NRL 2026 - Round 9 Preview

Here are the stats and predictions for the upcoming round of the NRL.

These are the notes I use for 2GB radio and other media gigs for NRL updates.

BULLDOGS V COWBOYS — FRIDAY @ ACCOR

Canterbury lead this matchup 26 to 22 overall, but it flips at Accor where the Cowboys surprisingly hold a 6 to 5 edge. North Queensland have also won 7 of the last 10 clashes, which tells you they’ve had the better of this fixture in recent years. What stands out is how tight these games are, with four of the last six decided by four points or less.

This shapes as another close contest where neither side gets away. In those scenarios, the Cowboys have shown they can find a way late.

TIP: COWBOYS 1 TO 12 $3.50

DOLPHINS V STORM — FRIDAY @ SUNCORP

Melbourne lead this matchup 3 to 1 overall and 2 to 1 at Suncorp, but this is a very different Storm side in 2026. They’ve now lost six straight and were beaten by Souths last week in what was the first loss to the Rabbits at AAMI in 14 meetings. That tells you everything about where they’re at.

Games between these sides don’t lack points, never dropping below 40 and averaging 53 per game. Herbie Farnworth has been consistent, scoring in his last three, and looks well placed to capitalise again in a game that should open up.

TIP: DOLPHINS / FARNWORTH ANYTIME TRY SCORER $2.78

GOLD COAST V RAIDERS — SATURDAY @ CBUS

Canberra lead 20 to 13 overall and 8 to 7 at Cbus, but the key angle is dominance at the venue. The Raiders have won their last eight at this ground and the last six clashes against the Titans. This is a matchup where they consistently find ways to control territory and tempo.

Scoring trends point upward as well, with six of the last seven meetings producing 48 points or more. If that continues, Canberra are well placed to dictate both result and scoreboard.

TIP: RAIDERS / OVER 48.5 POINTS

EELS V WARRIORS — SATURDAY @ COMMBANK

Parramatta lead this matchup 27 to 19 overall and have won six of the last seven clashes. They also hold a slight edge at Commbank, although the Warriors did win the last meeting here 46 to 10 which shows their ceiling.

The concern for New Zealand is their record against top sides, losing 10 of their last 11 in that bracket. Addo Carr has been a consistent finisher in this matchup and with Parramatta controlling most recent meetings, he looks the one to benefit again.

TIP: EELS / ADDO CARR ANYTIME TRY SCORER $3.40

ROOSTERS V BRONCOS — SATURDAY @ ALLIANZ

Brisbane lead 33 to 28 overall and 15 to 11 at Allianz, but recent form swings back toward the Roosters who have won six of the last eight meetings. Most of those wins have been tight, with four decided by 10 points or less.

Angus Crichton has been a standout in this fixture, scoring four tries in his last four against the Broncos. In what shapes as another close contest, he looms as the key attacking piece.

TIP: ROOSTERS / CRICHTON ANYTIME TRY SCORER $4.20

KNIGHTS V RABBITOHS — SUNDAY @ NEWCASTLE

Newcastle lead this matchup 30 to 19 overall and 17 to 7 at home. They’ve also won the last three meetings, including a 29 to 10 result last time out. More importantly, they’ve found consistent points in this fixture, scoring between 28 and 36 in their last four against Souths.

The Rabbits come in with attacking form of their own, posting 30 plus in each of their last four games this season. This shapes as a high scoring clash where both sides should contribute heavily.

TIP: RABBITOHS OVER 26.5 POINTS / KNIGHTS OVER 24.5 POINTS $4.70

SHARKS V TIGERS — SUNDAY @ SHARK PARK

Wests lead 20 to 18 overall and it sits even at 8 to 8 at Shark Park, but Cronulla’s recent home form is the standout. They’ve won nine of their last 10 at the venue and continue to play their best football there.

Recent meetings are split, but home ground advantage is significant here. Still, if the game tightens late, the Tigers have shown they can hang in these contests and pinch results.

TIP: TIGERS 1 TO 12 $4.30

PANTHERS V SEA EAGLES — SUNDAY @ COMMBANK

Manly lead 54 to 43 overall, but Penrith have dominated at Commbank, winning eight of the last nine there. The last meeting at the venue went Manly’s way 26 to 10, showing they can upset that trend on their day.

Lehi Hopoate made an impact the last time Manly visited, bagging a double, while Reuben Garrick has been in strong scoring form with four tries in his last four games and a solid record at this ground. In a game that could open up late, he’s the one to follow.

TIP: GARRICK ANYTIME TRY SCORER $3.35