NRL Round 9

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Sharks V Cowboys – PointsBet Stadium – 22.00NZT

Sharks are settling into their season well with seven games under their belt and fifth place on the table.

It was good to see them get the win over a relentless Bulldogs outfit, but they still have some defence issues to sort out sooner rather than later.
Conceding too many points around the tram lines, which will be a target for North Queensland.

The Cowboys showed some patience and worked really hard to get their win last weekend – and more of that will go a long way.Cronulla are very tough, and at home, will be hard to beat.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

FRIDAY – Eels V Knights – CommBank Stadium – 20.00NZT

Parramatta looked all at sea last weekend, and need some direction to guide their season back on track.

Moses and Brown have not been anywhere near their best and it shows.

I’m really enjoying watching this Knights side dig deep every week, and with players returning from injury will only help their cause.

They definitely have the belief to put the Eels away this week, and with Parramatta having some injury concerns, they’ll have to play harder for longer.

I just think Newcastle have shown more this year, and will show up Parramatta in a close one.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

Broncos V Rabbitohs – Suncorp Stadium – 22.05NZT

This is a crucial period of footy for this Broncos side who have been coasting in 2023 with their stacked side.

They have a month of tough footy, and it starts with the Rabbitohs, who have been bolstered by the news Jack Wighton is playing his footy there in 2024.

South Sydney’s best performance of the season came last week too, which is great timing for them to build on.

Brisbane have to earn the right to do the flashy stuff that’s worked so well for them so far. Completing their sets and turning the Rabbitohs around will be a great start.

South Sydney have had plenty of tough matches this year, and that steel will help them get the result.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Raiders V Dolphins – McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga – 17.00NZT

Whatever the Dolphins are swimming in, keep swimming in it because it is working. A miraculous 26-0 comeback was just so impressive to witness.

While the Raiders had the week off and somehow still lost to the bye due to the Wighton news, they have to put that to one side and bind together for this match.

Redcliffe got the win when these two met earlier in the season, and Ricky Stuart will use that as motivation to rally the Raiders.

This Dolphins side love overcoming adversity, and that bond will help them so much in tough matches.

TIP: Dolphins 1-12

 

Sea Eagles V Titans – 4 Pines Park – 19.30NZT

Manly were just good enough, and the Titans? Well, out of respect for that mad capitulation – I’ll just say three words… WHAT THE HELL!?

While the Sea Eagles are seemingly not clicking right now, they still are chalking up victories and sit second on the ladder.

Are the Titans the sort of side who will use last weeks result and say enough is enough? I don’t think so, and if anything – it will just deflate them further.

TIP: Sea Eagles 13+

 

Panthers V Tigers – Carrington Park, Bathurst – 21.30NZT

Close but no cigar for Wests, who are still desperately searching for their first win of the season.

While Penrith lost a close battle, they still have so many strong redeeming qualities that show this year will still be a successful one for them.

They are resting a few players, but the Tigers still have to come to the party and play.

Penrith are just a class outfit, so I see them still getting a good victory.

TIP: Panthers 13+

SUNDAY: Warriors V Roosters – Mount Smart Stadium 16.00NZT

Both took part in some bruising ANZAC Day affairs and with a shortish turnaround, that’ll be a tough task.

The Wahs are getting ravaged by injury, which doesn’t help their cause – but it is showing just how competitive and resilient they are.

The Roosters had a twenty-minute lapse of concentration that almost cost them the game last week, but they were good enough to get home in a tight one.

Back at home, they will find some comfort, but I just want to know much more this Warriors side can take. This could be a season-defining match.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

Dragons V Bulldogs – WIN Stadium – 18.05NZT

I don’t know what it is about these two sides when they come together, but it always ends with a bit of push and shove, and the Bulldogs winning.

Neither side will be happy with what they’ve put out this year, and will both be fighting for every ball and concentrating on those one percenters to get them home.

The Dragons have more flair, but the Bulldogs have more work ethic – I really think that’s what it’ll come down to. The Bulldogs will just want it more.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

BYE: Storm

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