Round 9 of the 2026 season is here, and it shapes as one of the most intriguing weekends of the season so far. 

With only one winless team remaining and just three wins separating second from 16th place, the competition has rarely felt this open.

The Penrith Panthers head into the round as competition leaders after a dominant 7-1 start to the season, while the Storm have lost six in a row and Manly are on a four game winning streak, becoming just one of three teams to achieve that feat this season.

There’s plenty of sides that are jostling for position ahead of the State of Origin window.

For all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our expert NRL Round 9 tips and predictions below.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction

Friday, May 1, 6:00pm AEST – Accor Stadium

The Bulldogs open Round 9 at home against a Cowboys side that has been up and down, then down and up in recent weeks.

Canterbury will be hoping to use the familiar surroundings of Accor Stadium to their advantage after losing two games in a row against the Eels and Broncos, who are significantly down on troops due to injuries.

North Queensland, meanwhile, have the talent to trouble anyone on their night, after a high scoring affair with the Sharks, claiming a close victory.

This shapes as a competitive mid-table battle.

Head-to-head prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

Betting tip: Over total match points. 

The Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Prediction

Friday, May 1, 8:00pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium

The Storm’s season has turned into a nightmare, as they are suffering through a torrid run of results, including a six game losing streak and conceding 48 points to the Rabbitohs on ANZAC Day. 

In Redcliffe, the Dolphins have their own problems, sitting outside the top eight after an inconsistent start.

The ANZAC Day clash with the Warriors was the lowest scoring affair across the league in round 7, losing by just two points.

With the Storm in such poor form, and the Dolphins struggling for consistency, this could be anybody’s game, however, we expect the Storm to compete with the homeside who have got a lot of struggles, particularly on the defensive end.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Storm

Betting tip: Over total match points. 

Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders Prediction

Saturday, May 2, 3:00pm AEST – Cbus Super Stadium

The Gold Coast Titans host Canberra in the opening match of a big Saturday afternoon.

The homeside had a four point tick on the ladder after a dominant victory over the Eels in round 7 before their bye last week during the ANZAC round.

Against the Tigers, the Raiders struggled for confidence after taking the lead in the first half.

Both teams are hoping to grind out results and build consistency.

Expect a tight, physical contest with the Raiders winning in close fashion.

Head-to-head prediction: Canberra Raiders

Betting tip: Ethan Sanders 6+ points.

Parramatta Eels vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction

Saturday, May 2, 5:30pm AEST – Commbank Stadium

Parramatta are licking their wounds after being put to the sword by Manly in Round 8, and they now face a Warriors side that has been flying.

Back-to-back wins have lifted the Warriors to second place on the ladder.

They are brimming with confidence heading to Commbank.

The Eels have leaking big scores all season, and we expect the Warriors to continue their form as they head out on the road.

Head-to-head prediction: New Zealand Warriors

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors by 13+ points.

Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos Prediction

Saturday, May 2, 7:35pm AEST – Allianz Stadium

A dominant ANZAC win over the Dragons has established the Roosters as one of the form teams of the competition at the moment, bringing a three-game winning streak into this blockbuster Saturday night clash.

Brisbane have exceeded expectations while losing a lot of players to injury, beating down on a Bulldogs side that saw the return of their captain Stephen Crichton to Suncorp for ANZAC round.

Despite the Broncos getting back-to-back wins with incredible performances, the Roosters firepower at home should see them over the line.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Roosters

Betting tip: Sydney Rooster by 1 to 12 points.

Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Prediction

Sunday, May 3, 2:00pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium 

The Knights never looked like winning against the Penrith Panthers, even with an impressive try from Dylan Brown in the second half.

The Knights have lost their last two games, conceding almost 80 points in the process.

South Sydney have been putting points on the board, with 30 against the Dragons and 48 points against the Storm, while being elite defensively. 

The Bunnies celebrated their first win in Melbourne, which took over 28 years to achieve, and we fancy their chances against a Knights side that has been exposed.

Head-to-head prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Betting tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs by 13+ points.

Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers Prediction

Sunday, May 3, 4:05pm AEST – Ocean Protect Stadium

Cronulla welcome Wests Tigers to Shark Park for a match that carries real significance for both sides.

The Tigers have been one of the genuine surprises of 2026, combining attacking flair with plenty of resilience, while the Sharks will be boosted by the return of key personnel.

Home advantage for the Sharks could be the key in getting a hard earned victory over the Tigers, however the Tigers have been battle tested at different times this season and handled those tests very well.

Head-to-head prediction: Wests Tigers

Betting tip: Sunia Turava anytime try scorer.

Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles Prediction

Sunday, May 3 6:15pm AEST – Commbank Stadium

The game of the round sees the leaders of the competition Penrith host a Manly side that has been one of the genuine stories of 2026.

Since Kieran Foran took the reins, the Sea Eagles have won four straight, scoring 151 points to 60 and showcasing the attacking brilliance this side has.

Penrith, though, remain the benchmark as they scored 40 points for the fourth time this season against the Knights with a 44-12 victory.

Manly will provide a much sterner test, but the Panthers are simply too good right now.

Head-to-head prediction: Penrith Panthers

Betting tip: Panthers by 13+ points.

St George Illawarra Dragons – BYE

The Dragons need this bye more than anybody else right now, currently on a 12 game losing streak since last year, with 8 consecutive this season, and a new interim coach in Dean Young who will hope to make more of a stamp on this side before their next match.