NRL Week 9

By Stephen Gallagher

FRIDAY: Sharks V Eels – Suncorp Stadium – 20.05NZT

We are all waiting for the Sharks to deliver a big stage performance this year. Something they know they’ll want to do themselves.

So with all eyes on them at Magic Round against the Eels, there needs to be a statement.

Close but not good enough last week – the pressure could mount.

Parra really have the chance to turn their season around now that Moses is back. This is a game they know they can win.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

Roosters V Dolphins – Suncorp Stadium – 22.05NZT

It’s been a real up-and-down season for both of these two teams. The Dolphins will be kicking themselves after giving up a huge lead last week to cop an embarrassing L against Canberra.  And after that huge win for the Roosters? It’s probably an impending loss given the way their season’s played out thus far.

Lots of similarities. Inexperienced halves steering the ship. Forwards that have something to prove, and backs that are speedy and explosive.

I think there are lots of points on offer.

TIP: Dolphins 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Rabbitohs V Knights – Suncorp Stadium  – 17.00NZT

Oh my goodness this is a really shitty game to kick off Magic Round Saturday.

The Rabbitohs who have more injuries than a hypercondriac festival, against the Knights who make scoring points a chore.

No doubt the crowd will be a little thin for most of this one.

There’s something about Newcastle that keeps me interested though. They have such a good side. They can surely get it together sooner rather than later.

Too many injuries for Souths. They will be competitive.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

Warriors V Cowboys -Suncorp Stadium – 19.30NZT

This has to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the weekend. The Cowboys have won four in a row, looking to keep that run of form going, coming up against a Warriors side who have defied all the odds so far in 2025.

The Wahs have found their formula of playing hard and fast, and playing patiently. It’s a good combo.

The Cowboys are a big second-half side. They like to run down sides like they’re running downhill.

I think these two teams are pretty evenly matched. I think the Cowboys are more likely to win this one.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

 

Wests Tigers V Dragons  – Suncorp Stadium – 21.45NZT

The Dirty Merger Cup. Tigers do look better with Galvin, but to me it’s their superior forward pack that’s going to cause issues for the Dragons in this one.

The Red V copped a huge hiding last week that’ll sour their spirits.

Wests are more of a complete side. Their players are in better form, and the Dragons will really have to punch above their weight in order to get the win.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Titans V Bulldogs  – Suncorp Stadium – 15.50NZT

The Titans…. Man, what’s up with you? I will die before I understand sporting franchises on the Gold Coast.

The Bulldogs were truly humiliated on this turf just over a week ago by the Broncos. Stoic defence went out the window, and they were very disappointing.

You know that’s going to be absolutely rectified this week. Even against an unpredictable Titans who can pile on points, the Bulldogs will not stand for what they displayed last week.

TIP: Bulldogs 13+

 

Panthers V Broncos – Suncorp Stadium – 18.05NZT

Oh man – this really could be the beginning of the end for Penrith. A loss here and it’s so much work to try and make the eight, especially with Origin on the horizon.

Brisbane’s form last week was great. They knew they had to play that way otherwise they were in danger of that result happening to them.

But they have lacked true consistency. Something that Madge will be well aware of.

Penrith just have to go back to basics. Play more direct. Kick to the corners. Back their defence. It’s all about confidence for the Panthers. Something they are lacking severely this year.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

 

Storm V Raiders – Suncorp Stadium – 20.25NZT

It’s been an interesting couple of weeks for Melbourne. They are definitely missing hooker Harry Grant out of dummy half.

And we know what the Raiders can do against the Storm. A true bogey side of Melbourne.

Plus, add to that the form the Raiders are in as they sit comfortably in the top four – this is a great match up to end what will have hopefully been a magic Magic Round.

Canberra will be staunch and tough to break down. We’ve seen their left edge really lift this year on attack. So in form and ready to knock on the Storm’s door.

For Melbourne, they just ought to compete. They weren’t flash last week but still delivered a win. They will well and truly be up for this arm wrestle.

TIP: Storm 1-12

BYE: Sea Eagles

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