NRL 2026 Round 9
Canterbury Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys
Round 9 kicks off on Friday night with the Bulldogs welcoming the Cowboys to Accor Stadium. The Bulldogs will be desperate to get a win on the board after winning just one of their last five games. The Cowboys, on the other hand, have won four of their last five. They bounced back nicely after going down 6-38 to the Sea Eagles to edge out the Sharks in a high-scoring affair, 46-34.
The Bulldogs are sitting outside the top eight and will have to mount a comeback without Viliame Kikau, who suffered a pectoral injury and could be out for a few weeks. Murray Taulagi is out once again for the Cowboys after failing his HIA. These two teams only played each other once last season, and that resulted in a 12-8 victory for the Bulldogs. I reckon this one will be close, and I have to give the slight edge to the Bulldogs.
Predicted Squads
Canterbury Bulldogs - Connor Tracey, Jonathan Sua, Bronson Xerri, Stephen Crichton, Marcelo Montoya, Matt Burton, Lachlan Galvin, Samuel Hughes, Bailey Hayward, Leo Thompson, Josh Curran, Jacob Preston, Jaeman Salmon, Kurt Mann, Sitili Tupouniua, Lipoi Hopoi, Jake Turpin, Logan Spinks & Jethro Rinakama
North Queensland Cowboys - Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Jaxon Purdue, Tom Chester, Zac Laybutt, Jake Clifford, Tom Dearden, Coen Hess, Reed Mahoney, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Soni Luke, Sam McIntyre, Thomas Mikaele, Griffin Neame, Matthew Lodge & Robert Derby
Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm
This shapes up as an interesting clash, as both the Dolphins and Storm come into this one on losing streaks. The Dolphins have lost their last four games in a row, including to the Broncos, Sea Eagles, Panthers, and Warriors. Their last two games, however, they have lost by a combined total of three points, so it’s not like they are being blown out of the water.
For the Storm, they have lost five in a row, which is basically unheard of in recent times. Most recently, they lost to the Rabbitohs at AAMI Park, 6-48. Before that game, they were 20-0 against the Rabbitohs in Melbourne. There will be a few changes for the Dolphins, with Jake Averillo likely out with a hand injury, and Morgan Knowles could also be out. Jahrome Hughes is out for the Storm after failing his HIA.
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
 | Total Points - Over 54.5 | NZ$1.90 |
 | Dolphins Total Points - Over 28.5 | NZ$1.93 |
 | Total Points - Over 54.5 | NZ$1.90 |
Predicted Squads
Dolphins - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Selwyn Cobbo, Herbie Farnworth, Jack Bostock, Brad Schneider, Isaiya Katoa, Tom Gilbert, Jeremy Marshall-King, Francis Molo, Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Max Plath, Kurt Donoghoe, Tom Flegler, Felise Kaufusi, Ray Stone, Trai Fuller & Tevita Naufahu
Melbourne Storm - Sua Fa'alogo, Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Hugo Peel, Cameron Munster, Tyran Wishart, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, Josh King, Ativalu Lisati, Cooper Clark, Trent Loiero, Moses Leo, Alec MacDonald, Shawn Blore, Joe Chan, Jack Hetherington & Davvy Moale
Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders
Two teams sitting next to each other on the ladder will kick things off on Saturday when we see the Titans welcome the Raiders to Cbus Super Stadium. The Titans haven’t exactly been consistent so far this season, winning two of their last five games, and last time out, they went down to the Warriors, 20-28. The Raiders had their two-game winning streak broken last time out by the Tigers, 14-33.
The Titans had their bye last round, so they should have fresher legs for this game. Keano Kini is probably going to be a game-day decision for the Titans, after picking up a rib injury against the Warriors before their bye. Noah Martin is in some doubt for the Raiders after injuring his leg against the Tigers. Points have been flowing between these teams recently when they play each other. If the weather’s good, I’m expecting more of the same on Saturday.
| Bookmaker | Katherine’s Tip | Odds |
| Total Points - Over 54.5 | NZ$1.95 |
| Raiders Total Points - Over 26.5 | NZ$1.76 |
| Total Points - Over 54.5 | NZ$1.95 |
Predicted Squads
Gold Coast Titans - Keano Kini, Sialetili Faeamani, Jojo Fifita, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Lachlan Ilias, Jayden Campbell, Kurtis Morrin, Sam Verrills, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Arama Hau, Beau Fermor, Cooper Bai, Oliver Pascoe, Moeaki Fotuaika, Chris Randall, Klese Haas, Zane Harrison & Josh Patston
Canberra Raiders - Kaeo Weekes, Sebastian Kris, Simi Sasagi, Matthew Timoko, Jed Stuart, Ethan Strange, Ethan Sanders, Ata Mariota, Tom Starling, Joe Tapine, Zac Hosking, Noah Martin, Corey Horsburgh, Jayden Brailey, Daine Laurie, Joe Roddy, Morgan Smithies, Savelio Tamale & Owen Pattie
Parramatta Eels vs New Zealand Warriors
The middle Saturday game sees the Eels play host to the Warriors. After claiming a surprising win over the Bulldogs, the Eels couldn’t build on that momentum and went down to the Sea Eagles last time out, 18-33. The Warriors are looking like a formidable force at the moment, winning their last three games over the Storm, Titans, and Dolphins. They have won six of their eight games this season and are currently sitting in second spot on the ladder.
Things keep going from bad to worse in terms of injuries for the Eels, as Dylan Walker now joins the casualty ward, courtesy of an arm injury. Meanwhile, the Warriors could welcome back a host of key players, including the likes of Marata Niukore, Adam Pompey, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, and Luke Metcalf. However, they will be without Mitch Barnett and Ali Leiataua, as they both suffered head knocks in their game against the Dolphins.
Predicted Squads
Parramatta Eels - Joash Papali'i, Brian Kelly, Will Penisini, Sean Russell, Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, Mitchell Moses, Luca Moretti, Ryley Smith, Junior Paulo, Kitione Kautoga, Jack Williams, Jack De Belin, Tallyn Da Silva, Saxon Pryke, Toni Mataele, Charlie Guymer, Kelma Tuilagi & Lorenzo Talataina
New Zealand Warriors - Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Tanah Boyd, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford, Leka Halasima, Kurt Capewell, Erin Clark, Sam Healey, Taine Tuaupiki, Demitric Vaimauga, Jacob Laban, Marata Niukore & Luke Hanson
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos
The final Saturday games look set to be one of the most competitive of the round. The Roosters, who are sitting in fifth spot on the ladder, take on the Broncos, who are in seventh spot, at Allianz Stadium. Both teams are coming into this clash in good form, with the Roosters winning their last four in a row, and the Broncos winning four of their last five games.
The Roosters easily took care of the Dragons last time out, 62-16, while the Broncos dispatched the Bulldogs 32-12. Don’t expect too many (if any) changes for the Roosters line-up. For the Broncos, they look set to welcome back a few players, with Patrick Carrigan returning from suspension. Jesse Arthurs should also return, and there are some whispers that Reece Walsh could return as well. Going to stick with the home team, as they have more stability right now.
Predicted Squads
Sydney Roosters - James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Hugo Savala, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Nat Butcher, Salesi Foketi, Cody Ramsey & Billy Smith
Brisbane Broncos - Reece Walsh, Josiah Karapani, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Deine Mariner, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Ben Talty, Cory Paix, Jack Gosiewski, Xavier Willison, Jordan Riki, Pat Carrigan, Josh Rogers, Jaiyden Hunt, Va'a Semu, Hayze Perham, Jesse Arthars & Antonio Verhoeven
Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Two teams on different trajectories at the moment meet in Round 9. The Knights, who have lost their last three games in a row, welcome the Rabbitohs, who have won four of their last five games, to McDonald Jones Stadium. The recent losses for the Knights have come against the Tigers, Roosters, and Panthers. The Rabbitohs finally broke their hoodoo against the Storm in Melbourne, and they didn’t even give the Storm a sniff, winning 48-6.
Plenty of Knights players remain out for this game, but we could also see Jacob Saifiti join this list, as he suffered a head knock. In some better news, we may see Tyson Frizell return, and both Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew are likely to return as well. For the Rabbitohs, Brandon Smith left the field in their game against the Storm with a calf injury and looks set for a stint on the sidelines.
Predicted Squads
Newcastle Knights - Fletcher Sharpe, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Sandon Smith, Dylan Brown, Jacob Saifiti, Phoenix Crossland, Trey Mooney, Francis Manuleleua, Jermaine McEwen, Mat Croker, Harrison Graham, Fletcher Hunt, Cody Hopwood, Pasami Saulo, Asu Kepaoa & Tyson Frizell
South Sydney Rabbitohs - Matt Dufty, Alex Johnston, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham, Cody Walker, Jamie Humphreys, Tevita Tatola, Bronson Garlick, Sean Keppie, Euan Aitken, Tallis Duncan, Cameron Murray, Peter Mamouzelos, Lachlan Hubner, Jayden Sullivan, Keaon Koloamatangi, Liam Le Blanc & Ashton Ward
Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers
The Sharks will be desperate to get back into the winner’s circle after going down to both the Roosters and Cowboys in their last two games. They play host to the Tigers, who are in great form so far this season, and are sitting in third spot on the ladder. These two teams only played each other once last season, and it was a close one, with the Tigers just edging out the Sharks, 20-18.
Jesse Ramien looks set to return for the Sharks. Meanwhile, co-captain Api Koroisau will likely miss three weeks after a dangerous tackle charge. Plus, Kai Pearce-Paul failed his HIA and entered concussion protocols for this round. I understand this is a home game for the Sharks, and a few key players are out for the Tigers, but the price is still a little lopsided for me. I think the Tigers have shown enough that they can overcome pretty much anything. Tipping an upset.
Predicted Squads
Cronulla Sharks - Will Kennedy, Mawene Hiroti, Jesse Ramien, KL Iro, Sam Stonestreet, Braydon Trindall, Nicho Hynes, Addin Fonua-Blake, Blayke Brailey, Toby Rudolf, Billy Burns, Teig Wilton, Jesse Colquhoun, Briton Nikora, Cam McInnes, Oregon Kaufusi, Thomas Hazelton, Siosifa Talakai & Hohepa Puru
Wests Tigers - Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Taylan May, Starford To'a, Luke Laulilii, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi, Terrell May, Tristan Hope, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Alex Seyfarth, Alex Twal, Jock Madden, Sione Fainu, Royce Hunt, Latu Fainu, Patrick Herbet & Heath Mason
Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles
To wrap up Round 9, we see the Panthers and Sea Eagles face off at CommBank Stadium. The Panthers looked a little wobbly recently, going down to the Bulldogs, and then needing Golden Point to get over the line against the Dolphins. However, they put the Knights in their place last time out, winning 44-12. The Sea Eagles are yet to lose under coach Kieran Foran, winning four in a row now, but they’ll face probably their toughest test against the top-of-the-table Panthers.
Don’t expect many changes from the Panthers, and they’re still waiting for the likes of Mitch Kenny and Liam Martin to return. For the Sea Eagles, Corey Waddell is in doubt for this game after injuring his pec in the game against the Eels. The Panthers are the clear favourites, as they usually are. It’s hard to tip against them, but in saying that, I don’t think they’ll completely run away with this game either.
Predicted Squads
Penrith Panthers - Dylan Edwards, Thomas Jenkins, Paul Alamoti, Casey McLean, Brian To'o, Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Freddy Lussick, Lindsay Smith, Isaiah Papali'i, Luke Garner, Isaah Yeo, Jack Cogger, Scott Sorensen, Kalani Going, Billy Phillips, Izack Tago & Jack Cole
Manly Sea Eagles - Tolu Koula, Jason Saab, Clayton Faulalo, Reuben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate, Luke Brooks, Jamal Fogarty, Taniela Paseka, Brandon Wakeham, Kobe Hetherington, Haumole Olakau'atu, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Jake Simpkin, Corey Waddell, Ethan Bullemor, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Simione Laiafi & Josh Feledy
More NRL Previews
GET READY FOR ROUND 9 - All You Need to Know Before Kick-off
Round 9 is just about to kick off, but before it does, make sure you read through all the biggest stories making headlines in the NRL.
NRL 2026 Best Tips Multi Bet of the Week | Round 9
We’re back for Round 9 of the 2026 NRL season, and things are getting a little spicy this round. We see a couple of games featuring teams in the bottom half of the draw. This includes the Storm, who have lost six games in a row now. Our NRL multi bets are now available.
GET READY FOR ROUND 8 - All You Need to Know Before Kick-off
Round 8 is just about to kick off, but before it does, make sure you read through all the biggest stories making headlines in the NRL.
NRL 2026 Best Tips Multi Bet of the Week | Round 8
We’re back for Round 8 of the 2026 NRL season, and this season just keeps throwing more and more surprises our way! The Storm have lost five in a row now, and sit in 15th spot! Our NRL multi bets are now available.
