NRL Tips – Dolphins v Roosters – Preliminary Final 2026

Preliminary Finals weekend kicks off with the Dolphins looking for their first Grand Final berth as the Roosters seek to return to their first decider since their 2019 title win.

Best Bet

Dolphins -3.5

Line

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$1.90

It is somewhat serendipitous that the Dolphins get the opportunity to reach their first Grand Final against the Sydney Roosters, the team they stunned in their inaugural match just four seasons back. And boy oh boy do the Dolphins look a sensational bet against the Roosters even with Sam Walker making an incredible recovery to be named on Tuesday.

Kristian Woolf’s team have played the Roosters twice this year and absolutely smoked them on both occasions, winning 48-10 and 26-12. There were few excuses for the Roosters in the latter.

Preliminary finals tend to go to the team who have the week off. Over the last decade, 17 of the 20 teams who earned a week off have won their prelim.

The Dolphins have covered six of eight at Suncorp and seven of 10 off conceding 16 or fewer. They are also 16-9 ATS against Top 4 opposition.

The Roosters have covered just 10 of 29 against Top 4 teams and just four of 11 at Suncorp.

Chips in the Dolphins.

Same Game Multi

Under 44.5 Points/Herbie Farnworth Try/Robert Toia Try

Same Game Multi

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$19.00

The under has hit in five straight Dolphins night games and in five of six when the Dolphins are off rest of 11-plus days while the under is 31-22 when the Roosters are off conceding 19 or fewer.

Herbie Farnworth has been in sensational form with five tries in his last four games while he has scored in three straight against the Roosters.

Robert Toia is in scintillating tryscoring form, scoring in four straight and crossing for eight tries in his last 11 games.

Value Bet

Max Plath

To Score A Try

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$4.75

There is nothing fashionable about toiler Max Plath but there is a good degree of class about the second-generation Queenslander who has represented his state with distinction and looks a huge runner to don the green and gold at this year’s World Cup. It would not be without merit. Plath has been outstanding this year and over the backend of the year he has proven an effective tryscorer. He has four tries in his last 10 games and he plays big minutes on both an edge and in the middle. Plath has scored in both his career games against the Roosters to boot.

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Editor in Chief

Frankie McDonald

Frankie has spent more than two decades working in the Australian wagering industry and is widely regarded for his expertise in AFL, NRL and horse racing tips.