Welcome to ANZAC Round, one of the most emotionally charged weekends on the rugby league calendar.

The stories that unfolded in round 7 were a mix of painful injuries, upsets and wait… did someone get sent off? That’s right, and the last time it happened prior to last weekend was two years ago.

What’s also true still to this day is how the Dragons are still winless this season, currently up to a 11-game losing streak counting the last four games of last season plus the first seven games of their 2026 season.

While the Dragons search for their first win, Melbourne hope to climb out of a five game losing streak while currently 15th on the ladder, and the Eels managed an upset at the end of the round to be one spot above, and the Roosters have achieved a second half-time comeback without conceding a single point once again in a 38-24 loss over the Knights.

When will it be the Dragons’ time to stop their losses?

For all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our expert NRL Round 8 tips and predictions below.

Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders Prediction

Thursday, April 23, 7:50pm AEST – Leichhardt Oval

The Tigers were flying until they weren’t, as they were overwhelmed by a depleted Broncos side in a one-point loss. 

Jarome Luai’s return will take time to adjust for this side, but with the home crowd this time at Leichhardt, Benji’s side will look to respond after a game they felt like they should have won.

The Raiders are buzzing in Canberra after knocking over Melbourne 26-22, putting a fifth consecutive loss on the Storm. 

These two sides match up well, and the battle of the forward packs could be the difference, as the Raiders will be without Hudson Young due to suspension.

Despite the Raiders’ huge upset, the Tigers at their fortress should prevail, although we expect a tight contest. 

Head-to-head prediction: Wests Tigers

Betting tip: Under total match points. 

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction

Friday, April 24, 6:00pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

The Cowboys copped an absolute hiding from Manly, going down 38-6 in front of their fans, in what was a sobering result for a side that had won four in a row prior.

Meanwhile, the Sharks had a bye in round 7 and will look to find rhythm on the road.

Cronulla looked to be finding form earlier in the season, but prior to their bye, blew a 16-0 lead to the Roosters without scoring in the second half.

While the Cowboys could make their life tougher, the Sharks are a competitive side that dominated their matchups last season, and it’s hard to deny they have a lot to play for and we look to Cronulla getting a win and find their rhythm again.

Head-to-head prediction: Cronulla Sharks

Betting tip: KL Iro anytime try scorer. 

Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs Prediction

Friday, April 24, 8:00pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium

What a fight the Broncos showed in round 7. 

Without Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt, Pat Carrigan and then losing Payne Haas in the first half, Adam Reynolds orchestrated a gutsy 21-20 win over the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown to maintain their winning record at that ground.

This game against the Bulldogs will be a bigger test on their depth and resilience against a Bulldogs side that fell apart against the Parramatta Eels, which they shouldn’t have given the form those two sides had going into that match.

Bulldogs have a couple injuries of their own, but with the Broncos down on troops and failing to stay consistent, they will need to be up for this game or suffer the same fate in Brisbane as they did in Parramatta.

We expect the Bulldogs to overcome their issues against the Eels and respond how they need to against the Broncos.

Don’t underestimate what Brisbane is capable of, because the way the NRL is at the moment, anyone can beat anyone. 

Head-to-head prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs

Betting tip: Connor Tracey anytime try scorer.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters Prediction

Saturday, April 25, 4:00pm AEST – Allianz Stadium

The centrepiece of Round 8 and perhaps the most storied fixture in the NRL season.

The Dragons have not won a ANZAC Day match against the Roosters since 2022, and their season so far has been a disaster as the only winless side in the competition heading into round 8.

Jaydn Su’A will miss the next three weeks after being sent off in the 69th minute for a shoulder charge.

By contrast, the Roosters have started to hit some form. Despite a slow start against the Sharks and Knights, they turned the tide dramatically in the second half, and Trent Robinson’s men seem to be growing in confidence.

On current form, it’s hard to justify tipping St George Illawarra here.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Roosters

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters by 13+ points.

New Zealand Warriors vs The Dolphins Prediction

Saturday, April 25, 6:05pm AEST – Hnry Stadium

A trans-Tasman ANZAC Day clash with plenty on the line.

The Warriors have produced some positive signs in 2026 and found a way to escape a Titans comeback in front of their fans.

It’s been a mixed campaign for the Dolphins, almost upsetting the Panthers in golden point and they head into this trip to Wellington to find consistency.

A trip to Wellington is never an easy proposition for the visiting sides, and we’re backing the home-ground feel to tip this in favour of the Warriors.

Head-to-head prediction: New Zealand Warriors

Betting tip: Under total match points.

Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Prediction

Saturday, April 25, 8:10pm AEST – AAMI Park

After losing five games on the trot, Melbourne finally had a brief respite when the Raiders handed them a defeat.

They will need to bounce back against a Rabbitohs side with confidence, after Latrell had a career night scoring four tries and had 22 of the 30 points the team scored, almost double the Dragons total points for the night.

The last time the Storm lost five games in a row was back in 2012, and they ended up winning the premiership that season.

Melbourne will be playing at their fortress, but 2026 has been a tough year for Craig Bellamy’s men. 

We expect a slight upset here.

Head-to-head prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Betting tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs by 1 to 12 points.

Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers Prediction

Sunday, April 26, 2:00pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium

The Knights have hit a speed bump, losing back to back games against the Tigers and Roosters.

This clash at home doesn’t get any easier, going up against the Penrith Panthers who have only lost one game so far this season. 

Nathan Cleary came through for the Panthers in golden point, slotting a field goal in the 85th minute after dodging the Dolphins defenders.

Despite the Knights starting the season well and being able to hold onto their momentum without their two stars until recently, the Panthers just find a way to get the job done.

Head-to-head prediction: Penrith Panthers

Betting tip: Jenkins 2+ tries.

Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels Prediction

Sunday, April 26, 4:05pm AEST – 4 Pines Park

Manly were extraordinary against the Cowboys, continuing their stunning turnaround under their new coach Kieran Foran.

They are currently sitting sixth after winning three games consecutively.

Bad news is they don’t have Tom Trbojevic for the next two months, after suffering the eighth hamstring injury of his career, getting close to the amount of times his coach had the same injury in his career, which only ended five months ago. 

Parramatta had the upset of the round, defeating the Bulldogs 38-20 at home in front of the former Eels players that were part of the 1986 premiership side that beat Canterbury forty years ago.

The Eels have won three games as well this season, making this one of the most intriguing matches of the round.

While Manly have genuine momentum doing what seemed impossible after round three, Parramatta could upset the Sea Eagles as they figure out life without their star at fullback.

Head-to-head prediction: Parramatta Eels

Betting tip: Eels by 1 to 12 points.

Gold Coast Titans – BYE

After a dominant win against the Eels, the Titans fell back into losing habits against the New Zealand Warriors and by the time they showed a fighters chance, it was too late. 

NRL 2026 Premiership Odds