The NRLW competition will reach its halfway point this week and with the ladder beginning to take shape, teams will be wary of how their performances impact their chances moving forward. Each will have high hopes in 2025, and this has ensured some exciting action on the field since the start of the season. There is no doubt that Round 6 will continue that trend. With fans enjoyment at an all-time high, Before You Bet is here to take a deeper look at each match with the aim of adding to your viewing pleasure by finding you a winner.
Check out our preview and NRLW tips for Round 5 below, with odds thanks to Neds!
2025 NRLW Round 6 Predictions & Tips
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks
Jubilee Stadium – Saturday 9th August – 12:45pm (AEST)
The Dragons tried hard last week against the Eels but were narrowly defeated 12-10 in testing conditions. At one stage, holding a 10-2 lead, it appeared as though they were close to capturing victory. Not even an 83% completion rate with 51% possession could help their cause; they allowed too many metres (9m per carry) and missed more tackles (24). The Sharks were also defeated, outplayed by a superior Broncos team 28-14. The game was all but over at HT as they trailed 22-nil, failing to halt their opponent’s attacking momentum, missing 34 tackles. This overshadowed the fact that they completed at 83% and made more metres; they were just ineffective when it mattered most.
This is a game where the depth of each team will be tested. Each have their share of injury and suspension omissions, and it is impacting their performance on the field. The odds suggest the Sharks are the more capable of the two sides to be able to cover this, but the Dragons have proven to have a gritty edge to them when needed; unfortunately, it has been inconstant this season as to when that has been displayed. Confidence is low in this contest so invest sparingly; there are too many variables impacting each side and their performance ahead of this match. The preferred selection is to avoid this contest altogether. If you must have a bet, then invest this in this game being close and decided by fewer than 2 converted tries.
Either team by 12.5 points or less
$1.52 (1.5 Units)
Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers
McDonald Jones Stadium – Saturday 9th August – 3:15pm (AEST)
The Knights easily accounted for the Raiders 18-nil in horrible conditions, doing what was needed over 70 minutes. The scoreline could’ve been far more had they made use of their 56% possession, 82% completion rate and 4 line breaks. The Knights were in second gear for the entire match, but it was enough. The Tigers were comprehensively defeated by the Roosters 34-4, unable to match the firepower of their opponents; both sides had an equal chance with the ball (completion rate 75% & 49/51% possession). The difference came statistically where the Tigers were outgained in total metres, PCM’s, made just 1 line break and missed 35 tackles. These areas have let them down all season.
Unfortunately for the visitors, they again look outclassed in this match. The team changes only strengthen the Knights on the field; the Tigers are still a team missing key players. This game also has the 3rd best attack going against the 2nd worst defence in the competition. It is an indication that the visitors may again struggle and with that in mind, the Knights should have what it takes to cover the line in winning this match.
Knights -18.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors
Accor Stadium – Saturday 9th August – 5:15pm (AEST)
The Bulldogs were handed a draw after a tough match against the Titans. In challenging conditions, neither team could break the 14-all deadlock. The Bulldogs did well to overcome a 14-4 HT deficit but, if they’re honest in their review, will say that it should never have reached that point. A 73% completion rate with 50% possession didn’t help their cause, nor did trailing their opponents in every key area. They were also let down by missing 34 tackles. The Warriors caused an upset with a 12-6 victory over the Cowboys in similar scenes. Appearing to relish the conditions, they were resilient in overcoming a 65% completion rate, 31 missed tackles and allowing 9.1m per carry.
Recent momentum appears to be with the visitors, but the Bulldogs should also relish the opportunity to return home. An improved effort on recent weeks will be needed and while last week would’ve taken a lot out of them, the Warriors will give their share of chances over 70 minutes. The Bulldogs just must ensure that they take them, while also giving minimal away. This contest should be far closer in betting markets as the teams appear to be evenly matched. Invest on this game being a close contest but increase your stake as there is less value on offer for this option.
Either team by 10.5 points or less
$1.75 (2.5 Units)
Gold Coast Titans vs Sydney Roosters
Cbus Super Stadium – Sunday 10th August – 11:50am (AEST)
The Titans left Newcastle with a 14-all draw with the Bulldogs, giving up a 14-4 HT lead in testing conditions. With a strong first half display, the looked set for victory but came up short. A 70% completion rate nullified their 9.1m per carry, 606 PCM’s and 4 line breaks. They failed to make the most of this dominance. The Roosters had no such issues in their commanding 34-4 victory over the Tigers. Only leading 16-4 at HT, they kicked into another gear in the second half and were impressive. Making 8.7m per carry, 515 PCM’s, creating 7 line breaks and missing just 19 tackles would be tough for any team to stop.
The Titans are a spirited team but that will only take them so far in this match. They will need consistency in attack and tenacity defensively to even be a chance. That appears to be tough to produce against a team like the Roosters. They are undefeated this season and are relentless in the way they execute their game plan. For the Titans to win, it would be a major upset. Such is the visitors attacking power, they should have what it takes to win this game by more than 2 converted tries as they average 32ppg in attack alone and the Titans leak 20ppg in defence each week as a minimum.
Roosters -12.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos
GIO Stadium – Sunday 10th August – 1:45pm (AEST)
The Raiders were improved last week but were still defeated 18-nil by the Knights. They have now been kept scoreless for the past 2 weeks and have only scored 32 points this season (conceded 182 points). With a 64% completion rate with a 44% share of possession, it was always going to be tough. This meant that didn’t have any line breaks, made just 7.9m per carry and missed 30 tackles. The Broncos had no such issues in their 28-14 win over the Sharks. Jumping to a 22-nil HT lead, they never looked back. Despite just a 49% share of possession and a 77% completion rate, they couldn’t be stopped. Statistically, it is surprising they won by such a large margin but to put it simply, they took their chances when it mattered.
There is only one possible outcome to this contest and that is a Broncos victory. That is why the odds are so short on them ($8.50 vs $1.07) and you must go searching for value in this contest. Given the attacking power of the Broncos (31.2ppg) and the Raiders inability to both score and stop points (36.4ppg in defence), the line will not be enough to help the home side as once the Broncos gather momentum, they will be a hard team to stop.
Broncos -19.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys
CommBank Stadium – Sunday 10th August – 6:15pm (AEST)
The Eels grinding out a tough 12-10 victory over the Dragons is testing conditions last week. Having to overcome a 10-2 deficit, they scored 12 points in the remaining 15 minutes to finish the stronger of the two sides. They did well to stay in the match with an 82% completion rate giving them suitable chances to score points at the back end of the match. Their defence was strong too, missing just 18 tackles. The Cowboys were upset 12-6 by the Warriors, let down by a poor completion rate (67%) which nullified their superior share of possession (52%) and their dominance in metres made (9.1m per carry). They are a better team than that, but most would struggle with these limiting factors.
There is little between these two sides ahead of this match. The Eels have lost a couple of key players, most notably Cherrington whereas the Cowboys are boosted by the return of Dibb in the halves. While it will help the visitors to some extent, they will still consistency in their play. The Eels will be aware of this and will take every opportunity to pressure their opponents. Such is the close nature of this contest, they are on the same competition points. This indicates that a close contest is ahead and despite the home side being the preferred selection in a Head-to-Head contest, the smarter investment is this game to be decide by less than a converted try.
Either team by 6.5 points or less
$2.35 (1 Unit)
