We're getting into the business end of the 2026 NRLW season which means every match means that little bit more as spots for finals tighten up. We have another full slate of matches to look forward to in Round 8, with action set to take place on Saturday and Sunday with triple-headers on each day.
Check out our preview and NRLW Betting Tips for Round 8 below and good luck to everyone following along!
NRLW Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers
McDonalds Jones Stadium – Saturday 22nd August – 12:45pm (AEST)
The Knights were close to capturing a spirited victory at home against the Raiders but conceded 3 tries in the finals 13 minutes to lose the match 25-18. They were poor by completing at just 69% with just 49% possession; their defence was insipid by missing 25 tackles and conceding 10 line breaks. They needed to be better and now, they’re 2 wins outside the Top 4. The Tigers sit in 4th spot, gaining confidence from their 30-22 home victory over the Warriors. They were great by completing at 81% with 52% possession while running for 8.9m per carry. The Tigers also have room to improve defensive and reducing their 32 missed tackles would be a great start.
The Knights are narrow favourites in this game, but the Tigers receive a huge boost with Apps, Nour, and Crichton returning to the starting team. The home team also welcome back White, who will slot back in at fullback. The Knights need this victory to keep touch with the Top 4 but the Tigers are a resilient team. Each are a winning hope and if they get momentum, could capture victory. With the result too close to call, it’s best to invest the same way and give both teams a chance of winning by a narrow margin.
Either team by 6.5 points or less
$2.60
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders
Belmore Sports Ground – Saturday 22nd August – 3:15pm (AEST)
It was an upset 30-18 road loss to the Eels for the Bulldogs which caused a major dent to their Finals aspirations. The game was all but over at HT as they trailed 24-0, outplayed in every area and they only have themselves to blame. With just 46% possession, they completed at just 64%, made just over 1,100m and had only 1 line break. Their defence conceded 7 line breaks and missed 31 tackles. There were no such issues for the Raiders who captured a spirited ‘come from behind’ victory 25-18 on the road against the Knights. They overcame a poor completion rate (67%) with 51% possession allowing them to make 9.2m per carry and make 10 line breaks. Their defence was also strong, missing just 21 tackles.
It is no surprise to see the Raiders listed as favourites for this game. They are performing strongly and gaining in confidence. On the other hand, the Bulldogs are a team that is struggling and need a few factors to go their way to be competitive in this game. The road game may provide a tough set of circumstances, but they need not worry about that if they play to their most recent standard. The fact that they are unchanged for this game further adds support for the Raiders. At their peak, they should comfortably cover the line also.
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys
Allianz Stadium – Saturday 22nd August – 5:15pm (AEST)
Outplayed and lacking direction, the Dragons were poor in their 26-10 road loss to the Titans. With just 36% possession, their completion rate (82%) mattered little as they could only manage 818m and just 286 PCM’s. Defensively, they missed 45 tackles and failed to resemble a competitive team. It was a spirited 30-18 home victory for the Cowboys last week against the Sharks, with the home team capturing their second win of the season. Set up by completing their sets (81%), they overcame a 49% share of possession to average 8.7m per carry and create 5 line breaks. It will be a huge confidence boost for them moving forward.
Confidence is low in this game as neither team plays with consistency to ensure they are a chance of winning this game. This makes parting ways with your money tougher. Coach Cross has opted to reshuffle his team and it’s unknown whether that will be a catalyst for change. The Cowboys welcome back Roche on the edge; they were victorious last week and will take confidence away from that performance. There is a slight lean towards the visitors because of that but not enough to recommend a bet. If you must have a bet, invest on a high scoring contest as both teams have questionable defence at the best of times.
Total points Over 40.5
$1.90
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos
Cbus Super Stadium – Sunday 23rd August – 11:50am (AEST)
The Titans consolidated their 2nd place standing on the ladder with a convincing 26-10 home victory over the Dragons. They dominated the contest but rarely got out of 2nd gear as they completed at 83% with 64% possession, running for 8.2m per carry and making 5 line breaks. Just as important, they missed just 12 tackles. It was a different story for the Broncos who gave up a 14-4 HT lead to lose 34-20 to the Roosters. Completing at 75% with 48% possession, they made just 7.9m per carry and missed 33 tackles. It was poor from a team that is capable of better, and they should only improve as the Finals approach.
The Broncos are slight favourites for this match but there are two things which cannot be overlooked. The first is to doubt the potential of the Titans. The Broncos welcome back Ferguson at hooker but an unchanged lineup for a team who is playing consistently well should not be underestimated. The second is the impact playing the Roosters can have on a team. It would’ve sapped a lot of energy out of the Broncos and that might impact them here. That is too much to overlook in this contest meaning that the value lies in backing the higher ranked team on the competition ladder.
Sydney Roosters vs New Zealand Warriors
Allianz Stadium – Sunday 23rd August – 1:45pm (AEST)
The Roosters kept their undefeated streak alive with a commanding 34-20 road victory over the Broncos. Trailing 14-4 at HT, they kicked into another gear in the second half to score 6 tries and make yet another loud statement. They were great completing at 80% with 52% possession, averaging 8.8m per carry and making 459 PCM’s. Scarily, they can still be better too as they will undoubtedly aim to improve upon their 32 missed tackles. The Warriors were defeated 30-22 on the road by the Tigers, with goal kicking costing them a chance at victory as they scored an equal number of tries. They were equal with their opponents (48% possession & 80% possession) while also making 8.4m per carry and creating 7 line breaks.
It is no surprise that the Roosters are overwhelming favourites for this game. They are playing to a high level each week and have the right balance within their team to handle what the Warriors throw at them. Unfortunately for the visitors, they have too many moments where they switch off in matches. The Roosters make teams pay for such mistakes. Therefore, the decision comes down to finding value. Such is their point scoring ability and strong defence, the Roosters should account for the line on offer.
Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels
Ocean Protect Park – Sunday 23rd August – 6:15pm (AEST)
The Sharks season continued to spiral downward as they suffered a 30-18 road loss to the Cowboys. Again, they were their own worst enemy; with 51% possession, they completed at just 70%, missing 31 tackles and conceding 5 line breaks to continually allow their opponents attacking opportunities. The Eels were terrific in a spirited 30-18 home victory over the Bulldogs. A flawless first half performance saw them lead 24-0 at HT and from that point onwards the result was decided. In the end, they completed at 86% with 54% possession, running for 9.4m per carry and creating 7 line breaks. It is a sign of what they’re capable of on their day.
Much like the Dragons vs Cowboys game, this is an ugly game to part way with your money in. Each team has a chance of winning this game while also capable of a poor performance which provides their opponents with several chances to gather momentum; both could occur over 70 minutes. As capable as they Sharks can be, they have been poor to date. The most recent victory of the Eels will give them plenty of confidence to perform well here. You’re best advised to stay away from this game altogether but if you must, invest on the Eels causing yet another upset.
