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NRL Round 18 Margin Predictions: Every Match Tipped

Ryan Tucker

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Last updated: Mon 29 Jun 2026 09:28

Ryan Tucker 29 Jun 2026

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Expert picks for NRL Round 18 margin bets, factoring in Origin absences.
Panthers, Tigers & Knights predicted to win by 1-12; Sharks & Manly by 13+.
Tips consider recent form, historical data, and scoring trends.

Braydon Trindall of the Sharks celebrates his field goal with team mates. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

NRL Round 18 Margin Tips: Best 1-12 and 13+ Predictions

Margins are one of the most popular NRL betting markets each week, and Round 18 presents a fascinating mix of potential blowouts and tightly contested battles.

NRL Round 18 Margin Tips: Best 1-12 and 13+ Predictions
Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Wests Tigers
Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks
Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles
Newcastle Knights vs Dolphins

There are some definite mismatches this week but with Origin players out, there is nothing that is certain. Using projected scores, historical trends and current form, we've identified whether each game is more likely to finish within 12 points or result in a 13+ margin victory.

Here are the best NRL Round 18 margin tips for every game this weekend.

Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Tip: Panthers 1-12

Penrith lose a large contingent of players to Origin duties but they have performed relatively well in this games in previous weeks and years. Souths are on a two game win streak having scored a combined 80 pts in those two wins but are expected to be held at bay here.

Penrith Panthers1-12 Winning MarginBET HERE

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St George Illawarra Dragons vs Wests Tigers

Tip: Tigers 1-12

The Dragons slumped to their 14th loss of the season last weekend but in usual style were in the game up until the end. 3 of their last 4 games have finished with 1-12 margins and the Tigers aren't a team that usually blow out their opponents. 6 of the last 7 between these teams have also finished with 12 pts or less margins.

Wests Tigers1-12 Winning MarginBET HERE

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Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks

Tip: Sharks 13+

8 straight games between these two opponents have finished with a margin of 10 pts or fewer and the bookies are tipping a close contest. The thing is, if the Sharks sniff blood, they can pile on points. Brisbane's defence still has major holes and the chances of this blowing out are higher than then odds.

Sharks13+ Winning MarginBET HERE

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Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles

Tip: Manly 13+

This matchup routinely blows out to big margins and while Parramatta have found some bright spots over the past few weeks, they are nowhere near the level of Manly who are flying high in 6th spot on the ladder. The Eels might keep it close for 60 minutes but the Sea Eagles can run away with this one late.

Manly Sea Eagles13+ Winning MarginBET HERE

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Newcastle Knights vs Dolphins

Tip: Knights 1-12

It's hard to lean on historical matchup data for these teams given how different they are at this point in the season. Newcastle's attack has exploded while their defence has faded and the Dolphins have scored the 2nd most points in the NRL so far this year. It is bound to be highscoring, Newcastle at home to inch past the Dolphins.