Things are starting to heat up in the NRLW competition as the Finals approach. An exciting season to date appears to have gone to another level and fans are relishing the excitement of each game. The quality produced in each game is better than ever. A clearer picture is beginning to emerge of who can make the Finals, but this is not guaranteed just yet. Before You Bet is here to look at all matches ahead this weekend and assist with finding a winner to add to your viewing enjoyment.
Check out our preview and NRLW tips for Round 7 below, with odds thanks to Neds!
2025 NRLW Round 7 Predictions & Tips
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans
Sharks Stadium – Saturday 16th August – 12:45pm (EST)
The Sharks easily accounted for the Dragons 20-6 on the road, proving that they are a class above their opponent. The 5-try display in challenging conditions was enhanced by their defensive effort; they kept the Dragons scoreless until the 62nd minute, allowed just 1 line break and missed only 23 tackles. They were dominated in attack making 9.5m per carry and 697 PCM’s; such numbers are rarely seen at this level. The Titans were outclassed by the Roosters 24-8, unable to match the consistent high standard of their opponents. Completing at 79% with only 44% possession, the Titans couldn’t match the Roosters in attack, trailing them in every area. Still in with a change of making the Finals, they need to put that effort behind them and look forward.
Both teams are impacted by key omissions; the loss of Dodd (Sharks) and Chapman (Titans) almost cancel one another out. The Sharks still have the edge over their opponents and have rightly been listed as favourites. The Titans have struggled to score points this season and the defence of the Sharks will only increase the challenge. The home side is not perfect though; they can sometimes struggle in matches to build momentum, and the Titans have a strong enough forward pack to cause them issues. Due to this, the value lies within the Sharks winning but by fewer than 2 converted tries. The Titans will be a chance of causing an upset at one stage during this match but ultimately, they will find it too tough to achieve.
Sharks 1-12
$2.40 (1.5 Units)
Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels
Suncorp Stadium – Saturday 16th August – 3:15pm (EST)
The Broncos rarely got out of 2nd gear in their 44-28 road victory over the Raiders. While they will be disappointed in allowing their opponents to score so many points, it was never an issue. With 53% possession, they overcame a horrible completion rate (65%) by averaging 9.9m per carry and making 10 line breaks. The result was never in doubt. The Eels had a tougher time in their 14-10 home loss to the Cowboys, squandering several chances to capture the match. With just 48% possession and a 77% completion rate, they only managed one try in each half; their opponents scored all their points in the second half as the Eels missed a total of 31 tackles. They need to move past that quickly to be a chance here.
The Broncos are deserving favourites and should win this game in a canter. The challenge in this game comes down to finding value. The home team has an exciting ability to score plenty of points and the Eels still struggle at times with their defensive structure. The line (-19.5) seems too high though; the Eels are boosted by the return of Cherrington and Kapua who immediately return to the starting team. This will keep things tight and force the Broncos to be careful with their structure. It may be lower than expected but increasing your stake – or including it into a multi – will increase the return in your investment.
Broncos 13+
$1.42 (2 Units)
New Zealand Warriors vs Canberra Raiders
FMG Stadium – Saturday 16th August – 5:15pm (EST)
The Warriors didn’t just cause an upset in their 34-6 road win over the Bulldogs; they made a statement that things are starting to click for this talented team. Only leading 12-6 at HT, they were dynamic in the second half, giving their opponents minimal opportunities to gain momentum. They made 8.6m per carry and had 6 line breaks against a strong defensive team, creating plenty of positive signs moving forward. The Raiders had one of their better performances in their 44-28 home loss to the Broncos, but they were still outclassed. Many of their points came once the contest was all but over, leaving this team stuck at the bottom of the competition ladder. Having just a 71% completion rate with 47% possession, allowing 10 line breaks and missing 47 tackles will make it challenging for any team to win.
The Raiders are a struggling team and while this is arguably their best chance recently to capture victory, winning this contest appears to be well beyond them. The Warriors demonstrated last week that their attacking structure is beginning to function effectively, and this will spell trouble for their opponents. Therefore, with the only likely outcome to be a win to the home team, the scoring averages of each team this season suggests that it should see the margin of victory sneak out beyond 2 converted tries.
Warriors 13+
$2.10 (2 Units)
Wests Tigers vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
Allianz Stadium – Sunday 17th August – 11:50am (EST)
The Tigers were comprehensively defeated 30-6 by the Knights on the road last week. Despite only trailing 10-6 at HT, they were unable to match their opponents in the second half, struggling with only 46% possession to score points. Allowing 8 line breaks and missing 31 tackles only enhanced their opponent’s momentum and needs to be an area they address moving forward. The Dragons also suffered a tough defeat, losing 20-6 to the Sharks at home. They too had their chances but couldn’t do much with 44% possession. They also allowed 5 line breaks and missed 37 tackles and could take a lot from a similar focus to their opponents for this match.
The Tigers chances of winning this game were made harder with the return of so many key players for the Dragons. Prior to that, there was a genuine thought that they could cause an upset. Still searching for the right combination within their team, they will sense that this is a game they can win. Despite struggling, they are more than a ‘punchers chance’ of winning this game. This makes the line (7.5) enticing; it will be a low scoring contest but that is how the Tigers like it. This is their chance to grab a victory and without being certain that it achievable, the line should be used to your advantage.
Tigers +7.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights
Polytec Stadium – Sunday 17th August – 1:45pm (EST)
The Roosters demonstrated why they are the competition leaders with a comprehensive24-8 road victory over the Titans. Dominating possession (54%) and building pressure with a strong completion rate (88%), they were relentless in the pressure they were building averaging 9.1m per carry and making 7 line breaks. Impressively, they still have improvement ahead. The Knights were equally as good against the Tigers, delivering a 30-6 win at home. Only leading 10-6 at HT, they kicked clear in the second half showing their superiority. They too dominated possession (54%) but didn’t complete as well as they would’ve liked (75%), still managing 9.1m per carry and 8 line breaks.
In the blockbuster match of the weekend, the Roosters are overwhelming favourites. They are producing consistency in their play each week which is setting a new benchmark for the competition. The Knights have been quietly going about their business and are a better chance than markets have suggested. They have their own style which is difficult to match and the longer they go in the season, the better it works for them. They will be up for this game and want to make a statement. It might not be enough to win over 70 minutes, but it does bring the line into contention.
Knights +7.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
North Queensland Cowboys vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Queensland Country Bank Stadium – Sunday 17th August – 6:15pm (EST)
The Cowboys captured a spirited 14-10 road victory over the Eels last week in challenging condition. Kept scoreless in the first half, they fought their way into the contest by controlling possession (52%) and completing better than their opponents (80%) to build pressure when it mattered. With limited opportunities with the ball, they relied on their defence, and it assist them as they conceded just 3 line breaks and missed only 18 tackles. The Bulldogs were shocked in their 34-6 home loss to the Warriors. Entering the game as favourites, the Bulldogs were outplayed but only have themselves to blame. With just 44% possession and a 74% completion rate, they made less than 1,000m, had just 1 line break and missed 37 tackles. It was a stark contrast to what they had previously delivered this season.
The Cowboys are emerging as a Top 4 chance, but the Bulldogs cannot be easily overlooked. Their performance last week does cloud the judgement on them but there is something missing from the Cowboys also. They have been unconvincing to date, and it does raise concerns about their ability to perform against certain opponents. The Bulldogs have a style which can be disruptive also and unless the Cowboys counter this, it could impact their momentum in this match. It is a classic game which should be avoided altogether but if you must invest on this game, take either team to win by less than 2 converted tries and watch this match unfold as a close contest.
Either team by 12 points or less
$1.55 (1.5 Units)
