There are just 6 teams remaining in the NRLW for season 2026 and now, the intensity is expected to lift to another level. Already experiencing the best quality season to date, fans will be delighted with what is ahead in the matches this weekend. It is now elimination time, with the top two teams (Roosters & Titans) rewarded with a week off, waiting for the successful teams to progress. This sets the stage for an exhilarating weekend of action and Before You Bet is here to add to your enjoyment by finding you a winner through an in-depth look at both matches.
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NRLW Finals Week 1 Preview & Betting Tips
Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders
Campbelltown Sport Stadium – Friday 18th September – 7:50pm (AEST)
These two teams met last week which saw a 22-10 victory for the Raiders who were the traveling team. The defence of the visitors was impressive to witness, as they kept the Tigers scoreless until 5 minutes into the second half. Strangling them defensively, the Raiders were rigid with their defensive structure, which saw them able to overcome an inferior completion rate (75% vs 71%). The dominance of the Raiders is highlighted by their 10.1m per carry and 638 PCM’s. The Tigers will want to improve on their 33 missed tackles; the Raiders missed 34 tackles but limited their opponents to 8.9m per carry, and just 2 line breaks.
Team news favours the Tigers with the inclusion of Apps following her withdrawal last week. The Raiders are unchanged and will relish the opportunity to again hand the Tigers a loss. You can expect that both teams will be improved on last week; the Raiders already have an edge to themselves, especially in the way they executed last week. They have been consistent in this area for majority of 2026, and it is unlikely to change here. The fact that the Tigers concede an average of 26ppg (Raiders 14ppg) highlights the different in the two sides. This margin should see the Raiders cover the line and progress onto next week.
Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights
Totally Workwear Stadium – Saturday 19th September – 4:05pm (AEST)
The Broncos returned to their best with a commanding 52-18 victory over the Warriors at home. The 9-try display saw them at their best, relentless in attack, they rarely missed an opportunity in the second half, powering away from their 12-8 HT lead. With 52% possession, they completed at 72%, made 10m per carry, and had 11 line breaks. Their defence was also strong, missing just 18 tackles in the match. With a meaningless game against the Titans to finish the round, the Knights were defeated 32-20 at home. Trailing 20-10 at HT, a lack of possession (43%) hurt their cause. They completed at 75% and made almost 600 fewer metres than their opponents. Their defence was poor too, missing 47 tackles and allowing 9 line breaks. That is a performance they will quickly want to forget moving into this week.
Momentum is back with the Broncos ahead of this game and playing at home gives them a further edge. They’ve won 4 out of 6 matches here while the Knights have a 50% record away from home. The return of Davison for the visitors gives them an edge in the middle, allowing McArthur to move back to the bench but that will only count for so much. This is why the home side have been listed as strong favourites; the Knights are a quality team when right by the step up to compete against the superior teams in this year’s competition has been beyond them. Having Jesse Southwell calling the shots for the Broncos this season hurts the Knights most of all. Seeing Newcastle only averaging 25ppg in attack compared to the Broncos 30ppg, with the home side superior defensively (16ppg vs 17ppg) should lead to the home side covering the large-ish line which is offered.
