Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys – Thursday night – PointsBet Stadium

The Cowboys showed enough desperation to hold on in a tight contest against the Knights in round 8. Like Principal Skinner when he lost his job, they needed that, they really did. So I'm giving them points for trying, because if there's one thing your fans want, it's to know that your team is trying. While the game was tense and interesting, it was also one of the poorest quality games of the round (and possibly the poorest). That's a concern, particularly on a fairly short turnaround and a road trip to Sydney. The Sharks are likely to name the same line-up that defeated the Bulldogs last start. Their defence is still an issue, but their attack is scoring points as well as anyone. Nicho Hynes continues to press for a NSW origin berth (although he's most likely to claim an interchange spot given his utility value). I'm with the Sharks in a high-scoring contest, and the scores could be even higher if Mulitalo is careful with his giant hands. 

Verdict – Sharks by 8

Result – Sharks 44 defeated Cowboys 6

Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights – Friday night – CommBank Stadium

With reference to my Thursday preview, that Knights game in round 8 was poor on quality. While they were competitive and it was great to see Kalyn Ponga get through the game, they'll need to be better than that if they hope to play finals football this season. The Eels lost to the Broncos in Darwin, but that form looks stronger than a loss to the Cowboys. The loss of Reagan Campbell-Gillard can't be underestimated, but I'll back the next man up (probably Makahesi Makatoa) to get the job done. That they are playing at home has to help.

Verdict – Eels by 7

Result – Eels 43 defeated Knights 12

Brisbane Broncos vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium

When Adam Reynolds was 30, he was moved on by the only club he ever knew because he was considered too old. That club have just announced the signing of 30 year old Jack Wighton on a four year deal. Hardly seems fair, but none of us should be weighed down by all the little things that are unfair. That said, I'm expecting a big game from Reynolds, particularly now that Ezra Mam is unavailable. Reynolds will be joined in the halves by Jock Madden who (I believe) makes his Broncos debut this week. The Broncos have also lost Oates, but they've coped in his absence for much of the season. Arthars slots back in on the wing and won't miss a beat. What's harder is replacing the suspended Payne Haas - I doubt there's many humans on earth that can do what he does. With his absence, the Broncos will be up against it in the forwards against one of the best packs in the NRL. Tevita Tatola returns for the Bunnies too, and his inclusion has me leaning toward the visitors. There's match ups all over the joint that are interesting in this, but who doesn't want to see Reece Walsh vs Latrell Mitchell in the battle of the fullbacks. That's priceless, and this is the game of the round.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 1

Result – Rabbitohs 32 defeated Broncos 6

Canberra Raiders vs Redcliffe Dolphins – Saturday afternoon – McDonalds Park, Wagga

Adam Reynolds may not be chuffed about the Wighton news, but the Raiders are properly furious. He's taking a pay cut and letting them shunt him out to a less important position, and he still said yes, apparently because he wants to play for a team that might achieve something. Ouch! Perhaps the Raiders will be better off in the long term, and they'll have $4.4 million they can spend on others. They've taken this home game on the road, but it's a fairly short road trip to Wagga. Wighton will be playing so I imagine he will want to show his current team mates he still cares. Note that Jordan Rapana returns from injury for this game, and I expect his head will look a bit like a baseball after all that stitching. The Dolphins get Kenny Bromwich back this week but otherwise have a fairly settled line-up. I must admit I gave up on them a little last week, but I'm thankful I didn't give up entirely. Just another great moment in this inaugural NRL season for the Dolphins. How did I ever watch this competition without them? I'm with the Raiders in this. I think Wighton will have a game, but I'm tipping them primarily because they are coming off the bye and should be fresh and ready to fire.

Verdict – Raiders by 4

​​​​​​​Result – Raiders 31 defeated Dolphins 30

Manly Sea Eagles vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday night – 4 Pines Park

There's some chance I broke my brain because I'm really keen on the Titans in this. That's right, the team that capitulated and gave up a 26-0 lead last start. That's right, the team that struggle away from home taking on a team with a very good record at their fortress. That's right, against the team currently second on the ladder. I'd be surprised if they risk Turbo on Saturday night, and if they do there's every chance he won't finish the game anyway. Manly will also be missing Schuster and Parker so their backline will be a bit higgledy-piggledy. Foran will be keen to show up his old club and if the Titans can score some points they (hopefully) won't put the cue in the rack like they did in round eight. They're the outsider, and I'm tipping like a dead cat this season, but: 

Verdict – Titans by 4

​​​​​​​Result – Titans 26 defeated Sea Eagles 10

Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – Carrington Park, Bathurst

The Panthers are managing a few injuries this season, and Cleary won't be goalkicking again on Saturday night, but their problems are small fry compared with the deep-seated issues undermining the Wests Tigers. At least they're trying, but their fans deserve better. Former Panther Brent Naden returns and adds speed and chaos in the Tigers backline, but they simply don't have the cattle right now.

Verdict – Panthers by 14

​​​​​​​Result – Tigers 12 defeated Panthers 8

New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

Changes galore for the Warriors but I'll start with the good news. Wayde Egan is back on Sunday and that helps a lot. Unfortunately they have lost Tohu Harris, Jazz Tevaga and Nicoll-Klokstad to injuries. Even more unfortunately the concussion protocols and the quirk of the draw means Nicoll-Klokstad is stood down for two games instead of one. Hardly fair. You'd think we'd cut the Warriors some slack after they single-handedly saved the NRL through the COVID years. Anyhoo they're up against the Roosters here who found a way to beat the Dragons on ANZAC Day even though they scored less tries. That's the thing about the good teams - they find ways to win games other teams wouldn't win. They're likely to win this too.

Verdict – Roosters by 4

​​​​​​​Result – Roosters 14 defeated Warriors 0

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Once again we have two teams that aren't having great seasons, but at least their fans can see that they are trying. I imagine the pressure is on the Dragons (and their coach) to win this game at home against a depleted Bulldogs outfit. On paper they should, providing they can bounce back from the disappointment of the narrow defeat on ANZAC Day. The Bulldogs have gone through the archival footage and brought back Josh Reynolds in the halves. He replaces the regularly maligned Flanagan. It's tough being a halfback if you aren't in a winning team. I adore Josh Reynolds, but If he is the answer I'm not convinced the Bulldogs understand the question. Perhaps he's the only answer available - quality halfbacks don't just grow on trees. 

Verdict – Dragons by 8

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Result – Bulldogs 18 defeated Dragons 16

Wally Lewis - round nine selections (in bold)

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

• SHARKS vs Cowboys
• EELS vs Knights
• BRONCOS vs Rabbitohs
• Raiders vs DOLPHINS
• SEA EAGLES vs Titans
• PANTHERS vs Tigers
• Warriors vs ROOSTERS
• DRAGONS vs Bulldogs