GET READY FOR ROUND 9 - All You Need to Know Before Kick-off

Round 9 of the 2026 NRL season is almost upon us, and let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories to hit us before the first game. A few injuries and suspensions to come out of Round 8, and some major signing news for the PNG Chiefs. If it’s happening in the NRL, the BettingTop10 team has you covered.

The Penrith Panthers had a smidge of a wobble; it only lasted for two games, though. They lost to the Bulldogs, 16-32, and needed Golden Point to get across the line over the Dolphins. But that was it. In Round 8, they put the Newcastle Knights to the sword, winning 44-12.

Nathan Cleary has been his typical amazing self, and Ivan Cleary continues to deliver. Now, some rumours are floating around that if Sydney Roosters coach, Trent Robinson, doesn’t meet expectations, the team will make a play for a Cleary double!

November 1 is the date to remember, as this is when Nathan Cleary is free to start talking with other clubs. It’s unlikely he’ll leave without his Dad, so it could be a brilliant play by the Roosters if they can pull it off. 

Turning our attention to the Wests Tigers now, they will be with a key trio this round, with Jahream Bula, Kai Pearce-Paul, and Api Koroisau all ruled out. This will certainly test the depth of their side, and they face off against the Cronulla Sharks.

Don’t underestimate the Tigers, though; they have won on the road without some of their stars, like Jarome Luai, before. And speaking of Luai, he has been spotted in Papua New Guinea meeting with PNG Chiefs officials.

There are so many exit clauses in Luai’s contract with the Tigers, and it wouldn’t surprise many if he chose to jump ship for the 2028 season. He reportedly has until April 30 to make his intentions to the Tigers clear.

While Luai is weighing up his options, it seems that South Sydney Rabbitohs star Alex Johnston has already made up his mind. It has been announced that Johnston has already signed with the PNG Chiefs. The all-time leading tryscorer has helped the Rabbitohs climb to fourth on the ladder.

With a recent record of 4-1, the North Queensland Cowboys have managed to snag the final spot in the top eight. Murray Taulagi will miss the Round 9 clash with the Canterbury Bulldogs, who themselves will be without Harry Hayes and Viliame Kikau.

The Brisbane Broncos have mounted a small comeback of their own and boast a recent record of 4-1. Most of this has happened without several of their key stars. However, in a much-welcomed boost, we’ll see the likes of Jesse Arthars, Patrick Carrigan, and Reece Walsh all return for their game against the Roosters.

With back-to-back losses, the Sharks are sitting just outside the top eight, but they are a competitive team that deserves respect. They get every chance back into the top eight in Round 9 as they take on an undermanned Tigers outfit at Ocean Protect Stadium.

The St. George Illawarra Dragons remain dead last, but at least they’ll claim their first points of the season this round (thanks to the bye)! This will do absolutely nothing for their NRL betting odds, or for the confidence of fans, but maybe the bye can get them out of their rut?

Many continue to watch in disbelief as the slide from the mighty Melbourne Storm continues. They have lost their last six games in a row. This has only happened twice in the club’s entire career!

In Round 9, the Storm, who are currently sitting in 16th spot on the ladder, take on the Dolphins, who have lost their last four games in a row. To make things even worse for the Storm, Jahrome Hughes is out for this clash.