Dolphins vs Panthers Prediction: Get on bounce-back Panthers to rack up the points

| Thursday 16th April 2026, 10:00

Thursday 16th April 2026, 10:00

The NRL Premiership goes on the road again on Friday, with the Northern Territory hosting the Dolphins and the Penrith Panthers when the pair meet at the Marrara Oval in Darwin (20:00 local, 11:00 BST, Watch NRL).

The Fins are still licking their wounds after a tonking by Manly in Round 5, while Penrith will be hoping to bounce back from a first loss of 2026. My Dolphins vs Panthers predictions are below, along with full team news and Betfred’s match odds.

Dolphins vs Panthers Betting Tips

Panthers Over 36.5 Points @ 11/8
Panthers To Win Both Halves @ 10/11

*odds correct at time of publishing

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Dolphins vs Panthers Odds

There’s a clear favourite here, with the Panthers heavily backed to return to winning ways after their 32-16 loss to the Bulldogs. Ivan Cleary’s side are 1/5, making a Penrith success an 83.3% implied probability.

The Dolphins are 18/5, with the draw a 22/1 shot.

On the two-way handicap market, the Panthers give up a 14.5-point start in return for lengthened odds of 10/11. The Fins are 5/6 to use the handicap to their advantage.

Team News

Kristian Woolf makes just a single change to the matchday squad despite being hammered by the Sea Eagles last time out.

And that alteration is on the bench, with Kurst Donoghoe out and Brad Schneider stepping up. Oryn Keeley takes the number 18 spot the former Canberra, Hull KR and Penrith half took up two weeks ago.

Rugby League Odds

Izack Tago is back in the mix for the Panthers, marking his first NRL game since the side’s elimination from the Finals against the Broncos last September.

Casey McLean is suspended, so Tago takes his spot. Meanwhile, Luke Garner is promoted to the starting XII with Liam Martin missing out due to a knee injury.

Panthers Over 36.5 Points @ 11/8

I was wrong about the Panthers last week, but then so were most people. Prior to that loss to the Bulldogs, they had been in scintillating form and no opponent had got close to them.

Some might overreact to what they saw at the Olympic Park, but I can’t see them doing anything other than bouncing back with a real spring in their step.

Even taking into account that 32-16 loss, the Panthers are averaging more than 34 points per game against just 12 conceded. And in their five wins that becomes a 38-8 mean score.

The Dolphins ship points too, with 28.4 per match being their season average so far. They’ve also conceded 38 or more five times in their last 10 games dating back to August 2025.

All that makes the 11/8 about a seven-score Penrith performance look very punter-friendly.

Dolphins vs Panthers - Panthers Total Points 33.5-36.5

Over 36.5

11/8

Bet Here

Odds correct at time of publishing.

Panthers To Win Both Halves @ 10/11

There’s been a relentless nature about Cleary’s side for most of this season. If they get ahead, they don’t just stay ahead but race clear.

All five of their victories have been a result of winning efforts in both halves, and I see that trend returning after the Bulldogs setback.

The 10/11 price is big given that kind of track record.

Dolphins vs Panthers - Team To Win Both Halves

Panthers - Yes