NRLW 2025 Round 5 Preview & Betting Tips

It’s NRLW Magic Round this weekend in Newcastle and this event promises to be a blockbuster occasion over two days. Fans will be delighted to see all matches played in one location and if the standard of the 2025 season is any indication, the action will be exhilarating. It has been a positive season to date for followers of Before You Bet and their NRLW tips and we are here again to preview the matches ahead this weekend, with the aim of finding you a winner or two to add to your viewing enjoyment.  

Check out our preview and NRLW tips for Round 5 below, with odds thanks to Neds!

2025 NRLW Round 5 Predictions & Tips

Gold Coast Titans vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

McDonald Jones Stadium – Saturday 2nd August – 12:15pm (EST)

The Titans were victorious last week in stoic fashion, defeating the Warriors 20-10 on the road. The gritty display saw them overcome an inferior completion rate (76%) to make more metres (9m per carry) and create 8 line breaks. Their attack was dominant. The Bulldogs were outgunned by the Roosters 42-22, with a poor first half their downfall. Conceding 6 tries, they trailed 32-0 at HT and by that stage, the match was all but over. A poor completion rate (75%) and making just over 1,000m hurt their chances. They were poor defensively also, missing 47 tackles and allowing 11 line breaks.  

This game is too close to call. The Titans look capable enough to win but so too do the Bulldogs. It is puzzling as to why there is a discrepancy in the odds. A 2-game losing streak doesn’t help the visitors while the Titans have enjoyed 2 recent wins. Perhaps markets are quick to forget the early season form of the Bulldogs. They are the preferred selection in a head-to-head contest but for an investment, the safer option is selecting this game to be a close contest.  

Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters

McDonald Jones Stadium – Saturday 2nd August – 2:15pm (EST)

The Tigers were determined in their match against the Sharks last week but couldn’t finish off, losing 20-16. Trailing 16-6 at HT, they fought their way back into the contest via strong completion rate (85%) and a greater share of possession (51%). Unfortunately, they could not turn this into more points. The fact they averaged just 7.4m per carry also limited their effectiveness. The Roosters were at their dominant best against the Bulldogs, jumping to a 32-nil HT lead courtesy of 6 tries in the first half. They averaged 8.8m per carry, made 411 PCM’s and created 11 line breaks in a victory that highlighted their quality.  

There is only one possible outcome in this game and that is a Roosters victory. They are short though, so the challenging is finding value. The loss against the Sharks last week demonstrated their capabilities but this will be another level altogether. The firepower of the Roosters suggests that the line (-19.5) will not be enough. The only thing that will stop that is if the Roosters take their opponents easier but there are no indications to suggest that this will occur.  

Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks

McDonald Jones Stadium – Saturday 2nd August – 4:15pm (EST)

The Broncos were clinical last week against the Dragons, bouncing back from their first loss of the season the week before to win 30-6. After a 6-all HT score, they powered to victory in the second half, establishing the victory on possession (57%) and building pressure (80% completion rate). They dominated every area statistically, highlighted by 8.6m per carry and 7 line breaks; defence could be improved as they missed 30 tackles for the match. The Sharks scraped home against a determined Tigers team 20-16, struggling to build momentum to score more points. With a lesser share of possession (49%) and inferior completion rate (75%), they only have themselves to blame. They were still strong in some areas though, averaging 8.8m per carry and missing just 22 tackles.  

The difference between these two sides is vast considering the price offered on the Broncos. Fact is, they are closer than what is suggested. Both sides have been guilty of switching off in matches to their detriment. This gives their opponents opportunities and the same is expected in this contest. While the Broncos are the preferred option, the price offered is too short. The preferred selection is to invest on this game being a close contest because it is exactly what appears to be ahead in this match.  

North Queensland Cowboys vs New Zealand Warriors

McDonald Jones Stadium – Sunday 3rd August – 11:50am (EST)

The Cowboys easily accounted for the Raiders 26-nil in Townsville last week, capturing a confidence building victory in style. With a greater share of possession (59%), their completion rate (71%) threatened to disrupt their play. Fortunately, they were able to overcome this with 9.3m per carry, 7 line breaks and just 22 missed tackles aiding their performance. The Warriors were defeated at home by the Titans 20-10, failing to make the most of their positive play. Slow in the first half and trailing 14-4 at HT, they completed at 82% with just 47% possession. Unfortunately, they were defeated in all other areas with 32 missed tackles and allowing 8 line breaks making it challenging to stop their opponents’ points.  

The Cowboys are overwhelming favourites. The form of the Warriors has been questionable in terms of consistency and while the Cowboys have not been much better, they have an edge on their opponents in this area. They have shown their attacking power, and the performance last week will give them confidence. The Warriors have Curtain returning at halfback, increasing the ability of their attack; the Warriors are in this with a chance of causing an upset, but their chances are slim. The Cowboys should win, but it will be closer than most think. 

Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders

McDonald Jones Stadium – Sunday 3rd August – 1:45pm (EST)

The Knights came to play last week and made a statement with their 30-6 victory over the Eels on the road. A strong performance in both halves and with an equal share of possession, the Knights completed at 83%. They impressively made 10m per carry, 540 PCM’s and 8 line breaks but will want to improve upon the 36 missed tackles. The Raiders were again woeful, defeated 26-nil on the road by the Cowboys. Insipid with their approach to attack and flimsy defensively, they were outplayed in every area. With just 41% possession and a 57% completion rate, they only have themselves to blame. The less said about this performance, the better, as it makes ugly reading across the board.  

The Knights are the only logical selection this weekend and given how poor the Raiders have been, it is surprised agencies are even offering a price on the home side. To put it simply, the Raiders have been so poor this season that the line (15.5) will not be enough to help them. The Knights are a dynamic attacking team and proved as much last week, with the thought that they are only going to improve into this match. 

St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Parramatta Eels

McDonald Jones Stadium – Sunday 3rd August – 3:45pm (EST)

The Dragons tried hard in the first half against the Broncos last week and at 6-all at HT, would’ve considered themselves a chance of winning. Unfortunately, when their opponents kicked into another gear in the second half, they were unable to match them, eventually defeated 30-6. It was always going to be tough with a 62% completion rate and just a 43% share of possession. The face that they only made 865m (average 7m per carry) is abysmal. Furthermore, they allowed 7 line breaks and missed 49 tackles. The Eels were also comprehensively defeated but had more positives than the Dragons to get excited about. The Knights were too strong in their 30-6 loss but gave themselves every chance with an 84% completion rate and 9.9m per carry. They were still loose defensively, allowing 8 line breaks and are capable of better results.  

Both teams coming off a loss into this game will increase the desperation within their respective teams. They are also capable in their own right; the Eels have a slight edge though with Cherrington returning and the Dragons having to play without Berry, Bostock and Reh. It increases the challenge ahead of them and the Eels have demonstrated that they can grind out a victory. This should mean that they cover the short line which is on offer.