The NRL Anzac Round is more than just a schedule slot – it’s a sacred week on the Australian sporting calendar. From the traditional Roosters-Dragons blockbuster at Allianz Stadium to the Storm-Warriors trans-Tasman battle, the round spanning April 23–26, 2026, carries emotion, fatigue, and often, value betting opportunities that sharper punters exploit.
While the public piles into heavy favourites and emotional narratives, smart money looks at lineups, travel loads, and historical Anzac Round trends. Here are the top value bets and predictions for every commemorative clash.
1. Roosters vs. Dragons (Friday 24 April, 4:05pm AEST)
The narrative: The traditional Anzac Day curtain-raiser. The Dragons often lift for this game, even when their season looks bleak.
Value bet: Dragons +8.5 points (if line is set at -8.5 Roosters). Over the past five Anzac Rounds, the Dragons have covered the spread in 4 of those games – including two outright wins as underdogs.
Prediction: Roosters by 6. But the value is with the Red V to keep it within a converted try.
Best bet: Over 42.5 total points – these two have averaged 48 points in their last three Anzac Day meetings.
2. Storm vs. Warriors (Friday 24 April, 8:05pm AEST)
The narrative: The Warriors treat Anzac Round like a finals match, and Melbourne’s travel to New Zealand (yes, the NRL has moved this clash to Mt Smart Stadium in 2026) adds a unique twist.
Value bet: Warriors +4.5 at home. Melbourne’s record across the ditch is surprisingly mediocre (3 wins, 5 losses since 2020). Add Anzac emotion and a vocal Kiwi crowd, and this is a classic trap for Storm backers.
Prediction: Warriors by 2 – first upset of the round.
Best bet: First tryscorer – Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors) at $9.50+. He loves the big stage.
3. Broncos vs. Titans (Saturday 25 April, 3:00pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium)
The narrative: The Queensland derby on Anzac afternoon. Both teams will be missing Origin stars to suspension/injury management, so check the late mail.
Value bet: Under 46.5 points. These rivalry games start frantic but tighten up after 20 minutes. The last three Brisbane-Gold Coast Anzac clashes have stayed under the total points line.
Prediction: Broncos by 10, but the Titans cover the +10.5 spread.
Best bet: Reece Walsh anytime tryscorer ($1.85) – he owns Suncorp on big occasions.
4. Rabbitohs vs. Bulldogs (Saturday 25 April, 7:35pm AEST – Accor Stadium)
The narrative: Two rebuilding clubs with young spines. The Bulldogs have the best defensive record in the first month of 2026, while Souths are leaky out wide.
Value bet: Bulldogs +6.5 – their line speed will trouble an inconsistent Rabbitohs attack.
Prediction: Bulldogs in an upset by 4.
Best bet: Matt Burton to kick a 40/20 ($6.00+) – he attempts at least two per game and the conditions (dry, Sydney evening) favour it.
5. Cowboys vs. Dolphins (Sunday 26 April, 2:00pm AEST – QLD Country Bank Stadium)
The narrative: The battle for North Queensland. The Dolphins have been the surprise packet of 2026, but travel to Townsville on a short turnaround (they play the previous Sunday).
Value bet: Cowboys -3.5 (home ground, extra rest). The Dolphins are 1-5 in Townsville since entering the comp.
Prediction: Cowboys by 14.
Best bet: Scott Drinkwater to score a try and assist one ($4.20).
6. Sea Eagles vs. Knights (Sunday 26 April, 4:05pm AEST – 4 Pines Park)
The narrative: Manly at Brookvale on a Sunday afternoon – the NRL’s most bankable home-ground advantage. The Knights are travel-weary after a Brisbane trip the week before.
Value bet: Sea Eagles -7.5. Tom Trbojevic owns this fixture (6 tries in his last 3 games against Newcastle).
Prediction: Manly by 18.
Best bet: Haumole Olakau’atu to score a try ($3.10) – he’s been shifted to the left edge and will target the Knights’ smaller halves.
The Anzac Round edge: What the books don’t want you to know
- Favourites win only 52% of Anzac Round games – significantly lower than the season average (63%). Don’t be afraid to back underdogs.
- Second-half comebacks are common – live betting on the team trailing at halftime has returned +27% ROI over the past 3 Anzac Rounds.
- Fatigue is real – teams playing their third game in 11 days (like the Raiders and Eels in 2026) are 1-9 against the spread. Check the fixture draw before placing multis.
Where to lock in these value bets
You’ve got the intel. You’ve got the trends. Now you need a bookmaker that doesn’t limit winners and offers the best odds on every Anzac Round clash – from first tryscorer to margin betting.
Visit Top Betting Australia – The country’s most trusted odds comparison and betting tips platform. We track 15+ licensed bookies in real time so you always get the top price on Roosters-Dragons, Storm-Warriors, and every single Anzac Round game. Plus, exclusive sign-up offers for April 2026.
👉 Head to Top Betting Australia now – Compare odds, claim your welcome bonus, and bet with confidence on the NRL’s most emotional round. Lest we forget – and let’s cash those tickets.