NRL Tips Round 26: Betting preview, odds and predictions

We're at the business end of the 2023 NRL season, with just two rounds left before the finals.

The Penrith Panthers will begin this week's slate of games when they welcome to Parramatta Eels.

Later, the Brisbane Broncos will continue their minor premiership push when they travel to Canberra.

A clash between the Newcastle Knights and Cronulla Sharks - where the winner locks in a top-eight spot - will then wrap up proceedings. 

Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Round 26.

Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels prediction, tip, best bet

Unsurprisingly, the Panthers have scored the majority of their tries this season - 41 per cent - on the right edge (per Stats Insider). 

They have an ideal matchup with the Eels this week, who have conceded 38 per cent of their tries on the same side.

This opens the door for star winger Brian To'o to find the line as Penrith aim to go one game closer to securing the minor premiership. 

Ivan Cleary's side should come out swinging and win well against a Parramatta team low on confidence. 

BEST BET: Brian To'o anytime tryscorer/Panthers to win 13+ ($2.05)

Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans prediction, tip, best bet

The Titans have made life difficult for the Storm in recent years despite a notable difference between the teams in terms of quality.

In fact, Gold Coast beat Melbourne earlier this season 38-34 in a notable upset. 

At their best, the Storm can pull apart most teams, but they have struggled with consistency at times this campaign.

Craig Bellamy's side should emerge from this clash as the victors, but a tough Titans side with nothing to lose is unlikely to make it easy for them.

BEST BET: Gold Coast Titans +19.5 ($1.95)

Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos prediction, tip, best bet

Saturday night's clash between these two sides should be a cracker, with both teams having something important to play for.

The Raiders will be looking to secure their spot in the top eight, while the Broncos are still fighting for the minor premiership.

Seven of the last 10 encounters between the two clubs have seen more than 40 points scored, and this game shouldn't be any different.

Canberra have struggled defensively in recent weeks, while Brisbane have scored at least 30 points in each of their last five games.

We're predicting the floodgates to open in this one.

BEST BET: Over 45.5 match points ($1.87)

Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks prediction, tip, best bet

Not many would have predicted the Knights to make the finals after a lacklustre start to 2023, but they will lock in their top-eight spot with a win this round. 

The Sharks - who have quietly moved into fifth on the ladder - will also secure finals footy if they take two points on Sunday.

Jackson Hastings is back at halfback in a boost for Newcastle while Cronulla are unchanged.

There isn't a whole lot to separate these two sides at the moment, but the Knights' seven-match unbeaten run is hard to ignore.

Playing in front of their home fans for the last time this regular season, we're expecting to claim a narrow victory.

BEST BET: Newcastle Knights to win 1-12 ($3.00)