Round 2 NRL Tips 2026 | SGM Bets & Predictions

The Eels are absolutely copping it publicly from the fixture in 2026, facing the two Grand Finalists back to back on a Thursday night for the entire country to see. Last week’s loss to Melbourne was an absolute bloodbath, going down by 48 points in a brutal start to the season.

The Broncos on the other hand will be absolutely filthy after getting pantsed at home by Penrith 26-0 — a stark reminder that the premiers tag doesn’t carry itself. They’ll want to make a statement fast, and the Eels are the perfect punching bag to do it.

The Warriors were the story of Round 1, absolutely dismantling the Roosters 42-18 in Auckland — a massive statement from a side that looked dangerous heading in. The home crowd will be electric again this week.

The Raiders got the job done against Manly by a single point in a nail-biter, and showed plenty of grit. But back-to-back away trips is a tough ask, and the Warriors at Go Media Stadium are a genuine problem for anyone right now.

The Roosters were absolutely embarrassed in Auckland last week, going down 42-18 in what was a really concerning performance. The Tricolours will need a big response, and a home derby is exactly the kind of game to find one.

The Rabbitohs opened their season with a win over the Dolphins, but it still feels like a side trying to rediscover its identity after a few rocky years. Home ground should be enough for the Roosters to steady the ship.

The Cowboys have seriously started on the wrong foot, getting done over in the US by the Knights with Taulagi putting some respect on the scoreboard.

The Tigers didn’t play Round 1 and come in with a point to prove at their spiritual home of Leichhardt. A Cowboys side already on the back foot and missing confidence is exactly the kind of opponent the Tigers need to find their feet against — and I think they’ll take it.

The Dragons may not have got the W over in the States, but gained some serious respect in the one point loss against the Bulldogs. Still, people from The Gong would still have preferred the 2 points than knowing they contributed to a slight increase in popularity in a different country.

Storm delivered an absolute masterclass last weekend, binning the Eels by a lazy 48 and really showing they mean business after last year’s bed shitting in the Granny.

While this year could be a fresh start for the Dragons – this one will still be a tough slog as Storm have really hit the ground running and mean business.

Penrith are the story of the competition after Round 1 — shutting out the defending premiers 26-0 at Suncorp is the kind of performance that sends a message to the entire competition. Playing in Bathurst is a quirky neutral venue, but Penrith won’t care where they play right now.

The Sharks had a massive outing themselves, putting 50 on the Titans, and arrive with plenty of confidence. But Penrith look a different level right now, and I think the Panthers continue their strong start.

The Knights came out with a statement last round that they are not going to be the easy beats this year, and just missed out on being double digits for straight losses.

Manly went agonisingly close in a one-point loss to the Raiders, and with Turbo’s durability always a question mark, they’ll need everyone firing at home. The Knights will fancy themselves after last week’s confidence boost, but I think Manly settle in at 4 Pines and get the two points.

The Dolphins opened their season with a loss to the Rabbitohs, but still carry plenty of belief after a strong finish to 2025.

The Titans were absolutely flogged 50-10 by the Sharks last week and have the look of a side that’s going to be fighting the bottom four all year. The Dolphins at Suncorp should be far too good here.