Round 1 of the NRLW got off to a blockbuster start last weekend with the new competition setting a great standard. There is no doubt that the opening week of action was exhilarating, and it is exciting to see what the rest of the season holds in store. One thing is for sure: fans are the ones benefitting and will be lining up to see what happens in the fixtures this week. Before You Bet is here to take a closer look at the action ahead with the hope of finding you a winner or two to add to your enjoyment.
Check out our preview and NRLW tips for Round 1 below, with odds thanks to Neds!
2025 NRLW Round 2 Predictions & Tips
Wests Tigers vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Thursday 10th July – Campbelltown Sports Stadium – 7:45pm (EST)
Odds: Tigers $3.50 vs Bulldogs $1.30
The Tigers tried hard last week but were ultimately outclassed 28-4 by a superior Broncos team. It will be concerning that they conceded 6 tries; had goal kicking been better it would’ve been a larger loss. Only trailing 8-4 gave them hope but when their opponents kicked into another gear, they were unable to match it with them. Allowing 10 line breaks and missing 43 tackles also demonstrates their shortcomings. The Bulldogs began their era with a promising 26-12 victory over the Knights. Playing in their inaugural game, there were minimal concerns for a talented team. They powered their way to victory with a 56% share of possession and 86% completion rate giving them the ability to average 9.8m per carry.
The Bulldogs are the favourites in this game for a reason. The Tigers will try hard but ultimately, the Bulldogs will be too strong for them. They demonstrated as much last week. If they put 14-points on the Knights, they should be capable of building on that here. With minimal changes to both sides from Round 1, a similar outcome is expected and that should place the Bulldogs in a strong position to cover the line.
Bulldogs -9.5
$1.90 (1.5 units)
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks
Saturday 12th July – GIO Stadium – 12:45pm (EST)
Odds: Raiders $2.45 vs Sharks $1.55
The Raiders were comprehensively defeated 36-14 at home by the Dragons in a disappointing start to their season. Despite scoring 3 tries and only trailing 12-4 at HT, they were poor defensively allowing 10 line breaks and missing 48 tackles. A better effort is needed. The Sharks were also defeated at home, upset by the Eels 18-16. Unable to match their opponent’s rigid defensive approach, the Sharks left it too late to chase down their opponents lead. Their 72% completion rate, allowing 10.4m per carry and missing 39 tackles contributed to their downfall. They are a better team than that performance suggests.
With both teams disappointing last week, confidence in this game is low. The Sharks are favourites but that seems to overlook the fact that the Raiders have a key player returning in Naitokatoka at 5/8; meanwhile, the Sharks have lost a bench player for the season. The Sharks should win this contest given the strength of their squad. They have stronger middle forwards and faster outside backs. Winning this game on paper is one thing, they need to avoid the mistakes of the past as well. Stay away from this game if you can otherwise, take either team to win by fewer than 2 converted tries.
Either team by 12-points or less
$1.62 (1 unit)
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters
Saturday 12th July – Jubilee Stadium – 3:45pm (EST)
Odds: Dragons $3.35 vs Roosters $1.33
The Dragons upset the Raiders on the road 36-14 in a terrific start to their season. They set a strong standard from the opening moments scoring twice inside 20 minutes. From that point onwards, they dominated the contest with a 54% share of possession and an 84% completion rate. They were also strong carrying the ball for 10.5m per carry and missing just 18 tackles. The Roosters were equally as impressive in their 30-6 defeat of the Warriors at home. Jumping to an 18-6 HT lead, the Roosters never looked pressured, dictating the terms of the match from start to finish. Despite a poor 67% completion rate, they still managed 9.4m per carry and 11 line breaks. It is a worrying sign for every other team in the competition.
The Roosters price has been kept lower given they have lost two outside backs for this match. It will impact their strength on the edge, but it shouldn’t hurt their chances too much of winning this game. It may just mean they concede a try or two more than they wish. Ultimately, the game is theirs to lose. As good as the Dragons were last week, they will need to lift to another level altogether if they are to win this match. Looking at each team on their merits, that appears unlikely this week. Given their defensive strength, it should mean they are able to cover the line also.
Roosters -9.5
$1.90 (2 units)
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights
Saturday 12th July – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 5:15pm (EST)
Odds: Cowboys $1.78 vs Knights $2.05
The Cowboys started their season by reaffirming their status at home with a strong 20-6 victory over the Titans. In a tight contest, they managed to build on their HT lead of 14-nil, winning almost every key area. They averaged 10.3m per carry, had 9 line breaks and missed just 19 tackles. It was a grinding effort. The Knights weren’t as lucky in their 26-12 defeat by the Bulldogs on the road. Despite a tight first half which saw them trail 10-6 at HT, they were unable to match it with their opponents in the second half. They were their own worst enemy with just 42% possession constantly impacted by a 65% completion rate. Their shortcomings from missing players were evidently felt.
This game is as close as the odds are suggesting. The Cowboys were good last week but you can discount the Knights at your own risk. They have Higgins return at hooker and the inclusion of the Jillaroos player will provide a big boost for the Knights. Coach Jefferies also faces his former club and if there is anyone who knows them inside and out, it is him. The quality of the Knights will not keep them down for too long and last week should only be a minor mishap. This thought does discredit the efforts of the Cowboys, but greater consistency is needed before you can invest on them with confidence. If you’re not going to take the Knights to cause an upset, invest on this game being a close contest and decided by less than 1 converted try.
Either team by 6 points or less
$2.50 (1 unit)
New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels
Sunday 13th July – GoMedia Stadium – 11:50am (EST)
Odds: Warriors $2.25 vs Eels $1.65
The Warriors were ambushed on the road by the Roosters, comprehensively outplayed in their 30-6 loss. Having just a 45% share of possession was always going to be challenging but it was further hampered by a 63% completion rate. Worse still, they averaged just 8.2m per carry, allowed 11 line breaks and missed 40 tackles. It wasn’t the best return for this talented team. The Eels had no such issues in their nail-biting 18-16 victory over the Sharks on the road. Setting a strong standard early, they jumped to a 12-6 HT lead and never looked back. Their performance was aided by a 51% share of possession, an 87% completion rate and 10.4m per carry. They will want to improve upon their 42 missed but it is a great starting point for their season.
Beware of the Warriors at home. After a disappointing start to the season, this is the type of game whereby they bounce back and reward the loyal support of their home fans. As good as the Eels were last week, they face a tough test heading on the road for this match. That is not to say that this is beyond them; they are a quality team and proved as much last week. Given it’s only the second week of the season, it is probably a game worth watching and see what each offer at the conclusion of this game. If you are going to have a bet – the advice is to stay away from the game altogether – the value lies within the home team winning this match.
Warriors to Win
$2.25 (1 unit)
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos
Sunday 13th July – Cbus Super Stadium – 4pm (EST)
Odds: Titans $4 vs Broncos $1.25
The Titans were unable to match it with the Cowboys on the road last week, outplayed over the contest and defeated 20-4. Despite an equal share of possession and a superior completion rate, they could only create the one scoring opportunity. They will be disappointed they conceded 9 line breaks and missed 29 tackles across the match also. The Broncos had no such issues in their 28-4 victory over the Tigers, flexing their premiership muscles to solidify their standing as favourites for the competition. They built on an 8-4 HT lead to power away from their opponents in the second half, kicking into another gear that couldn’t be matched. The effort was built around possession, holding onto 53% was positive but they will want to improve their 73% completion rate. Thankfully, they averaged 10.3m per carry, had 10 line breaks and missed just 23 tackles.
With both teams at full-strength, it was going to be challenge for the Titans to win this game. Unfortunately, there are a host of changes to the home team, mainly brought about by injuries. The Broncos are basically unchanged for this match and will be out to make another statement. The Titans can disrupt their opponent’s momentum but whether that can be maintained for 70 minutes is unknown. It is unlikely to occur though for a number of reasons, most notably, the Broncos point scoring ability. You only must look to last week to see how dangerous they are. This should make them capable of covering the line.
Broncos -11.5
$1.90 (2 units)
