NRL 2026 – Round 9 preview, predictions and tips
ANZAC Round’s over for another year and we’re already into Round Nine in this year’s NRL.
The Dragons remain winless (although at least they get 2 points for the bye this week), the Panthers remain the team to beat, while Melbourne Storm have fallen off a cliff.
What’s going to happen this week? Who knows, but here are my guesses…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 29th April 2026.
- Friday 1st May – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys
- Friday 1st May – The Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm
- Saturday 2nd May – Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders
- Saturday 2nd May – Parramatta Eels vs New Zealand Warriors
- Saturday 2nd May – Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos
- Sunday 3rd May – Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Sunday 3rd May – Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers
- Sunday 3rd May – Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles
Friday 1st May – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys
Form guide
The Bulldogs have lost four of their last five games to sit a lowly 10th on the ladder. They were beaten 32-12 by an under-strength Brisbane last week.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, bounced back from a heavy loss to Manly in Round Seven with a 46-34 win over the Sharks last time out. That victory saw them climb to 8th.
Team news
Viliame Kikau is out for the Bulldogs, so Sitili Tupouniua comes in, with Josh Curran joining the bench. Enari Tuala returns from injury to replace Marcelo Montoya on the wing. Harry Hayes is suspended, so Lipoi Hopoi comes into the squad.
Murray Taulagi is missing for the Cowboys with concussion, so Zac Laybutt comes in. Teenager Mason Barber is on the six-man bench as he eyes an NRL debut.
My prediction – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 24-18 North Queensland Cowboys
Despite recent form, I still think the Bulldogs are the better side. This could go either way and recent form suggests it’ll be the away side, but I can see the Doggies bouncing back here.
Betting tips
This one’s very close in the betting markets, so I’m backing the Bulldogs to win, which is 4/5. Jeremiah Nanai let me down last week in the anytime try market, but I’m backing him again. At 11/5, he’s too good to ignore, and much better value than the outside backs.
Friday 1st May – The Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm
Form guide
The Dolphins’ 20-18 loss to the Warriors in ANZAC Round made it four straight losses. They’re down to 12th with a 2-5 record.
Melbourne’s struggles have been well documented and last week’s 48-6 thrashing by the Rabbitohs made it six straight defeats. They sit way down in 16th.
Team news
Jack Bostock is named on the Dolphins’ extended bench for what could be his first NRL game since Round 16 last year after an ACL. Kurt Donoghoe is also back in the extended squad after injury. Jake Averillo is ruled out through injury, but Morgan Knowles returns after a calf problem.
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has swung the axe this week. Shawn Blore, Alec MacDonald and Ativalu Lisati replace Joe Chan, Cooper Clarke and Trent Loiero in a new-look back row, while Hugo Peel makes his debut on the wing in place of Manaia Watere. Trent Toelau is named on the bench for what could be a club debut, while Tyran Wishart replaces the injured Jahrome Hughes.
Storm: 1. Sualauvi Fa’alogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Hugo Peel 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Alec MacDonald 14. Trent Toelau 15. Joe Chan 16. Davvy Moale 17. Trent Loiero 18. Cooper Clarke 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Josiah Pahulu 21. Moses Leo 22. Jack Hetherington
My prediction – The Dolphins 20-28 Melbourne Storm
I must be mad, but I’m still tipping Melbourne to bounce back here. Their current form can’t continue indefinitely and they’re facing a side on their own poor run. Craig Bellamy has rung the changes, and that could have the desired effect this weekend. If it doesn’t then where do Melbourne go from here?
Betting tips
I’m backing the Storm for the win at 6/4. If they do win, I think it’ll be close, so I’m also going with a 1-12 winning margin at 11/4.
Saturday 2nd May – Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders
Form guide
The Titans had a bye on ANZAC Round, and they sit 13th with a 2-5 record. In their last game two weeks ago, they were beaten 28-20 by the Warriors.
The Raiders are one place below with a 3-5 record. They were beaten 33-14 by the Tigers in Round Eight.
Team news
AJ Brimson returns for the Titans this week, which sees Jaylan de Groot go to the bench. Chris Randall is back from injury, so Cooper Bai drops to the bench too.
The Raiders have Simi Sasagi back from injury. He comes straight in for Zac Hosking, who suffered a concussion last week. Ata Mariota replaces the injured Noah Martin, while Chevy Stuart joins the bench.
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Ata Mariota 12. Simi Sasagi 13. Jayden Brailey 14. Chevy Stewart 15. Daine Laurie 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Joseph Roddy 18. Owen Pattie 19. Jordan Uta 20. Ethan Alaia 21. Jake Clydsdale 22. Sione Finau
My prediction – Gold Coast Titans 12-20 Canberra Raiders
I’m backing the Raiders to bounce back in this one. Realistically, this looks like a match between two sides who’ll be nowhere near Finals, but Canberra are the more likely of the two, so they’ll expect to win this one.
Betting tips
This one’s split straight down the middle, so I’m jumping straight on the Raiders to win, which is 10/11. Seb Kris is great value at 13/8 for an anytime try as well.
Saturday 2nd May – Parramatta Eels vs New Zealand Warriors
Form guide
The Eels were beaten 33-18 by Manly last weekend, which sees them sitting way down in 15th with a 3-5 record.
The Warriors are flying high still, and their 20-18 win over the Dolphins last weekend means they’re 2nd heading into this weekend.
Team news
The Eels have named an unchanged 19 from last week. Jordan Samrani is on the extended bench as he looks to return from injury.
Eels: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Saxon Pryke 16. Toni Mataele 17. Dylan Walker 18. Kelma Tuilagi 19. Lorenzo Talataina 20. Jordan Samrani 21. Teancum Brown 22. Araz Nanva
Luke Metcalf is back in the 19 for the Warriors after injury. Ali Leiataua and Mitch Barnett are out with concussion, so Adam Pompey and Tanner Stowers-Smith take their places.
My prediction – Parramatta Eels 12-36 New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors are flying right now, and a trip to Parra shouldn’t worry them too much. On their day the Eels are more than capable of turning the Wahs over, but based on form, I can’t see it happening.
Betting tips
I’m happy to back the Warriors with a -6 handicap at 10/11. It’s 6/4 for a 13+ winning margin too, which I like the look of.
Saturday 2nd May – Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos
Form guide
The Roosters’ 62-16 hammering of the Dragons on ANZAC Day made it four straight wins, and sees them sitting in 5th.
Meanwhile, the injury-hit Broncos recorded a very impressive 32-12 win over the Bulldogs, which saw them climb into 7th.
Team news
The Roosters have named an unchanged 19-man-squad for the fourth straight week.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Egan Butcher 22. Blake Steep
Two huge returns for the Broncos this week with Reece Walsh back from injury and Pat Carrigan returning from suspension. Aublix Tawha is also back and joins the 19-man-bench. Brendan Piakura is ruled out through injury.
My prediction – Sydney Roosters 18-14 Brisbane Broncos
This is comfortably the match of the round, and separating these two is almost impossible. I’m just leaning towards the Roosters though. They’re in better form and have home advantage, but a Broncos win wouldn’t be a huge shock.
Betting tips
I’m getting on the winning margin in this game as well. The Roosters are 11/5 to win by 1-12 points. The Chooks are 16/5 to score between 11 and 20 points, and I’ll be getting behind that too.
Sunday 3rd May – Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Form guide
After winning four of their opening five games, the Knights have lost their last three to sit 11th on the ladder. They were comfortably beaten 44-12 by Penrith last weekend.
In complete contrast to this week’s opponents, Souths have won four of their last five. Their first ever win in Melbourne last weekend has them sitting in 4th – two points off top spot.
Team news
Big news for the Knights with Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew all returning.
Brandon Smith drops out of the 19 for the Rabbitohs through injury, although he has been named in the 22, so could feature. Liam Le Blanc and Moala Graham-Taufa come into the 19.
Rabbitohs: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Euan Aitken 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Moala Graham-Taufa 20. Adam Elliott 21. Latrell Siegwalt 22. Brandon Smith
My prediction – Newcastle Knights 12-32 South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs are flying right now, and a trip to Newcastle shouldn’t fill them with fear (especially after ending their Melbourne jinx last week.) The Knights will be boosted by some big names coming back, but Souths should still see this one through.
Betting tips
The Rabbitohs have been given just a -2 handicap, which I’m straight on at 10/11. Latrell Mitchell is nicely priced at 5/6 for an anytime try too.
Sunday 3rd May – Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers
Form guide
The Sharks were beaten 46-234 by the Cowboys last week, which made it back-to-back defeats and 80 points conceded in those two games. They’ve dropped to 9th on the ladder.
The Tigers’ 33-14 win over the Raiders last weekend sees them still sitting pretty in 3rd, just two points behind leaders Penrith.
Team news
The Sharks have reshuffled their pack slightly, but the only change to the 19-man-squad sees Braden Uele join the bench.
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jesse Colquhoun 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Riley Jones 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Chris Veaila
Jahream Bula is out for the Tigers, so Sunia Turuva moves to fullback and Jeral Skelton comes in on the wing. Api Koroisau is suspended, so Tristan Hope comes in at hooker. Kai Pearce-Paul is also ruled out, so Tony Sukkar replaces him.
My prediction – Cronulla Sharks 18-10 Wests Tigers
I was all set to go for the Tigers in this one, but they’ve lost three key players this week and they don’t have the squad depth to replace them like for like. I’m still expecting them to cause problems for the Sharks, but a victory looks a bit of a stretch.
Betting tips
I’m going for a 1-12 winning margin in this game, and the Sharks are 21/10 in that market. I’m backing under 52.5 points as well, which is 10/11.
Sunday 3rd May – Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles
Form guide
The Panthers eased past the Knights last week in a 44-12 win, which means they’re 7-1 for the year so far.
Manly have found some form of their own, and since Anthony Seibold’s departure, they’re 4-0 under Kieran Foran. They sit 6th heading into this weekend.
Team news
The Panthers have named an unchanged 19 from last week.
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Kalani Going 17. Billy Phillips 18. Izack Tago 19. Jack Cole 20. Luron Patea 21. Billy Scott 22. Sione Fonua
Nathan Brown replaces the injured Corey Waddell in the only change for Manly this week.
My prediction – Penrith Panthers 36-18 Manly Sea Eagles
I can’t see Manly stopping the Panthers here, but Penrith won’t have it all their own way against a side who have found some form of their own.
Betting tips
I’m happy to back the Panthers with a -12 handicap at 10/11. Paul Alamoti looks the best value for an anytime try at 7/4.
