matches.
Their attacking flair will be on full display as the Warriors host Benji’s Wests Tigers on Friday night, who’re desperate to return to finals footy for the first time since 2011.
Round 4 brings us some of the NRL’s biggest rivalries, as the Panthers vs Parramatta in the battle of the West and the Broncos and Dolphins face off at Suncorp’s battle of Brisbane.
Get keen for another round of pure Rugby League drama - join us as we preview Round 4 of the Greatest Game of All.
For all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of Round 4, check out our expert NRL Round 4 tips and predictions below.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Sydney Roosters Prediction
Thursday, March 26, 8:00pm AEDT - 4 Pines Park
NRL Round 4 sees us return to the Northern Beaches for yet another Manly Sea Eagles home game at 4 Pines Park.
Rugby League fans on the Northern Beaches are growing frustrated with roster mis-management and mediocre performances, which have seen the club stranded in a 15-year premiership drought.
Coach Seibold is under immense pressure already this season after dropping the first two matches at home against the Raiders and the Knights.
Many pundits don’t expect ‘Tony Seibs’ to finish the season in the top spot and Manly’s performance in this match will factor into whether the Coach holds onto his position.
The Sea Eagles had the luxury of a timely bye in Round 3 and will have put in the work to turn their season around before it’s too late. Meanwhile, the Roosters were dealt a harsh reality check by Penrith, losing 4-40 at Allianz Stadium.
Both sides are desperate to recalibrate and chart a course to September footy.
Robbo’s teams often build into the season and with DCE still finding his feet at the Roosters, the ingredients are all there for success at the Bondi club.
Roosters should have a touch too much class in this one, the vultures will be circling at the Manly club after this match.
Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Roosters.
Betting tip: Tolu Koula anytime try scorer.
New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers Prediction
Friday, 27 March, 6:00pm AEDT - Go Media Stadium
The undefeated Warriors welcome the Wests Tigers to Go Media Stadium, Auckland in Round 4.
No one expected it, but the Wahs are undoubtedly the form team of the competition, scoring tries at will, while playing a more mature and conservative brand of footy than in years gone by.
Tanah Boyd has been channelling Joey Johns, steering the team around with authority, kicking well and finding opportunities with his running game.
With Luke Metcalf nearing a return, coach Webster will have some serious selection headaches, but for now - the Warriors are humming.
Leka Halasima has emerged as an absolute handful. The dynamic ‘Leka Boy’ has already crossed for four tries in the opening three rounds, proving to be a game breaker near the line.
Benji has the Tigers coming along nicely, despite some mixed results. They looked sharp in a competitive defeat against Souths last week and showed plenty of promise in their Round 2 demolition of the Cowboys.
However, Go Media stadium is a daunting task for any opponent; The Wahs have never been more popular, with fans turning out in droves. It’ll be a challenge for the Tigers to find their rhythm against both the Warriors and the Auckland crowd.
While the Tigers are desperate to return to finals footy for the first time since 2011, we expect the Warriors to be too good in this one, they should still be topping the ladder this time next week.
Head-to-head prediction: New Zealand Warriors.
Betting tip: Leka Halasima anytime try scorer.
Brisbane Broncos vs Dolphins Prediction
Friday, 27 March, 8:00pm AEDT - Suncorp Stadium
The Battle of Brisbane returns to Suncorp Stadium, and this rivalry is growing into one of the most anticipated fixtures on the NRL calendar.
Both sides enter Round 4 with confidence are securing crucial first wins of the season; the Broncos outlasted Melbourne in a Grand Final rematch, while the Dolphins clinically dispatched the Sharks.
Despite the victory, the Broncos weren’t entirely convincing against Melbourne, who probably played their worst half of football this season.
The biggest talking point at Red Hill remains the availability of skipper Adam Reynolds, who has been battling rib cartilage damage.
Some pundits have sparked a debate by suggesting Brisbane actually look more fluid without their ageing captain. However its highly unlikely Madge would drop him for form given his importance to the Broncos premiership defence.
There are storylines and fascinating duels across the park; new recruit Grant Anderson matching up against the man he replaced, former Bronco Selwyn Cobbo, while the electric Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow goes head-to-head with Reece Walsh in a battle of the game’s elite fullbacks.
Expect Kotoni Staggs to be absolutely fired up as the Broncos look to assert their dominance in the River City. We’re tipping the Broncos' big-game experience to see them through in a shootout.
Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Broncos.
Betting tip: Over total match points.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights Prediction
Saturday, 28 March, 3:00pm AEDT - Accor Stadium
The high-flying Canterbury Bulldogs host a Newcastle Knights side that is undergoing a fascinating transformation under new coach Justin Holbrook.
The Knights are looking significantly better in 2026; they appear fitter, more committed, and are playing with a defensive resolve that was missing in previous seasons.
There is a clear sense that the squad is genuinely enjoying their footy again, but good vibes only go so far when the injury ward is full.
The loss of key personnel has dealt a massive blow to the Knights' chances, with superstars Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown both sidelined, Newcastle has lost a staggering amount of strike power.
This was evident in their recent struggle against the Warriors; while the effort was there, they simply lacked the attacking spark they needed to break down the Warriors defence.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have been traveling nicely and remain one of only three undefeated teams entering Round 4. With a healthy squad and plenty of momentum, Canterbury should be too good for a depleted Newcastle outfit in this one.
We expect the Dogs to maintain their winning streak and cement a position in the top four.
Head-to-head prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs.
Betting tip: Jacob Preston first try scorer.
Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels Prediction
Saturday, 28 March, 5:30pm AEDT - CommBank Stadium
The Battle of the West takes centre stage as the Penrith Panthers look to continue their impervious start to the 2026 season.
The Panthers are looking red hot, sitting at 3-0 and remaining one of only three undefeated teams in the competition. They are playing like the "Panthers of old," humming in attack after putting a clinical 40 points on the Roosters last week.
Club leaders Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Dylan Edwards are all looking fit and in peak form, a dangerous sign for their Parramatta rivals.
The Eels have shown significant improvement under new coach Jason Ryles following a disappointing opening-round loss to the Storm.
J’maine Hopgood will miss the rest of the season for Parramatta, following an ACL injury sustained against the Dragons. However, the Eels have no shortage of front row stocks and should be well placed to find a replacement.
Another highlight of this clash is the world-class matchup between Mitchell Moses and Nathan Cleary; with both halves likely to be paired together for New South Wales this year, this fixture serves as an early Origin audition.
The Panthers haven't shown any weakness this season, remarkably conceding only two tries across their first three matches. They simply do not look vulnerable in games, it might be a while before we see Ivan Cleary’s men taste their first loss of the year.
We expect the Panthers’ defence to hold firm in the Battle of the West.
Head-to-head prediction: Penrith Panthers.
Betting tip: Brian To’o two or more tries.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm Prediction
Saturday, March 28, 7:35pm AEDT - Queensland Country Bank Stadium
The North Queensland Cowboys return to Townsville with some wind in their sails after securing their first win of the season against a hapless Gold Coast outfit.
But they’ll have their work cut out for them as they host the Melbourne Storm coming off their first loss in the Grand Final rematch against the Broncos.
While the victory gets them off the mark, many pundits remain unconvinced by Todd Payten’s men, who looked like a bottom-four team during their opening two matches of the season.
Halfback Jake Clifford has been the shining light, orchestrating the attack with several try assists, but the Cowboys' defensive consistency remains a major question mark.
The Melbourne Storm will have copped a famous Bellamy spray after capitulating against the Broncos and will be coming into this one ready to compete.
Craig Bellamy’s men are famous for their bounce-back factor; the Storm historically play exceptionally well coming off a loss and rarely lose two in a row.
We’re backing the Storm to find their clinical edge and secure victory in this one - watch out for little Sua Fa’alogo with the white headgear.
Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Storm.
Betting tip: Sua Fa’alogo to score 2 or more tries.
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Prediction
Sunday, March 29, 4:05pm AEDT - GIO Stadium
Round 4 brings us a rematch of last year's elimination final, where the Sharks prevailed over Canberra, bustling the minor premiers out of the finals series.
Ricky Stuart's men will not have forgotten and they’ll be out for blood this week against the boys from the Shire.
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon will be disappointed after his side was destroyed by the Dolphins at home last week. Cronulla’s usually reliable defensive system crumbled under pressure, and they’ll be desperate to prove that performance was merely a blip in an otherwise competitive start to 2026.
While the Raiders have shown flashes of brilliance this season, Cronulla’s superior fitness and general consistency across eighty minutes make them the favourites to take the chocolates in this one.
We're tipping the Sharks to recalibrate their defence and grind out a professional win in what is traditionally a physical encounter at GIO Stadium.
Head-to-head prediction: Cronulla Sharks.
Betting tip: Nicho Hynes any time try scorer.
Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons Prediction
Sunday, March 29, 6:15pm AEDT - Cbus Super Stadium
This is ‘Spoon Bowl’ come early, both the Titans and Dragons enter Round 4 without a win in the 2026 NRL season.
Josh Hannay is still hunting for his first victory as Gold Coast Titans head coach after a winless opening three rounds.
While the new ownership group likely understands that rebuilding the Titans is a work in progress, this fixture represents a golden opportunity to get off the mark at home.
The Titans have shown flashes of potential, particularly in the pre-season, but have struggled for 80-minute consistency in the early rounds.
Facing a Dragons side that has similarly failed to impress, Hannay will be desperate to see his combinations finally click.
However, the Dragons present a significant physical challenge; they are generally the bigger side and will look to use brute strength to dominate the middle of the park.
If the Red V can win the collision battle and use their size advantage to overpower the Gold Coast, they should be able to grind out a victory. It’s set to be a desperate encounter where the loser could find themselves fighting to avoid the wooden spoon later in the season.
Head-to-head prediction: St George Illawarra Dragons.
Betting tip: Moses Suli first try scorer.
South Sydney Rabbitohs - Bye
Wayne Bennet’s men get a well-earned week off after an emotional game against the Sydney Roosters, where Alex Johnston broke the try scoring record followed by a last minute win against the West Tigers last week.
Odds are subject to change.*