If you’re hunting for NRL Round Five tips that feel grounded in form—not just hype—this week’s slate delivers plenty to chew on. With teams still finding rhythm and pressure rising quickly, Webby and Gilly work through the match-ups like they’re doing it live on game day: factoring injuries, coaching changes, home-ground advantages, and the small momentum shifts that decide close contests.
Below is a standalone guide to the key games they tipped, plus the talking points that stood out: Manly’s instability, Kieran Foran’s big coaching debut, the Panthers’ relentless standards, and several matchups where one side’s “bounce-back” story could flip quickly.
Table of Contents
- Big picture: why Round Five feels different
- Dolphins vs Manly: Foran takes charge in a hurry
- Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs: Easter afternoon stakes
- Panthers vs Storm: two power brands, different vibes
- Dragons vs Cowboys: coaching pressure meets red-hot form
- Titans vs Broncos: head vs heart for a former premiership side
- Sharks vs Warriors: home ground plus halfback momentum
- Knights vs Raiders: overachievers vs a team searching for answers
- Eels vs Tigers on Easter Monday: both align on the Tigers
- FAQ
Big picture: why Round Five feels different
Early-season NRL is often chaotic, and it usually takes weeks for teams to properly “find their feet”. But Round Five is when patterns start to show—especially when injuries force line-up reshuffles or when pressure boils over into coaching decisions.
Webby and Gilly both talk about the “weird old round” feeling: some clubs look like they’re just warming up, while others are already playing like there’s no margin for error.
Dolphins vs Manly: Foran takes charge in a hurry
The Dolphins host Manly at KO Stadium in a match that’s more than just two competition points. It’s also a fresh chapter for Manly with Kieran Foran stepping into the role, effectively thrown in the deep end.
Foran’s history with the Titans matters, but the headline here is the timing: it’s his first match, and the leap from playing to coaching (even as a specialist-style addition) can be a brutal adjustment.
- Tip: Dolphins (Webby and Gilly both tipped the Dolphins)
- Why: KO Stadium is tough, and Manly still has pockets of fight in games despite the turbulence.
Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs: Easter afternoon stakes
On Good Friday, the Rabbitohs take on the Bulldogs at 3pm at Com- bank Stadium. Webby and Gilly split here—reflecting how the “form line” is never as simple as ladder position.
The Rabbitohs are sitting fifth and the Bulldogs sixth, which sets up a classic middle-of-the-pack clash where small edge plays (centres, fullback control, kicking/running combinations) can decide field position for long stretches.
- Tip: Split tips—Rabbitohs (Webby) vs Bulldogs (Gilly)
- Why Webby: A “bounce-back” angle for the Rabbitohs, with Wayne’s side in a solid spot.
- Why Gilly: The Bulldogs look tougher than they’ve been given credit for, and the Rabbitohs can still be seen as “learning the English” in the early-season rhythm.
Panthers vs Storm: two power brands, different vibes
One of the most compelling match-ups of the round is the Panthers vs Storm. Until recently, you’d have called it an early grand final precursor—but the Storm’s recent results have tightened the story.
Still, what stands out in the conversation is the Storm’s second-half resilience. Even after setbacks, they’ve shown patterns of pressure and comeback intent—plus the kind of attacking quality that can turn a match in one play.
- Tip: Split—Panthers (Gilly) vs Storm (Webby)
- Why Panthers: Panthers are described as an “avian machine”—nearly consistently high output, with little “hot or cold” behaviour.
- Why Storm: Their ability to grind through moments and make the contest uncomfortable, even when media narratives swing against them.
- Key moment mentioned: Harry Grant’s exceptional pass (a reminder of the Storm’s execution ceiling).
Dragons vs Cowboys: coaching pressure meets red-hot form
The Dragons are in a difficult spot, and the concerns around Shane Flanagan’s tenure are clearly in the background of this conversation. Add the emotion of a tough personal situation last week, and it’s easy to see why the club is under more scrutiny than most.
Across the field, the Cowboys represent the opposite storyline. Critics questioned Todd Payton’s future, but the current performance has shifted that narrative quickly—and Jake Clifford’s form is framed as a real difference-maker.
- Tip: Cowboys
- Why: The Cowboys look like they’ve found cohesion, with Clifford delivering standout impact as the team clicks.
Titans vs Broncos: head vs heart for a former premiership side
Titans vs Broncos is the round’s “emotional” matchup. It’s not just about what’s on the field—there’s genuine respect built into the discussion, with the Broncos’ success and Titans’ identity both pulling at the conversation.
Gilly talks about the Titans jumping out of their skin this week, and there’s specific anticipation around a notable return: Payne/Husks back (framed as a key storyline) and the dream clash of match-ups—Payne versus Tino—if they’re named and ready.
- Tip: Broncos (head-ruled heart)
- Why: The Broncos’ class and structured match readiness, with the Titans expected to lift—but not enough to stop the execution edge.
Sharks vs Warriors: home ground plus halfback momentum
Cronulla hosts the Sharks vs Warriors, and this one turns on form in the playmakers. Webby and Gilly don’t agree, which makes it a good watch for anyone who likes tight tactical footy.
The halfback battle is framed as the key: Braden Trindle’s involvement around the ball (including time spent at five-eighth) and Tanner Boyd’s sudden surge for the Warriors.
- Tip: Split—Sharks (Webby) vs Warriors (Gilly)
- Why Trindle/Boyd matters: When both sides’ attack hubs are firing, games often swing on sets, kicks, and decision-speed more than raw territory.
- Gilly’s lean: Warriors’ rising creator form, with Boyd flagged as a major influence.
- Webby’s lean: Cronulla home advantage and momentum for the Sharks if they control the game tempo.
Knights vs Raiders: overachievers vs a team searching for answers
Sunday afternoon at Newcastle brings Knights vs Raiders, and the contrast is clear. The Raiders have been a touch disappointing, while the Knights have exceeded early expectations.
Both tips reflect what that usually means on the ground: a higher-energy Knights side with confidence from recent results, versus a Raiders outfit needing to regain structure quickly.
- Tip: Split—Raiders (Webby) vs Knights (Gilly)
- Gilly’s reasoning: Knights’ 24-16 result over the Bulldogs, compared to the Raiders’ 34-22 loss to the Sharks.
Eels vs Tigers on Easter Monday: both align on the Tigers
The final game conversation is the Easter Monday clash: Eels vs Tigers. Both Webby and Gilly back the Tigers, despite the Panthers’ huge win earlier in the round framing how “best footy” can look.
The key point they land on is form and results: the Tigers’ convincing 32-14 win over the Warriors and Adam Doueihi’s standout play are treated as signals of genuine performance, not just luck.
- Tip: Tigers (both)
- Why: Strong recent form, including the Tigers’ convincing win and Doueihi’s impact.
FAQ
Are these NRL Round Five tips based on ladder positions?
Not mainly. The picks weigh recent performances, venue difficulty, coaching/line-up pressure, and how teams are executing—not just where they sit on the table.
Who were Webby and Gilly most aligned on?
They both backed the Dolphins over Manly and both backed the Tigers over the Eels.
Which match-up had the biggest split between the two?
Panthers vs Storm and Knights vs Raiders were notable splits, with each tipping different sides.
Why does the Dolphins vs Manly game carry extra attention?
Because Kieran Foran’s first match as coach is a major storyline, adding pressure and uncertainty beyond the usual form factors.
What should viewers watch for in the Sharks vs Warriors clash?
Halfback momentum and how quickly each side can build sets—Trindle/Boyd’s influence is central to how the game might swing.
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here Webby and Gilly NRL Tips Round Five | 7NEWS
