The 2024 NRL season is set to be tight, with plenty of player movement during the offseason as clubs hope to turn their fortunes around or maintain their dominance. Tipping eight winners each weekend is going to be near impossible, so each week we'll give you some extra help with three standout games.
The sure thing
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Penrith Panthers, Accor Stadium, Thursday May 2, 7:50pm (AEST)
Picking the Dolphins as the sure thing last weekend is a lesson that will not soon be forgotten. It is why this week I returned to the competition's surest of sure things, the Panthers. Penrith had a tough time of it in Townsville last week against the Cowboys, struggling to hold onto the ball and only saved by their incredible defence. The Rabbitohs were absolutely trampled by the Storm on Anzac Day.
The Bunnies have now sacked coach Jason Demetriou after the players appeared to have given up on the season. There is usually a pick up in attitude after a coach sacking, but it is hard to see that being enough to challenge the premiers. Even at their very best in recent years, the Panthers have always proven to be a bridge to far for Souths.
If they simply go through the motions, as they did against the Storm last week, Souths could be in for another embarrassing hiding.
Round 9 sure thing: Panthers
The toss of the coin
Brisbane Broncos vs. Sydney Roosters, Suncorp Stadium, Friday May 3, 8pm (AEST)
The Broncos didn't have it easy last week against the Tigers, but proved to be too good in the end. The Roosters looked to be back to their best form in their big Anzac Day win over the Dragons.
The Roosters were the better team when these two opened the season in Las Vegas, but have been inconsistent since. The Broncos have some big name players back with one game under their belts, but it is not clear how free of injury halfback Adam Reynolds is.
In front of a packed Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos should get up, but as the name suggests, this game could go either way.
Toss of the coin game winner: Broncos
The roughie
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Canberra Raiders, 4 Pines Park, Friday May 3, 6pm (AEST)
This roughie pick has been correct for the past two weeks, thanks to tipping against the Warriors both times. It is tempting to go against them again, as I think the Knights might beat them, but surely they have to turn things around eventually.
The Raiders were supposed to give the Sharks a real run last week, but were humiliated at home. They would have copped it all week from coach Ricky Stuart and will arrive at Brookvale fired up for a complete form reversal against the Sea Eagles.
The Sea Eagles weren't completely convincing last week in beating the Eels and this week they'll face the scolded Raiders, without key forward Haumole Olakau'atu.
If the Raiders don't put in a much-improved effort in this game, you can just about write them off as serious finals contenders.
Round 9 roughie: Raiders
Click here for a full guide to Round 9 of the 2024 NRL season