NRL Round 5 Best Bets - Panthers to extend perfect start to the 2026 NRL

The Penrith Panthers boast the only perfect record in the NRL this season after winning their opening four matches. While they are only two points clear of the Warriors in second, their points difference (+110) is vastly superior to the Warriors (+66). This simply illustrates how comfortable the Panthers have been so far. 

Wins over the Broncos (26-0), Sharks (26-6), Roosters (40-4) and Eels (48-20) has seen the Panthers concede just 30 points across their opening four matches. While there is still plenty of time for a team to find or lose form, the Panthers already look some way clear of their opponents on the field. 

The Storm were perfect after their opening two matches of the NRL season after beating the Eels (52-4) and St George Illawarra (46-20). However, they were left stunned by the Broncos (18-14) with this then leading onto a 28-24 loss to the Cowboys. Their sudden loss of form is a real worry for the Storm, especially with a trip to face the Panthers on the horizon. 

With the Storm really struggling of late and the Panthers in fine form, I am backing the latter to come away with the points as they extend their winning run to five matches. 

The Sharks have secured two wins in their opening four NRL matches in 2026, with their two victories sandwiching two defeats. Wins over the Gold Coast Titans and Canberra Raiders have come alongside comfortable defeats at the hands the Penrith Panthers (26-6) and the Dolphins (38-10). Generally, the Sharks have been solid, but when they are bad, they are conceding too often whilst struggling to create much with the ball in hand. 

The Warriors come into their fifth game of the new season on the back of a surprising 32-14 loss to the Wests Tigers at home. Defeats followed on from wins over the Roosters, Raiders and Knights, with the Warriors conceding top spot to the Panthers. While the Warriors are right behind the leaders, they will know a second consecutive defeat will seriously hurt their hopes of winning the regular season title. 

The Warriors stormed to a big 40-10 win when the pair met last year, with this making it three without defeat for the Warriors against the Sharks. This run has seen the Warriors win twice on the road and draw once away from home against their opponents. With the Warriors looking to bounce back, I back them to hand the Sharks a third defeat of the season.