NRL Preliminary Finals Betting Tips: The Best Bets for each game
This article offers the top four betting tips for the 2026 NRL Preliminary Finals as four teams compete for a place in the Grand Final. The recommendations include backing the in-form Dolphins to cover a -2.5 line at home and scoring over 22.5 points. For the Penrith vs Newcastle game, the suggested picks are Newcastle Knights with a +10.5 handicap and for the total to go under 42.5 points, given both teams' strong defensive performances. The article provides detailed rationale and recent stats to support each tip.
- Back Dolphins -2.5 and Over 22.5 points vs Roosters
- Take Newcastle Knights +10.5 vs Penrith
- Penrith vs Newcastle to stay Under 42.5 points
NRL Preliminary Finals Best Bets (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
NRL Preliminary Finals Best Bets 2026: 4 Betting Tips
Four teams remain in the hunt for the 2026 NRL Premiership, with the Dolphins hosting the Roosters before Penrith face Newcastle.
- NRL Preliminary Finals Best Bets 2026: 4 Betting Tips
- Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters
- Dolphins -2.5
- Dolphins Over 22.5 Points
- Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights
- Newcastle Knights +10.5
- Under 42.5 Points
Here are our four best bets for the Preliminary Finals.
Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters
Dolphins -2.5
The Dolphins have won eight straight overall and eight straight at Suncorp, while beating the Roosters 48-10 and 26-12 this season. Sydney were excellent against Cronulla and get Sam Walker back, but we're sticking with the form team at home.
Dolphins -2.5Handicap/LineBET HERE
The BetRaven referral code is bets500. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Dolphins Over 22.5 Points
Redcliffe average 31.6 points at Suncorp and have scored 23+ in 10 of 12 games there this season. With Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth and Selwyn Cobbo all dangerous, the Dolphins should get beyond this number.
Dolphins Over 22.5Team TotalBET HERE
18+. T&Cs apply.
Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights
Newcastle Knights +10.5
Newcastle Knights +10.5Handicap/LineBET HERE
The Neds.com.au code is BLACKBOOK. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. CHANCES ARE YOU'RE ABOUT TO LOSE. Set a deposit limit.
Penrith have won nine of their last 10 against Newcastle, but the Knights have found another level in September. They've conceded just 20 points across elimination wins over Souths and the Warriors, making a 10.5-point start appealing.
Under 42.5 Points
Penrith's last six games have gone under their respective totals, while Newcastle's two finals have produced only 30 and 22 points. Both sides are winning through defence, so another grind looks likely.
Under 42.5Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle KnightsBET HERE
18+ only. T&Cs apply
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