<p><meta charset="utf-8"></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Round 9 of the 2026 season is here, and it shapes as one of the most intriguing weekends of the season so far.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">With only one winless team remaining and just three wins separating second from 16th place, the competition has rarely felt this open.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">There’s plenty of sides that are jostling for position ahead of the State of Origin window.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">For all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our expert NRL Round 9 tips and predictions below.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Canterbury Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><em><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Friday, May 1, 6:00pm AEST – Accor Stadium</strong></span></em></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Bulldogs open Round 9 at home against a Cowboys side that has been up and down, then down and up in recent weeks.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">North Queensland, meanwhile, have the talent to trouble anyone on their night, after a high scoring affair with the Sharks, claiming a close victory.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">This shapes as a competitive mid-table battle.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/canterbury-bulldogs-v-nth-queensland-cowboys-10402870"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">North Queensland Cowboys</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> Over total match points.&nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Prediction</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><em><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Friday, May 1, 8:00pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium</strong></span></em></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">In Redcliffe, the Dolphins have their own problems, sitting outside the top eight after an inconsistent start.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The ANZAC Day clash with the Warriors was the lowest scoring affair across the league in round 7, losing by just two points.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Head-to-head prediction:&nbsp;</strong></span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/dolphins-v-melbourne-storm-10402872"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Melbourne Storm</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> Over total match points.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders Prediction</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><em><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Saturday, May 2, 3:00pm AEST – Cbus Super Stadium</strong></span></em></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Gold Coast Titans host Canberra in the opening match of a big Saturday afternoon.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Against the Tigers, the Raiders struggled for confidence after taking the lead in the first half.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Both teams are hoping to grind out results and build consistency.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Expect a tight, physical contest with the Raiders winning in close fashion.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Head-to-head prediction:&nbsp;</strong></span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/gold-coast-titans-v-canberra-raiders-10402894"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Canberra Raiders</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> Ethan Sanders 6+ points.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Parramatta Eels vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><em><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Saturday, May 2, 5:30pm AEST – Commbank Stadium</strong></span></em></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Back-to-back wins have lifted the Warriors to second place on the ladder.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">They are brimming with confidence heading to Commbank.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Eels have leaking big scores all season, and we expect the Warriors to continue their form as they head out on the road.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/parramatta-eels-v-new-zealand-warriors-10402905"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">New Zealand Warriors</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">New Zealand Warriors by 13+ points.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos Prediction</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><em><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Saturday, May 2, 7:35pm AEST – Allianz Stadium</strong></span></em></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Despite the Broncos getting back-to-back wins with incredible performances, the Roosters firepower at home should see them over the line.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Head-to-head prediction:&nbsp;</strong></span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/sydney-roosters-v-brisbane-broncos-10402917"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Sydney Roosters</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> Sydney Rooster by 1 to 12 points.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Prediction</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><em><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Sunday, May 3, 2:00pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium&nbsp;</strong></span></em></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Knights never looked like winning against the Penrith Panthers, even with an impressive try from Dylan Brown in the second half.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Knights have lost their last two games, conceding almost 80 points in the process.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">South Sydney have been putting points on the board, with 30 against the Dragons and 48 points against the Storm, while being elite defensively.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Head-to-head prediction:&nbsp;</strong></span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/newcastle-knights-v-south-sydney-rabbitohs-10402919"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">South Sydney Rabbitohs</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> South Sydney Rabbitohs by 13+ points.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers Prediction</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><em><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Sunday, May 3, 4:05pm AEST – Ocean Protect Stadium</strong></span></em></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Cronulla welcome Wests Tigers to Shark Park for a match that carries real significance for both sides.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/cronulla-sharks-v-wests-tigers-10402921"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Wests Tigers</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> Sunia Turava anytime try scorer.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles Prediction</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><em><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Sunday, May 3 6:15pm AEST – Commbank Stadium</strong></span></em></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Penrith, though, remain the benchmark as they scored 40 points for the fourth time this season against the Knights with a 44-12 victory.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Manly will provide a much sterner test, but the Panthers are simply too good right now.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/penrith-panthers-v-manly-sea-eagles-10402922"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Penrith Panthers</span></a></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Panthers by 13+ points.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">St George Illawarra Dragons – BYE</span></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-top:10pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#111111;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">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.&nbsp;</span></p>