Footy, chocolate and a long weekend? Who doesn’t love Easter! That’s what spectators and punters have to look forward to in NRL Round 5, with games running from Thursday to Monday this week.

As well as five days of non-stop action, there are also plenty of plotlines that are set to play out in Round 5.

Can the purrfect Panthers remain the only unbeaten side in the competition? Can the Dragons and Sea Eagles remain the only winless sides in the competition?

Are the Tigers and Knights actually top four material or simply sheep in wolves clothing? And who will win the Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs annual Good Friday showdown?

So many questions, so how about some answers? For all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of the Easter long weekend, check out our expert NRL Round 5 tips and predictions below.

The Dolphins vs Manly Sea Eagles Prediction

Thursday, April 2, 8:00pm AEDT – Kayo Stadium

NRL Round 5 gets underway when the struggling Sea Eagles fly north to duel with the Dolphins at Kayo Stadium.

Last week’s loss to the Roosters proved too much for Manly’s beleaguered head coach Anthony Seibold, who was swiftly shown the door just three games into the season.

Former favourite son Kieran Foran has been put temporarily in charge, but with no first grade coaching experience, how will he navigate the crucible that is the Manly hotseat? We’ll have to wait and see.

With all three of Manly’s losses coming at home this season, we don’t fancy them to get off the mark on the road, regardless of any potential new manager bounce. Phins up.

Head-to-head prediction: The Dolphins.

Betting tip: Jake Averillo first try scorer.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury Bulldogs Prediction

Friday, April 3, 4:05pm AEDT – Accor Stadium

Round 5 will play host to the NRL’s annual Good Friday blockbuster between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Thanks to the public holiday, a crowd in excess of 50,000 usually turns out for this one and this year should be no different.

The Bunnies bounced into their bye last week off a win and will be feeling both fully rested and brimming with confidence going into this one.

The same can’t be said for the Bulldogs who tasted their first loss of the season last week, with an uninspired performance against an understrength Newcastle side.

Critics and supporters are starting to turn on embattled half Lachlan Glavin as he has turned from saviour to scapegoat in less than half a season.

Still, one loss in three is no cause for alarm bells just yet, however we’ll be taking the recharged Rabbitohs here, because who doesn’t love a bunny on Easter?

Head-to-head prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Betting tip: Alex Johnston anytime try scorer.

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm Prediction

Friday, April 3, 8:00pm AEDT – CommBank Stadium

If not for the Good Friday fixture preceding this one, there is no doubt this clash would be the headline battle of NRL Round 5.

The Panthers and the Storm are two sides who have been the pinnacle of sustained success in recent times and it's always fireworks when they meet.

For what feels like the first time in forever, we are actually feeling very confident tipping against the Storm.

That’s right, before you swiftly close this tab, let us explain. Basically, the Panthers are borderline unstoppable. They’re four from four. They’ve scored 140 points and conceded just 30.

They’ve embarrassed preseason premiership favourites Brisbane and the Roosters during this time and Nathan Cleary sits alone atop the Dally M leaderboard. Anyone who deemed their dynasty done is dead wrong.

Meanwhile, Melbourne are staring down three straight losses after succumbing to the Cowboys up in the tropics.

If anymore evidence was required to pile on Penrith, this one is going down in Sydney. Best of luck Craig Bellamy and co.

Head-to-head prediction: Penrith Panthers.

Betting tip: Nathan Cleary anytime try scorer.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction

Saturday, April 4, 5:30pm AEDT – Jubilee Oval

St George will go searching for their first win of the season when they welcome the Cowboys to Jubilee Oval in NRL Round 5.

One of two remaining teams yet to pick up points in 2026, it’s already panic stations for the Red V.

North Queensland were in a similar situation to start the season, before quickfire back-to-back wins set them right.

Their win last week against Melbourne, has won them some serious kudos in our book and as a result were backing them to enjoy a successful road trip down South against the Saints.

Head-to-head prediction: North Queensland Cowboys.

Betting tip: Braidon Burns first try scorer.

Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos Prediction

Saturday, April 4, 7:35pm AEDT – Cbus Super Stadium

Saturday night sees Cbus Super Stadium play host to an M1 Derby, as Brisbane head down the highway to face the Titans.

This will be Brisbane’s second all-Queensland affair in as many matches, after they saw off the Dolphins week at Suncorp Stadium.

Kotoni Staggs was particularly destructive in that one, and he could continue his case for a NSW Origin jumper with another try or two here.

That win against the Phins served as more than just a representative advertising platform for Staggs, it also got his employers Premiership defence back on track.

Meanwhile, the Titans also picked up an important win last start, their first of the season.

While a win is a win, it did come against fellow cellar dwellers St George and with Brisbane building back to their best thanks to the likes of Staggs, Walsh and Reynolds, it should be straight back to the loser’s circle for the Titans here.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Broncos.

Betting tip: Kotoni Staggs anytime try scorer.

Cronulla Sharks vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction

Sunday, April 5, 3:00pm AEDT – Sharks Stadium

This is why we don’t trust the Warriors! Just as we fully boarded the Warriors bandwagon, they get blindsided by the Tigers of all teams! In New Zealand no less!

Now, as they travel to face the Sharks, the question is, do we revert back to our old ways of writing them? Or stick strong?

The odds say we should swim with the Sharks, but recent history says it’s time to cling onto that bandwagon for dear life.

The Warriors have won four of their last five against Cronulla and if former Shark turned certified gun Luke Metcalf can properly gel with the inform Tanah Boyd, they’re every chance of returning to the winner’s circle here.

Head-to-head prediction: New Zealand Warriors.

Betting tip: Luke Metcalf anytime try scorer.

Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Prediction

Sunday, April 5, 5:05pm AEDT – McDonald Jones Stadium

Easter Sunday serves up a sticky situation in terms of tipping, with the under-strength Knights hosting the out of form Raiders.

Speaking of Sticky, the Canberra boss will be less than impressed with his side’s start to the season, particularly after they finished last year as minor premiers.

Just one win so far in 2026 has the Green Machine sitting in 15th. However they are favourites heading into this one, such is the state of Newcastle’s roster.

With both Ponga and Brown sidelined, the injury coerces look set to continue in the Hunter, with Fletcher Sharpe appearing to have re-injured his knee in the closing stages of his side’s win against the Canterbury.

Even at home, surely this many injuries to this many key players will prove too much for the brave Knights to overcome. So, we’re taking Canberra in a close one.

Head-to-head prediction: Canberra Raiders.

Betting tip: Under total match points.

Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers Prediction

Monday, April 6, 5:05pm AEDT – CommBank Stadium

The final game of NRL Round 5 sees the Parramatta Eels and the Wests Tigers take to the field on Easter Monday.

Just like the good old days, fans get to tune in and enjoy some footy to start their week.

In terms of the result here, despite them being favourites (at the time of writing) back Parramatta with caution.

The injuries are really starting to stack up for the Eels, with Iongi and Doorey joining Hopgood in the infirmary, thanks to a bruising loss to Penrith last week.

The Tigers have no such troubles (for once) and believe it or not, find themselves third on the ladder.

Their 18-point win over the previously undefeated Warriors in New Zealand last week was the definition of a statement win and with every passing week, Benji Marshall is making believers out of us here at The Huddle.

Head-to-head prediction: Wests Tigers.

Betting tip: Adam Doueihi anytime try scorer.

Sydney Roosters – BYE

After last week’s win over Manly, the Roosters get to put their feet up over Easter thanks to having a bye in NRL Round 5.