NRL Preview Round 9
The Form Guide
The Dragons continue to defy the doubters, as the sit alone at the top of the NRL ladder after another impressive win over the struggling Roosters. Despite clinging to a top 8 spot, the Chooks still don’t look like they have discovered their style under the remodelled spine. Trent Robinson is hoping that the work he is doing now will pay off later in the season, but they will need to work the clunkiness out of their game quickly if they don’t want to lose touch with the top sides. The Storm did a demolition job on a Warriors team with some wobbly wheels, and while the Melbourne machine seems to be humming to life after a rough start to the year, the New Zealanders have now lost 2 from their last 3 and will be looking to arrest that trend quickly.
It’s difficult to know what to take from the Broncos come from behind win over Souths, but Wayne Bennett will know that this time of year is all about the 2 points. There is still much to work on for Brisbane, starting with who plays where in their halves. Someone needs to take control of this team, and at the moment it doesn’t look like Anthony Milford is the man to do that. Worrying signs for the million dollar man.
The Knights proved that they can win without Mitchell Pearce, although it needs to be said that Manly are a rabble at the moment. The Panthers and Sharks grabbed tough wins, while the Raiders put another nail in the Cowboys’ season. The North Queenslanders’ fall from grace in 2018 has been mind boggling, and only a remarkable turnaround in form could possibly save their bacon. Back to back wins for the Eels has finally given their fans some hope, but like the Cowboys, it could be too little too late after their shocking start to the season.
The Big Games
Round 9 kicks off with the Broncos hosting the Bulldogs on Thursday night, a match up that doesn’t quite have the promise that it may have 5 years ago. Jack Bird retains his spot in the Brisbane number 7, and despite a couple of mistakes last week, Wayne Bennett labelled it his best game as a Bronco, and has stuck with him to lead the team around. Aaron Woods and David Klemmer will be starting to feel the pressure rise on their State of Origin spots, and should be looking to dominate an inexperienced pack to keep the hunters at bay.
On Saturday, the Sharks host the Eels in what should be a fascinating encounter. The Sharks sit just outside the 8, despite scraping home last week against the Titans, and will see this as a big opportunity to bag the 2 points against the team currently sitting last. The Eels, though, have some wind in their sails, and though it’s not quite smooth sailing yet, Brad Arthur knows his team can turn this momentum into a climb up the ladder if they can keep their heads in the game.
Match of the round, though, is clearly the Sunday afternoon matchup between the Dragons and the Storm. Both teams are flying and full of confidence, and this really is a toss of the coin. Ryley Jacks continues to keep Brodie Croft out of the team, and his match up with Origin hopeful Ben Hunt will be a cracker. This will be Sunday afternoon rugby league at its absolute best. Don’t miss it.
Predictions
The Broncos will scrape home on enthusiasm against a struggling Bulldogs, and Souths will bounce back from a loss to get over the plucky Knights. The Panthers will steamroll a worryingly out of sorts Cowboys, and Canberra will claim their second Queensland scalp in a fortnight by knocking over the Titans. The Tigers will learn a lot from their loss to the Eels, and they will continue the Warriors’ slide down the ladder, while the Eels will make it three in a row against the Sharks. The Storm will sneak past an excellent Dragons team, and the Roosters will get played back into form by the mess that is currently Manly.
Best Bet
Given where they sit on the table, it defies belief that the Panthers are only slight favourites at home against the Cowboys. $1.82 is great value in the head to head market, but take them -6.5 $2.51, and you will be onto a good thing. That’s our best bet of the week.
For the latest NRL Round 9 markets, click here.
Words: Cameron Stokes
