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NRL Supercoach 2026 – Round 9 Tips and Picks

28/04/2026|SB Staff|NRL Expert Predictions & Tips
<p><meta charset="utf-8"></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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 NRL Supercoach landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, with last week delivering another chaotic high-scoring round that has left fantasy coaches scrambling for trades and captain options.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">As we approach </span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/round-9"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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 Origin looming and bye rounds creating additional headaches, savvy managers need every edge possible to navigate the upcoming challenges.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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 Dragons finally taking their bye this week and several key injury concerns emerging from last weekend's action, </span><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/round-9"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;"> presents both opportunities and pitfalls for NRL Supercoach enthusiasts.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">Here are the seven crucial insights every fantasy coach needs to know heading into another pivotal round.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">NRL Supercoach 2026 – Round 9 Tips and Picks</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">1. Monster Scorers Set New Benchmarks</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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 standout performances from Round 8 have reset expectations across the board.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">Dylan Edwards' mammoth 151-point haul led the charge, while Tallis Duncan's explosive 147&nbsp; proved that premium scoring is becoming the new norm.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">Alex Twal's career-best 125 points demonstrate that even mid-priced forwards can deliver captain-worthy scores in this high-octane environment.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">2. Key Injury Updates Could Reshape Your Squad</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">Several significant injury concerns emerged last week that demand immediate attention.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">Jahrome Hughes' concussion will sideline the Storm star for at least one week, while Brandon Smith's recurring calf injury threatens to derail his promising season. Murray Taulagi's second concussion in three weeks raises serious availability concerns, and Villiame Kikau's pectoral injury could sideline the Bulldogs forward for multiple rounds.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">3. Pat Carrigan's Return Creates Immediate Value</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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 Brisbane forward's return from suspension for Round 9 presents an excellent opportunity for fantasy coaches.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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 proven scoring ability and a favourable matchup against the Roosters, Carrigan's availability coincides perfectly with many managers needing to address their forward lines following recent injuries.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">4. Breakeven Leaders Offer Prime Cash Generation</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">Xavier Willison continues to dominate the trade-in lists with over 12% of managers bringing him aboard, and for good reason.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">His $555,900 price point combined with consistent scoring makes him an ideal cash cow. Meanwhile, Matthew Dufty's remarkable -56 breakeven at $409,000 represents exceptional value in the fullback position.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">5. Budget Options Providing Premium Returns</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">Saxon Pryke at just $201,400 has caught the attention of nearly 12% of managers, while Jonathan Sua's consistent performances at $216,800 offer another budget-friendly pathway to team improvement.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">These basement-priced options are crucial for generating the cash needed to upgrade to premium players.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">6. Captain Options Remain Concentrated</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">Nathan Cleary maintains his stranglehold on the captaincy with nearly 49% backing, though his matchup against Manly presents some risk.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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;">Latrell Mitchell's clash with Newcastle offers genuine upside, while James Tedesco's 38% vice-captain backing suggests many view him as a safer option against Brisbane.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:14pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.999999999999998pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">7. Strategic Bye Planning Becomes Critical</span></h3><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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 Origin approaching and the Dragons taking their first bye this week, forward planning becomes essential.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;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 relatively light bye schedule for Round 9 provides an opportunity to strengthen squads before the more challenging periods ahead, making this an ideal time to consolidate team structures.</span></p>
Penrith Panthers
Brisbane Broncos
Sydney Roosters
New Zealand Warriors
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Wests Tigers
Canterbury Bulldogs
Cronulla Sharks
Manly Sea Eagles
Melbourne Storm
Nth Queensland Cowboys
Canberra Raiders
Dolphins
Newcastle Knights
Parramatta Eels
Gold Coast Titans
St George Illawarra Dragons

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