Round 9 of the NRL season gets underway this Thursday and we are back with a full betting preview of all the Round 9 matchups below. It's been a tough season so far for NRL punters but we'll look to get back on track with a great slate of games this weekend.
NRL Round 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs (Thursday, May 3 7:50pm AEST)
On Thursday night footy, the 4-4 Broncos and 2-6 Bulldogs meet at Suncorp Stadium. For the Broncos, they secured a vital away win over the Rabbitohs last week by 4 points. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are coming off a loss against the Panthers by a score of 22-14 at Panthers Stadium. In the last clash, the Broncos were very impressive at Suncorp Stadium winning 42-12. So I’m getting on the Broncos at the line.
TIP: Broncos -6.5 - $1.92 at Ladbrokes
Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (Friday, May 4 6:00pm AEST)
In this matchup, the 5-3 Knights and 4-4 Rabbitohs face off at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday. For the Knights, they stormed home against the Sea Eagles and proved they can win without Pearce. During their last 5 matches, they have a 3-2 record. They're winning the close matches and that is the key in the NRL. Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs suffered a close loss to the Broncos by a margin of 4 points. They have a 3-2 record in their last 5 matches as well. The Rabbitohs are easily scoring points and have won by an average of 16 points. Looking at the head to head, the Rabbitohs should be confident here. They have a 9-1 record against them and haven’t lost in Newcastle since 2011. The last matchup was a 24-18 result so the 1-12 margin is good value.
TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12 - $3.10 at CrownBet
Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys (Friday, May 4 7:50pm AEST)
The NRL action continues with the 6-2 Panthers up against the 2-6 Cowboys at Carrington Park, Bathurst in this clash. For the Panthers, they were victorious against the Bulldogs last week by 8 points. During their last 5 matches, they have a 4-1 record and are playing well despite injuries. They also average just 15 points allowed in defence. Meanwhile, the Cowboys couldn't get past the Raiders at 1300Smiles Stadium in a 10 point loss. They have a 1-4 record in their last 5 matches and have struggled all season. The Panthers also trashed the Cowboys 33-14 in the last match against them. So I’m predicting another Panthers win and backing them at the short line.
TIP: Panthers -1.5 - $1.92 at Ladbrokes
Canberra Raiders vs Gold Coast Titans (Saturday, May 5 3:00pm AEST)
GIO Stadium plays host to the 3-5 Raiders and 3-5 Titans in NRL action on Saturday. Last time out, the Raiders comfortably beat the Cowboys at 1300Smiles Stadium by a score of 18-8. During their last 5 matches, they have a 3-2 record and have started to move up the ladder. Meanwhile, the Titans returned to Robina with a gut wrenching 1 point loss against the Sharks. In the first meeting, the Titans outlasted them in a 30-28 victory. So I do like the over total. The two sides have beaten the 46.5 point total in the last 3 clashes.
TIP: OVER 46.5 points - $1.90 at Sportsbet
New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers (Saturday, May 5 5:30pm AEST)
In this clash, the 6-2 Warriors and 5-3 Tigers face off at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday. For the Warriors, they were no match for the Storm last week in a disappointing 50-10 loss. During their last 5 matches, they still have a 3-2 record and beat the Dragons previously at home. Meanwhile, the Tigers suffered a close loss to the Eels by a margin of 2 points. They have a 3-2 record in their last 5 matches as well. It’s usually a close match when the Tigers are involved so I wouldn’t rule that out once again on Saturday night. They also have a 4-0 record against the Warriors and beat the Storm at this venue a few weeks ago. So I’m liking the Tigers at the line.
TIP: Tigers +4.5 - $1.92 at Ladbrokes
Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels (Saturday, May 5 7:30pm AEST)
Round 9 continues with the Sharks hosting the Eels at Shark Park on Saturday. Last time out, the Sharks survived against the Titans at CBus Super Stadium by a score of 10-9. Meanwhile, the Eels held on against the Tigers for their second straight win. So this will be a key test for how they’re travelling after a very slow start in 2018. In the last meeting, the Sharks were victorious in a 14-4 victory. They’ve also won the last 4 meetings. So I like the Sharks to win 1-12 once again.
TIP: Sharks 1-12 - $3.00 at CrownBet
St George Dragons vs Melbourne Storm (Sunday, May 6 2:00pm AEST)
A dream matchup awaits NRL fans on Sunday as the 7-1 Dragons and 5-3 Storm face off at Jubilee Oval. The Storm are starting to find form after a 3rd straight win. Last week, the Storm absolutely destroyed the Warriors by 40 points. They’re scoring points at will during this winning streak and winning by an average of 22.8 points in 2018. Meanwhile for the home side, they have a 4-1 record in their last 5 matches. They comfortably beat the Roosters last week by 16 points. So with the two best attacking teams in action, the over total is very good value. Both sides should throw the ball around on Sunday afternoon footy. In 2018, they both average 26+ points per game and the last meeting was a 34-22 scoreline.
TIP: Over 38.5 points - $1.90 at Sportsbet
Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles (Sunday, May 6 4:10pm AEST)
Round 9 concludes with the Roosters hosting the Sea Eagles. The Roosters inconsistent season continued after a 16 point loss against the Dragons. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles lost a tight one against the Knights by a score of 18-12 at Brookvale Oval, which extended their losing streak to 4 matches. They’ve looked poor in defence over the last couple of weeks and injuries/off field distractions are starting to show. So the Roosters should return to form with a big win.
TIP: Roosters 13+ - $2.05 at CrownBet
