NRL round 12: Raiders v Dolphins betting tips
We reach NRL round 12 and that means only one thing in 2026: It’s State of Origin time!
And for those keen on having a wager on the NRL or even just involved in a tipping competition, that means it becomes vital to pay attention to the teams and how many stars they are missing. This is the time of year where form goes out the window and those just picking on ladder position can come unstuck.
Round 12 features only five matches, with our focus this week on the first of them, the clash on Thursday night between the Raiders and the Dolphins.
The Raiders are having a horror season with only four wins from 10 matches after claiming the minor premiership last season. But they are less affected by Origin than their rivals the Dolphins, who have hit a hot streak to move up to eighth on the ladder and have also revived their devastating attacking best form.
With the Dolphins losing four players to Origin though, Australian betting sites have have made the Raiders favourites for this match on their home turf, expected to be played in chilly but dry weather.
Raiders v Dolphins team news
The Dolphins have lost star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Max Plath and Thomas Flegler to Origin duties for Queensland, but the bad news does not stop, with Kodi Nikorima ruled out and Herbie Farnworth under a cloud.
While this provides a chance for a string of lesser lights to show their wares, it’s a lot of changes in one week and leaves the Dolphins vulnerable.
Meanwhile, the the Raiders are fresh off a bye and will be without Origin representatives Hudson Young and Ethan Strange. They regain Zac Hosking in the second row but have Simi Sasagi out with a shoulder injury. Powerhouse winger Xavier Savage is set to return for his first match since Round 5.
Read on for our Raiders v Dolphins tips and winner prediction for their round-12 NRL clash.
Raiders v Dolphins match information
- Kick-off: 7.50pm AEDT, Thursday, May 21
- Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
- Head to head odds: Raiders $1.65, Dolphins $2.25
- Line betting: Raiders (-3.5 points) $1.90, Dolphins (+3.5 points) $1.90
- Match total: 49.5 points: over $1.90, under $1.90
2026 NRL premiership betting
$2.60 Penrith Panthers
$8 Sydney Roosters
$8.50 New Zealand Warriors
$13 Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Sea Eagles
$19 Redcliffe Dolphins
$21 Cronulla Sharks
$23 Newcastle Knights
$29 North Queensland Cowboys, Melbourne Storm
$41 Canberra Raiders
$51 Wests Tigers
$81 Canterbury Bulldogs
$251 Parramatta Eels
$501 Gold Coast Titans
$2501 St George Illawarra Dragons
Raiders v Dolphins betting tips
The last time these teams met the Dolphins won 62-24 but that was in round 27 last season and the Raiders rested almost their entire side with the finals looming. This NRL season these teams fortunes have varied but we simply can’t see the Dolphins covering the loss of so much quality for this clash on the road.
We expect the Raiders to win and win comfortable with their team largely intact, even if we have a soft spot for the Dolphins who delivered in spades against Souths for our fans last weekend.
Raiders by 20 points.
- Raiders -3.5 points/match total over 49.5 points at $3.35 with Australian betting sites.
- Kaeo Weekes to score two or more tries at $4.20. This guy is always in the right place at the right time.
NRL round 12, 2026
- Thursday, May 21: Raiders v Dolphins, GIO Stadium, Canberra | 7.50pm
- Friday, May 22: Bulldogs v Storm, Accor Stadium, Sydney | 8pm
- Saturday, May 23: Dragons v Warriors, St George Venues Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah | 5.30pm
Sea Eagles v Titans, 4 Pines Park, Sydney | 7.35pm - Sunday, May 24: Cowboys v Rabbitohs, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville | 4.05pm
* Broncos, Eels, Knights, Panthers, Roosters, Sharks, Tigers have the bye
