Finals Week 3 is here, and Suncorp Stadium is set for a massive Friday night showdown on Fri, 25 Sept, at 7:50 pm AEST. The Dolphins square off against the Sydney Roosters with a spot in the grand final on the line.

When looking for the best nrl predictions, the numbers jumping off the page tell a compelling story. The Dolphins roll into this clash on a five-game winning streak, while the Roosters arrive fresh off a high-scoring victory last week.

Who Will Win? Head to Head Breakdown

The Dolphins finished the regular season in 3rd spot on the ladder with 17 wins and 7 losses, while the Roosters sit right behind in 4th with 16 wins and 8 losses. Over their last five overall, the Dolphins have been flawless, recording five consecutive victories. Their most recent start produced a 26–16 win against the New Zealand Warriors on Sat, 12 Sept. Across that five-game span, the Dolphins averaged 26.4 points for and allowed just 12.8 points against, boasting an average winning margin of 13.6 points.

The Roosters come off a dominant 46–10 win over the Cronulla Sharks on Sat, 19 Sept, which snapped a three-game losing streak. However, head-to-head history gives a big tick to the home side. The Dolphins swept both meetings between these clubs in 2026, winning 26–12 in August and 48–10 back in June.

In the head-to-head market, the Dolphins sit at 1.71 after opening at 1.68 (1.68→1.71 (drifted)), while the Sydney Roosters have firmed from 2.20 into 2.04 (2.2→2.04 (firmed)). Given their outstanding form and head-to-head record against this opponent, the Dolphins rate a real chance to get the job done.

Head to HeadOdds correct as at 5:12 pm AEST. Odds can change.
Big tickOur tip: Dolphins. The Dolphins enter on a five-game winning streak and won both 2026 encounters against the Roosters by double digits.

Tipped at $1.71 (5:12 am AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Head-to-head context

Season and last-five scoring — context for the match-winner market.

27.5Season avg points for26
20.9Season avg points against20.4
71%Season win rate67%
26.4Last 5 avg points for22
100%Last-five win rate20%

Line Analysis: Covering the Spread

The main line market lists the home spread at -2.5 points. That means the Dolphins lay 2.5 points, while the Sydney Roosters get a +2.5 start.

The Dolphins' defence has been sturdy over their last five overall games, giving up an average of just 12.8 points per contest. Conversely, the Roosters have conceded 31 points per game across their last five overall sample.

With an average winning margin of 13.6 points during their five-game winning run, the Dolphins have consistently cleared small margins. Combined with a 14-0-4 record in night kickoffs, the home side backing up their form line looks like a strong angle.

LineOdds correct as at 5:12 pm AEST. Odds can change.
Solid tickOur tip: Dolphins -2.5. Averaging a 13.6-point win margin across their last five games, the Dolphins have the stats to cover the short spread.

Tipped at $1.90 (5:12 am AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Line cover (form)

Cover rate applies this match's live spread to recent completed scores — not a season ATS record.

Dolphins-2.5last 5

Cover rate100%5/5
Avg margin (+13.6)avg 13.6vs 2.5
-1318

Sydney Roosters+2.5last 5

Cover rate20%1/5
100%Cover % (form)20%
H2H cover (Dolphins -2.5)100%2/2