NRLW Finals Week 1 Tips 2026 | SGM Bets & Predictions

The Tigers have stumbled into the finals after such a strong season. They were completely blown away by Gold Coast, then backed that up with another loss to Canberra last Friday. They were better the second time around and fought their way back into the game, but the Raiders had more strike when it mattered.

Canberra couldn’t have asked for much better preparation. They have now beaten this exact Tigers side only a week before facing them again, with Mackenzie Wiki and their outside backs doing plenty of damage. More importantly, this is the Raiders’ first ever finals appearance and they are coming in with confidence rather than just sneaking through the door and hoping nobody notices.

Campbelltown gives Wests a better chance, and the possible return of Kezie Apps would be a huge boost. But based on what we have just watched, Canberra look the more dangerous side and I can’t really justify flipping the tip five days later for the sake of theatrical variety.

Brisbane have timed their run pretty well. After that horrible three-game losing streak, they have now won three straight and absolutely pumped the Warriors to finish the regular season. Their spine looks settled again with Ali Brigginshaw back beside Jesse Southwell, while Tamika Upton remains capable of turning a fairly normal rugby league game into personal vandalism.

Newcastle had been building nicely with big wins over North Queensland and Canterbury before running into Gold Coast last week. They stayed competitive for long periods and still created plenty, but the Titans eventually had too much class. The Knights definitely have enough attacking talent to trouble Brisbane if they get a decent share of possession.

This is also a rematch of last year’s preliminary final, but Brisbane come into this one in much better form and already handled Newcastle comfortably earlier this season. At home, with their big names firing again, the defending premiers should move on.