Anzac Round nearly renamed itself Blowout Round as all the contenders continued to flex their premiership muscle and assert their dominance on the scoreboard.
The lopsided results across the competition averaged out to be a cumulative 21.1 points, which is up there – but not quite the highest cumulative margin in NRL history.
With a new week on the horizon, headlined by the big Broncos vs Roosters battle on Friday night, this week of NRL action is not to be missed.
For the latest round 9 analysis, news, odds, and betting tips, check out our NRL round 9 tips and predictions.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Penrith Panthers Prediction
Thursday, May 2, 7:50pm AEST – Accor Stadium
Kicking off NRL round 9 are the Rabbitohs and the Panthers. The Panthers machine kept on rolling through Townsville last week as they held off and kept a fast-finishing Cowboys outfit at bay.
The Panthers will be sweating on the fitness and availability of Premiership duo Scott Sorensen (knee) and Moses Leota (shoulder) who were both late withdrawals before kick-off, with a short turnaround between matches making it difficult to see them taking their place in the starting lineup.
The question at the start of every week for the Rabbitohs at the moment is, will Jason Demitriou still be coach of the team this weekend?
After another dismal performance against the Storm on Anzac Day, where they conceded a half-century, the light at the end of the tunnel seems to only be getting further and further away.
Head-to-head prediction: Penrith Panthers.
Betting tip: Big win little win Panthers 13+.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders Prediction
Friday, May 3, 6:00pm AEST – Brookvale Oval
No Fogarty. No party. That seems to be how it’s going to go for the Canberra Raiders while their star half is sidelined.
They were blitzed 40-0 by the table-topping Sharks in front of their own fans last time out and now must face another opponent currently in the top four.
The Green Machine will travel to Brookvale Oval to face the high-flying Sea Eagles in round 9 and they could be about to ship a whole lot more points.
Manly’s attack produced some eye-catching tries last week against the Eels and against a Raiders side spinning dangerously out of control, they could be about to produce a whole lot more.
Head-to-head prediction: Manly Sea Eagles.
Betting tip: Reuben Garrick first try scorer.
Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters Prediction
Friday, May 3, 8:00pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium
What a game this will be. The headline matchup of NRL round 9 takes place at Suncorp Stadium between the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters.
As Brisbane’s stars have returned, so has their ability to trouble the scoreboard attendant. They piled on the points last week against the toothless Tigers, with superstar Reece Walsh scoring a truly electric brace.
Speaking of piling on the points, the Chooks did that and then some against the poor old Dragons in their annual Anzac Day clash.
They smacked St George for 60 in a rout for the ages that included nine different try scorers for the Tri-colours.
Despite this, we’re still backing the Broncs. They’re at home and the calibre of some of the tries they scored on the weekend should have the entire competition on high alert.
Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Broncos.
Betting tip: Over total match points.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers Prediction
Saturday, May 4, 3:00pm AEST – Stadium Australia
Don’t ask us how, but the Bulldogs are currently in the top eight.
Yep, you read that correctly. After the two-point handout from the bye the Doggies are exactly eighth, on points difference alone.
This is the perfect clash to maintain their current ranking, however. They’ll be fully refreshed from their week off and their opponents the Tigers will be the direct opposite after their dismantling at the hands of Brisbane.
After that dismal effort from Wests in front of their own last time out, you’d be barking mad not to back the Bulldogs.
Head-to-head prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs.
Betting tip: SGM – Stephen Crichton and Jacob Kiraz anytime try scorers.
Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm Prediction
Saturday, May 4, 5:30pm AEST – Robina Stadium
Titans’ fans rejoice! You’re on the board! Titans’ fans stop rejoicing! You play the Storm this week!
Fresh off putting 54 on the rudderless Rabbits, Craig Bellamy’s Melbourne machine rolls into the GC to ensure the Titans won’t post back-to-back wins.
While we don’t think the Titans will cop 54, we do think the Storm will win this one comfortably.
Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Storm.
Betting tip: Big win little win Melbourne 1-12.
North Queensland Cowboys vs The Dolphins Prediction
Saturday, May 4, 7:35pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
What a different team North Queensland are eight rounds removed from their season opener against the Dolphins.
They won that one 43-18 and went on to start their season 3-0 before slamming the bandwagon in reverse.
They’ve now lost four out of their last five and are conceding points at an alarming rate. They’re now outside of the top eight but this game at home against a wounded Dolphins presents a good opportunity for the North Queenslanders to return to winning ways.
The result may be the same as round one thanks to injuries and location, but the margin will not. Cows to get back to winning ways in a thriller.
Head-to-head prediction: North Queensland Cowboys.
Betting tip: Trai Fuller anytime try scorer.
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction
Sunday, May 5, 2:00pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium
What’s doing with the Wahs? Talks of a minor premiership tilt a mere fortnight ago has given way to losses against the Dragons and the previously winless Titans.
Now they must travel to the Hunter Valley to face a plucky Newcastle side who are doing their best to keep the good times rolling without star man Kalyn Ponga.
Rookie fullback David Armstrong took on the unenviable task of filling Ponga’s boots last week and boy did he do it in style.
The Redcliffe junior scored on debut in his side’s win over the Dolphins and after the Warriors lost to the Titans in New Zealand, we’re tipping Armstrong to start his NRL career with back-to-back wins and potentially tries.
Head-to-head prediction: Newcastle Knights.
Betting tip: David Armstrong to score or assist.
Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Dragons Prediction
Sunday, May 5, 4:05pm AEST – Shark Park
The final game of NRL round 9 could be a true feeding frenzy. The Sharks just beat the Raiders 40-0 away from home and sit on top of the NRL ladder.
Meanwhile, the Dragons conceded 60 to the Chooks on Anzac Day. They face off this week at Shark Park. You do the math.
Head-to-head prediction: Cronulla Sharks.
Betting tip: Sharks total points 31 or more.
Parramatta Eels – BYE
After another second stanza fade out, big questions are now being asked of the Eels and their coach Brad Arthur. Could they use the bye to find a replacement? Or do they hold firm with and trust the process? Watch this space.