The NRL is serving up two of the biggest games of the year to start Round 9 with the Rabbitohs facing the Storm and the Eels tackling the Roosters. With injuries taking their toll, these two games will prove challenging for tippers.
It doesn't get any easier through the weekend with plenty of games between relatively evenly matched teams. About the only game you can tip without any doubt is the Panthers to get home over the Sharks, even then you never quite know what Cronulla are going to bring to a big game.
Good luck with your tips.
Jump ahead to a particular game.
Rabbitohs vs. Storm
Panthers vs. Sharks
Eels vs. Roosters
Raiders vs. Knights
Tigers vs. Titans
Cowboys vs. Broncos
Sea Eagles vs. Warriors
Dragons vs. Bulldogs
Thursday, May 6
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm, Stadium Australia, 7:50pm (AEST)
Rabbitohs: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Steven Marsters 3. Dane Gagai 4. Braidon Burns 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Benji Marshall 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Junior Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jai Arrow. Bench: 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Liam Knight 16. Jacob Host 17. Patrick Mago. Reserves: 18. Jed Cartwright 19. Hame Sele 20. Troy Dargan 21. Dean Hawkins
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Storm: 1. Nicholas Hynes 2. George Jennings 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Brandon Smith. Bench: 14. Dale Finucane 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona. Reserves: 18. Dean Ieremia 19. Chris Lewis 20. Ryley Jacks 21. Aaron Pene
Verdict: This would have been close to the match of the season if the Rabbitohs weren't decimated through injury and suspension. With Adam Reynolds and Latrell Mitchell missing it is hard to see the Bunnies matching the Storm, but still coach Wayne Bennett will have something prepared to ensure they at least put up a fight.
Tip: Storm by 8
TAB odds: Rabbitohs $3.20 (+6.5 $1.85) Storm $1.34 (-6.5 $1.95)
Friday, May 7
Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, BlueBet Stadium, 6:00pm (AEST)
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Matt Burton 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Isaah Yeo. Bench: 14. Tyrone May 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Liam Martin. Reserves: 18. Scott Sorensen 19. J'maine Hopgood 20. Robert Jennings 21. Mitch Kenny
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Will Chambers 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Connor Tracey 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Toby Rudolf. Bench: 14. Braydon Trindall 15. Teig Wilton 16. Jack Williams 17. Billy Magoulias. Reserves: 18. Matt Moylan 19. Josh Dugan 20. Franklin Pele 21. Jenson Taumoepeau
Verdict: The Panthers continued their unbeaten run taking care of the improving Sea Eagles last week, while the Sharks were ordinary at times in their big loss to the Storm. It is hard to imagine how the Sharks can turn this mess around. They might fire up early against the competition leaders, but clearly their hearts just aren't in it anymore.
Tip: Panthers by 24
TAB odds: Panthers $1.08 (-18.5 $1.95) Sharks $7.50 (+18.5 $1.85)
Parramatta Eels vs. Sydney Roosters, Bankwest Stadium, 7:55pm (AEST)
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Marata Niukore 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown. Bench: 14. Oregon Kaufusi 15. Shaun Lane 16. Haze Dunster 17. Bryce Cartwright. Reserves: 18. Joey Lussick 19. Keegan Hipgrave 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Jordan Rankin
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Sam Walker 8. Isaac Liu 9. Ben Marschke 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley. Bench: 14. Adam Keighran 15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Daniel Suluka-Fifita. Reserves: 18. Egan Butcher 19. Naufahu Whyte 20. Lachlan Lam 21. Joseph Suaalii
Verdict: The Eels continued their good run, steamrolling the Bulldogs last week, while the Roosters had a big win over the Knights despite further losses through injury. James Tedesco returns this week and with Sam Walker in sparkling form it is hard to write the Roosters off. However, if the Eels want anyone to believe in the seriousness of their premiership threat, they simply have to win this one at home.
Tip: Eels by 8
TAB odds: Eel $1.58 (-4.5 $1.90) Roosters $2.35 (+4.5 $1.90)
Saturday, May 8
Canberra Raiders vs. Newcastle Knights, McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga, 3:00pm (AEST)
Raiders: 1. Caleb Aekins 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Curtis Scott 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Tom Starling 10. Emre Guler 11. Corey Harawira-Naera 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Ryan Sutton. Bench: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Hudson Young 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Joseph Tapine. Reserves: 18. Sam Williams 19. Ryan James 20. Matthew Timoko 21. Dunamis Lui
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Brayden Musgrove 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Connor Watson. Bench: 14. Sauaso Sue 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Brodie Jones 17. Pasami Saulo. Reserves: 18. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 19. Starford To'a 20. Josh King 21. Tex Hoy
Verdict: The Raiders are in a whole world of hurt at the moment, with a loss to the Rabbitohs last week adding to a total of five defeats from their last six games. The Knights were humiliated by the Roosters and really looked second rate. A win here could be the kick-start both sides desperately need as they look like missing the Top 8 on current form.
Tip: Raiders by 12
TAB odds: Raiders $1.48 (-5.5 $1.90) Knights $2.60 (+5.5 $1.90)
Wests Tigers vs. Gold Coast Titans, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 5:30pm (AEST)
Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Joey Leilua 4. Moses Mbye 5. Zac Cini 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou (capt.) 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Alex Twal 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue. Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Stefano Utoikamanu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Thomas Mikaele. Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam 19. Zane Musgrove 20. Tom Amone 21. Shawn Blore
Titans: 1. Alexander Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Beau Fermor 5. Phillip Sami 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tyrone Peachey. Bench: 14. Moeaki Fotuaika 15. Herman Ese'ese 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Erin Clark. Reserves: 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Tanah Boyd 20. Jayden Campbell 21. Esan Marsters
Verdict: The Tigers broke through for their second win of the season with a gutsy performance against the Dragons in Wollongong last week. The Titans raced to a 22-0 lead over the Broncos before they stopped tackled and were trampled. On paper the Titans should win this one, but the Titans have struggled to play up to expectations for most of the season. Last week's win could be the boost the Tigers need.
Tip: Tigers by 6
TAB odds: Tigers $2.45 (+4.5 $1.85) Titans $1.53 (-4.5 $1.95)
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:35pm (AEST)
Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Javid Bowen 4. Connelly Lemuelu 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Jake Clifford 8. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Shane Wright 12. Ben Condon 13. Jason Taumalolo. Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Lachlan Burr 16. Francis Molo 17. Corey Jensen. Reserves: 18. Peter Hola 19. Mitchell Dunn 20. Tom Gilbert 21. Kane Bradley
Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Xavier Coates 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Jesse Arthars 5. Corey Oates 6. Anthony Milford 7. Tyson Gamble 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Jordan Riki 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Patrick Carrigan. Bench: 14. Danny Levi 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Rhys Kennedy. Reserves: 18. Dale Copley 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Tesi Niu 21. John Asiata
Verdict: The Cowboys would have been disappointed with their effort against the Warriors last week despite a second-half fightback. The Broncos leaked 22 points in 16 minutes against the Titans before scoring 38 of their own for an unlikely win. The Cowboys will defend better than the Titans, but the confidence the Broncos gained out of last week's victory should see them home here.
Tip: Broncos by 8
TAB odds: Cowboys $1.50 (-5.5 $1.85) Broncos $2.55 (+5.5 $1.95)
Sunday, May 9
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. New Zealand Warriors, Lottoland, 2:00pm (AEST)
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Sean Keppie 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Josh Schuster 13. Jake Trbojevic. Bench: 14. Cade Cust 15. Moses Suli 16. Zac Saddler 17. Toafofoa Sipley. Reserves: 18. Ben Trbojevic 19. Tevita Funa 20. Christian Tuipulotu 21. Jorge Taufua
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Edward Kosi 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Reece Walsh 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Wayde Egan 10. Kane Evans 11. Josh Curran 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Tohu Harris. Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Bayley Sironen. Reserves: 18. Jack Murchie 20. Chanel Harris-Tavita 21. Tom Ale 22. Euan Aitken
Verdict: The Sea Eagles' brief winning run came to an end at the hands of the Panthers last week, while the Warriors held on to beat the Cowboys. This promises to be a great game, with the two fullbacks worth the price of a ticket alone. The only thing splitting these two might be the Brookvale venue, although that is nowhere near the fortress it used to be.
Tip: Sea Eagles by 6
TAB odds: Sea Eagles $1.42 (-6.5 $1.90) Warriors $2.80 (+6.5 $1.90)
Dragons: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Jack Bird 4. Tyrell Fuimaono 5. Max Feagai 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Kerr 12. Tariq Sims 13. Josh Mcguire. Bench: 14. Poasa Faamausili 15. Billy Burns 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Kaide Ellis. Reserves: 18. Jackson Ford 19. Junior Amone 20. Max Feagai 21. Adam Clune
Bulldogs: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Nick Cotric 3. Will Hopoate 4. Corey Allan 5. Nick Meaney 6. Jake Averillo 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Dylan Napa 9. Sione Katoa 10. Luke Thompson 11. Adam Elliott 12. Chris Smith 13. Corey Waddell. Bench: 14. Bradley Deitz 15. Renouf Atoni 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Matt Doorey. Reserves: 19. Lachlan Lewis 20. Joe Stimson 21. Tui Katoa 23. Ofahiki Ogden
Verdict: The Dragons have slumped after a promising start, losing their last two games to the Roosters and disappointingly the Tigers. Any improvements the Bulldogs made in their shock win over the Sharks were lost last week against the Eels. This game promises to be dismal, with the Dragons doing enough to win, unless they have gone completely off the rails opening themselves up to a Bulldogs ambush.
Tip: Dragons by 10
TAB odds: Dragons $1.30 (-9.5 $1.85) Bulldogs $3.40 (+9.5 $1.95)