Round 4 of the 2025 NRL competition brought some tremendous upsets and some closer results than initially expected. The Bunnies reigned supreme over Penrith, the Dragons shocked the Storm, and the Dogs announced themselves as legitimate premiership contenders. As we look toward this weekend and what Round 5 has in store for us, let's take a look at all the latest tips and predictions from the team at Jersey’s Megastore!
Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks:
It would be safe to say that last weekend didn’t go to plan for either of these teams. The Raiders went down on their road trip to North Queensland, and the Sharks were simply outclassed by the Bulldogs. Both sides will be looking to put that all behind them as they face off in the Nation’s capital on Thursday night. Ricky Stuart’s men have a point to prove coming into this week, and will be looking to get back to the form that saw them start 2025 so strongly. The Sharks on the other hand, will be looking to Nicho Hynes to step up and find the spark that won him a Dally M medal. It’s a simple game plan for the Raiders this week, shut down Adin Fonua-Blake, shut down Nicho, you shut down the Sharks. I’m tipping the Raiders by 8 points.
Penrith Panthers v North Queensland Cowboys:
The Cowboys finally knocked the duck egg off their win column in 2025 when they took down the Raiders at home, and Cowboys fans should enjoy that while they can. Penrith have just lost three on the trot for the first time in some of their supporter’s lifetimes! Brian To’o will be out this week after aggravating his hamstring injury, but the Panthers will welcome Nathan Cleary back into the fold. With plenty questioning if the dynasty is over, the boys from the foot of the mountain will be looking to reestablish their dominance over the competition. Usually the Panthers like to get a healthy lead and defend it, but this week we may see them look to flex their muscles. I’m tipping Penrith by 24 points.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters:
This has all the potential to be the match of the round this week. Both sides come into this clash missing key players, but both teams have had some exceptional stand-up performances by their fill-in players all year, most notably Jye Gray, Latrell’s stand-in, who is currently leading the Dally M tally! There is no love lost between these sides at all, and they will no doubt be going to war come Friday night. The Roosters come into this clash after being schooled by the Titans, whilst Souths put on a clinic in the first half against Penrith. If South Sydney can rekindle that style of play from their first forty minutes last week for a full eighty, it’s hard to see many teams beating them! I’ll be tipping South Sydney by 7 points.
Parramatta Eels v St George Illawarra Dragons:
Another team who managed to knock the duck egg off their win column, the Dragons pulled off a remarkable upset over the weekend as they took down premiership heavyweights in the Melbourne Storm. It won’t mean much if they hand the two premiership points back and lose to the Eels on Saturday, though. The Eels have looked better as each week progresses, however their attack is still severely lacking leadership and guidance. If Dylan Brown doesn’t step up as the senior half this week, they will more than likely go winless until Moses returns from injury. The Dragons halves seem to be forming a tidy little combination as they get better each week too. The combinations are forming in the Gong. I’m tipping the Dragons by 18 points.
Gold Coast Titans v Dolphins:
The Wayne Bennett curse is alive and well in Redcliffe as the Dolphins are yet to notch up their first win of the season. The Titans, on the other hand, are sitting pretty with back-to-back wins over the Knights and the Roosters. The forward pack of the Titans is beginning to really fire with Big Tino and Dave Fafita coming into their own. Despite a valiant performance against the Broncos on the weekend, the Dolphins have looked unsure of themselves or how they want to play in 2025. The disrupted start to their season seems to be having a real effect on them. I think the Gold Coast will charge home with this one. I’m tipping the Titans by 14 points.
Brisbane Broncos v Wests Tigers:
Look away Tigers fans, this could get ugly. The resurgent Tigers will make one of the hardest trips in Rugby League this Saturday as they head to Suncorp to play the Broncos… without their star halfback Jarome Luai, who was suspended for a high shot on Sunday against the Warriors. Payne Haas is on a war path at the moment, and Adam Reynolds is playing at the top of his game once again. The Tigers had plenty of opportunities to ice their game on Sunday, but even with all their newly acquired experience, they couldn’t get the job done. A lack of leadership won’t help this week. I’m tipping the Broncos by 22 points.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm:
Manly are undefeated at home so far in 2025, and 4 Pines Park has proved a happy hunting ground for the Sea Eagles in recent years. However, that could come into question on Sunday as they host the Melbourne Storm. Coming into this clash fresh off a shock loss, it will no doubt be back to basics and drilling in what makes the Storm great at training this week. Manly will no doubt bring the fight to this contest, and it won’t be a walkover victory by any stretch of the imagination. I’d expect this one to go the full twelve rounds, and with both sides boasting some serious big game experience, it’s hard to see who will emerge as the winner. This may even be a golden point scenario. Ultimately, though, I’m going to tip the Storm by 2 points.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights:
The Dogs are having a party! The next man up mentality is alive and well in Belmore as the Dogs have secured top spot on the ladder, with four straight wins to start the season. Newcastle come into this game off the bye, and with a mixed start to the year. They were poor in their win over the Tigers, brilliant in their win over the Dolphins, and diabolical in their loss to the Titans. It is hard to predict which Newcastle line up with turn up on Sunday evening. The Dogs on the other hand are nailing all the basics right now, particularly where their defence is concerned, conceding just 14 points in their last two games combined. It is a tough, gritty style of play from the Bulldogs at the moment, and the Knights need to prepare for a battle. With Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau still out injured, I’d expect a relatively low scoring game again from Canterbury, but I’m backing their defence to get them home. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 14 points.
Round 5 of the 2025 NRL season is shaping up to be another thrilling weekend, with massive matchups, fierce rivalries, and potential blowouts on the horizon. With the Bulldogs soaring, the Panthers fighting to reclaim their dominance, and the Dolphins still chasing their first win, there’s no shortage of excitement ahead. Make sure you’re ready for game day with all the latest NRL jerseys, supporter gear, and exclusive merchandise from Jersey’s Megastore. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or your couch, show your pride and back your team in style. Jersey’s Megastore, for all things footy!
