National Rugby League Round 22 Betting Picks 2026

Round 22 of the National Rugby League begins on Thursday with a full slate of matches. With several tightly contested battles at the top of the ladder, each point from here on out will become that much more important. Six points now separate the top five teams giving each team some extra incentive to walk away with a win this week. These National Rugby League Round 22 Betting Picks 2026 will get you in on the action.

This week, we will find some more profitable betting angles on some of the more lopsided matchups. With several heavy favorites, moneylines are tough to navigate. Instead, we’ll look at some unique betting lines that you will get more return on your investment should they make it to the window.

National Rugby League Round 22 Betting Picks 2026

North Queensland Cowboys (+5.5) vs. Sydney Roosters (+100 via Hard Rock)

Sydney has climbed into second place on the ladder on the strength of a five match winning streak dating back to Round 16 in June. However, the Roosters are among the league’s lowest scoring teams. Through 18 games, the Chooks have amassed 449 points which is less than the 7th place Newcastle Knights and the 10th place Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Sydney is scoring an average of 24 points per game this year and giving up 20 points defensively. The Roosters barely escaped with a one-point win against the Knights last week.

HE JUST BUMPED OFF REECE WALSH 😤 #NRL

Telstra Moment of the Match pic.twitter.com/8KetTDkocL

— NRL (@NRL) July 25, 2026

North Queensland is in 8th place on the ladder, but are only two matches behind Sydney in the wins column. The Cowboys have also struggled to put up points this year having scored 442 of them so far. They are on equal footing with their competition this round with an average offensive output of 23 points per match. The NQ are allowing 24 points per match to their opposition.

These teams met last in Round 12 back in May. The Cowboys bested the Roosters in that match, walking away with the 18-12 victory.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Dolphins: Under 4.5 1st Half Total Tries (-122 via Caesars)

St George Illawarra has had almost no success this season. The Dragons find themselves dead last on the ladder with a 2-16 record. To make matters worse, they are the only team yet to score 300 points on the year. The Red V are averaging just 2.61 tries per match. Meanwhile, they are surrendering 5.17 tries per match.

The Dragons grab first points! 🐉 #NRL pic.twitter.com/fYpxaJqpUn

— NRL (@NRL) July 26, 2026

The Dolphins are holding steady in 5th place on the ladder. They have done well pushing the ball across the tryline averaging 47 points per match this season. The Phins are averaging 4.61 tries per match and conceding 4 defensively.

The last time these two squared off, the Dolphins scored five tries in the first half. However, each team has only seen one match in their last five registering at least five tries in the first half.

Melbourne Storm vs. Canterbury Bulldogs: Storm Over 18.5 Points (+100 via Hard Rock)

Melbourne has slid to 12th place on the ladder. However, the Storm have the 8th highest scoring offense in the league. They are currently scoring an average of 23 points per match and have scored at least 19 points in three of their last five contests.

The Dragons grab first points! 🐉 #NRL pic.twitter.com/fYpxaJqpUn

— NRL (@NRL) July 26, 2026

Canterbury moved up to 9th place on the ladder after winning four of its last five matches. Despite being in the top half of the standings, the Bulldogs have allowed more points than they have scored this season. They have given up 400 points while scoring 342 themselves. The Dogs are giving up 22 points per match this season. The Storm managed 20 points when these teams met in Round 12 in May.

Penrith Panthers vs. Canberra Raiders: Thomas Jenkins 2+ Try Scorer (+300 via Ceasars)

The Penrith Panthers hold the top spot on the ladder thanks in large part to Thomas Jenkins play at centre this season. The 25-year old leads the league in tries scored (26) with five more than second place Alex Johnston of the Rabbitohs.