South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium

It seems a long time ago, but it wasn't, when the Rabbitohs and Tigers were at the top of the table. Both teams won their first two games of the season, and by convincing margins. The Bunnies scored 90 points in their first two outings, but they haven't scored 20 points in a game since. The Tigers scored 70 points in their first two outings, and have scored 20 points in a game just once since. I'm no mathemagician, but if you want to win games you need to be scoring points. Last weekend the Tigers conceded 60 in what will probably be their low water mark in season 2016 - at least I hope it was. We're likely to see a Dead Tigger Bounce on Thursday night but how high can Tigger bounce? These two teams have managed just one win between them in the last six rounds, but at least the Bunnies had a go last Friday night. Clearly the Tigers put the cue in the rack against the Raiders, and that's not rugby league. Not the rugby league I like I tells ya. Neither team can be tipped with confidence but I can't the Tigers full stop.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4

Result - Tigers 30 defeated Rabbitohs 22

Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – ANZ Stadium

These sides met back in round three on this night at this venue, and the Eels absolutely dominated. The Bulldogs scored a consolation try to make the score (look) respectable, but all respect was with the Eels that night. Their forwards were expected to crumble under Bulldog pressure but crumble they did not. What makes that performance even more impressive is that they were without Nathan Peats and Manu Ma'u in that game, and both players are lacing on boots on Friday. Semi 'The Big Australian' Radradra scored two tries in round three in one of his best performances thus far. Given his recent call-up to national honours another big game wouldn't surprise. The Bulldogs are hard to get a read on this season - they drift in and out of games like a truck driver 42 hours into a 48 hour shift. If they're on they'll win, but they're on less often than Bert Newton at the minute.

Verdict – Eels by 8

Result - Eels 20 defeated Bulldogs 12

Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday afternoon – Carrington Park

Last week I pointed out how much the Panthers were scoring every round. They maintained the pattern in round 8 so I may as well point it out again - 22, 16, 23, 12, 20, 18, 16, 18. It doesn't seem to matter whether they're playing the Broncos or the Roosters, the Panthers score about the same number of points every game. The Raiders usually score more points than that, including in round one when they beat the Panthers 30-22 in Canberra. Now this game isn't in Canberra but it's not in Penrith either. Segeyaro returns this week, with Wallace switching back to the halves to replace the injured Martin. That's a darn good spine the Panthers have there (Segeyaro, Wallace, Soward and Moylan), but it might take them a week or two to gel. The Raiders are outsiders but backable at the price.

Verdict – Raiders by 2

Result - Panthers 19 defeated Raiders 18

Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday night – Allianz Stadium

I've an uneasy feeling saying this, but the Roosters are rolled-gold, lock-of-the-week, get-in-the-queue, red-spot specials this week. Everyone's favourite dog handler is back and he's bringing Waerea-Hargreaves with him. Those two will be desperate to get off the leash and onto the field. Here's to you Mrs Robinson had a bit of a spray after the ANZAC Day game, but let's be blunt - when you let your opponent get out to an 18-0 lead you can't afford a single dud call from an official. Laugh about it shout about it when you've got to choose. Every way you look at it you lose. The Knights have named a squad of 20 for this game so it's hard to know what their team will look like, but they haven't named Mullen and this very young Knights side will struggle without an experienced organiser and playmaker.

Verdict – Roosters by 20

Result - Roosters 38 defeated Knights 0

Manly Sea Eagles vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – Brookvale Oval

The big news leading into this game is that Sea Eagles captain Jamie Lyon has announced he will retire at the end of this season so he can focus on representative footy. Hyuk hyuk hyuk....I like that one....well done Thinker old chap. Regardless of whatever sense of occasion the Lyon announcement brings, the Cowboys are too good. Far too good.

Verdict – Cowboys by 10

Result - Cowboys 34 defeated Sea Eagles 18

New Zealand Warriors vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

It looks like those bookies are going to let me back the Dragons again this weekend. Granted they have to travel all the way from Sydney to Auckland, but the Warriors have to travel all the way from Melbourne to Auckland. If this game were in Sydney I suspect the Dragons would be favourites, but the Dragons have won 6 from 9 at Mt Smart. In fact, the Dragons have only lost to the Warriors four times anywhere. Warriors coach Andrew McFadden shook the cage and told everyone to lift their game or else. That didn't work last time and I've no reason to believe it will work this time. Mannering out. Lolohea out. I can't have them.

Verdict – Dragons by 4

Result - Warriors 26 defeated Dragons 10

Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium

The Storm haven't unleased in attack too often this season, but they did last week and they did in round two when they played the Titans in Melbourne. Billy Slater was a late withdrawal from that game and the virtually unknown Curtis Scott stepped in to fill the void. A 42-0 victory last round is difficult to ignore, even if the opposition that day was questionable. While the Titans have shown plenty of competitive spirit in recent weeks they've still lost four games in a row. I've no doubt they'll be competitive again this Sunday, but they're facing a team who know how to win the close games better than anyone else.

Verdict – Storm by 1

Result - Storm 38 defeated Titans 0 

Cronulla Sharks vs Brisbane Broncos – Sunday afternoon – Southern Cross Group Stadium

Those in the Shire are getting a little bit excited about their team in season 2016...and that's okay. They're winning games and they're playing with an expansive flair that we haven't seen from Cronulla for many years. But....and there's always a but, the Broncos have conceded just one try in their last three games. Cronulla are one of the form teams in the competition but the Broncos are the form team in the competition. Nikorima will be tested by the Cronulla forwards in the nine jersey as he takes on more minutes, but the return of Alex Glenn for the visitors eases some of my concerns on that front. It's the game of the round and it will go to the wire. Broncos...just

Verdict – Broncos by 4

Result - Sharks 30 defeated Broncos 28

Wally Lewis - round nine selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

• RABBITOHS vs Tigers
• EELS vs Bulldogs
• PANTHERS vs Raiders
• ROOSTERS vs Knights
• Sea Eagles vs COWBOYS
• WARRIORS vs Dragons
• Titans vs STORM
• Sharks vs BRONCOS