Anzac round is over and what a round it was! The entire round was filled with quality games but in particular, both Anzac Day games delivered, with the Dragons almost making an incredible comeback while a bruised and battered Warriors showed heart at AAMI Park, despite the loss. We’ve got only 1 day without footy until next round, so stay tuned if you want to find value in the market across all 8 NRL games this week!
NRL 2023 Round 9
Sharks vs Cowboys
Kicking off the round we have a top 4 clash from 2022 as the Sharks host the Cowboys. While both sides are currently outside the top 4, they both picked up important wins last week, with the Sharks beating the Bulldogs while the Cowboys just edged the Knights in a 2-point thriller.
Both sides are almost at full fitness with the Sharks missing Finucane who is suspended for one more week and Toby Rudolf missing with a foot injury while the Cowboys are missing star enforcer Jason Taumalolo. While the Cowboys have been poor to start the season, they seem to be regaining some form, with Valentine Holmes finding that spark that he has been missing. While I do agree that the Sharks are the better outfit, I think the Cows keep this one close and the line should be closer than the bookies suggest.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
 | Under 41.5 | $1.90 |
 | Cowboys +10.5 | $1.90 |
 | Sharks Team Toal Under 24.5 | $1.95 |
Predicted Squads
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron Mcinnes 14. Wade Graham, 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazleton
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan Mclean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Tom Chester 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Mitchell Dunn
Eels vs Knights
The Eels host the Knights on Friday Night at CommBank Stadium as both sides will be eager for a win. Last week both sides fell short in close contests, with the Eels threatening a late comeback but ultimately falling short vs the Broncos while the Knights lost to the Cowboys by 2.
The Eels side are without their meter eater, Reagan Cambpell-Gillard due to a groin injury as a result of a hip drop tackle from Payne Haas, while the Knights are welcoming Kalyn Ponga back to the starting 13, after a good outing off the bench last week. Historically this fixture has been dominated by the Eels, winning the last 6 in a row with 4 going under the current total of 41.5. Both sides have shown solid defense to start the season, and I think this should continue on Friday night. I think this should be another very tight affair.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Under 41.5 | $1.90 |
| Knights to win | $2.85 |
| Knights +8.5 | $1.82 |
Predicted Squads
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Wiremu Grieg 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Brendan Hands 16. Matt Doorey 17. Makahesi Makatoa
Knights: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Matt Croker 17. Jack Hetherington
Broncos vs Rabbitohs
We have a true heavyweight clash on Friday night as the high-flying Broncos host an inform Rabbitohs side. Both these teams are looking nearly impossible to beat with the Rabbitohs winning their last 3, while the Broncos have only lost once all season.
While both sides looked incredibly impressive last week, the Broncos will not be the same side. They have lost Payne Haas and Ezra Mam to suspension while the Rabbitohs are welcoming back Tevita Tatola from an injury. The bookies have this one close to even, but I think the firepower of the inform Rabbitohs should be too much for an undermanned Broncos side.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Halftime Fulltime Double – Rabbitohs/Rabbitohs | $2.50 |
| Rabbitohs -1.5 | $1.85 |
| Rabbitohs to win | $1.75 |
Predicted Squads
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Keenan Palasia 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Corey Jenses 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. ITaane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Jai Arrow 11. Michael Chee Kam12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Davvy Moale 16. Hame Sele 17. Thomas Burgess
Raiders vs Dolphins
Starting off the weekend we have the Raiders taking on the Dolphins. The Raiders will be well rested and looking for revenge as the Dolphins beat them in round 2, while the Dolphins will still be celebrating their comeback, as they somehow won from 26-0 down against the Titans.
The Raiders will be welcoming back Jordan Rapana on the left edge who will take the spot of the injured Nick Cotric. The Dolphins attack has been on fire this year, scoring over 22 points a game, however, they struggle in defense, conceding even more. The Raiders haven’t been great this season, but teams coming off the bye are 5-2 so far this season, and I think this one should be a very close, high scoring affair.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Either team by 6 or less | $2.80 |
| Jamayne Isaako any time try scorer | $2.00 |
| Over 43.5 | $1.91 |
Predicted Squads
Raiders: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jared Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Corey Harawira-Naera
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Robert Jennings 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marhsall-King 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Herma Ese’ese
Sea Eagles vs Titans
The Sea Eagles host the Titans as both sides are coming off very strange results last week. Manly edged the Tigers by 6 points, in what really was quite a poor performance, which is nothing in comparison to the Titans let a 26-point lead slip!
While Manly did manage to get the victory, they did suffer some losses. Tom Trbjoevic does not look fit and is battling a groin injury, while Brad Parker is out due to a knee injury, furthering their backline injury crisis. Despite the loss, AJ Brimson looked electric on his return at fullback and should continue to cause teams problems with his pace through the middle. This is a hard game to pick, but with the doubt surrounding Tom Trbojevic, I think it may be a lower scoring game with the Titans having a real shot here.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Titans +12.5 | $1.45 |
| Under 46.5 | $1.87 |
| Titans +7.5 | $1.91 |
Predicted Squads
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Reuben Garrick 4. Morgan Harper 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Cooper Johns 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Karl Lawton 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Sean Keppie 17. Toafofoa Sipley
Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiano Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Klese Haas 17. Joe Vuna
Panthers vs Tigers
Rounding out Super Saturday, we have the Panthers hosting the Tigers. The Panthers fell short last week, losing their grand final rematch against the Rabbitohs, despite a Stephen Crichton masterclass, while Tigers came up short against Manly.
This one is a David vs Goliath matchup with the back-to-back premiers facing a winless side, and it would be hard to argue a case for David here. Cleary did not kick goals last week due to a groin issue, and with Cogger on the extended bench, there is a chance he is rested this week. Even without Cleary, the Panthers should be far too classy for a Tigers side that is improving week to week, yet still is missing the attacking flair needed to win games. I don’t see too many points for the Tigers here.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Tigers to score 3+ tries - No | $1.60 |
| Sunia Turuva ant time try scorer | $1.83 |
| Under 42.5 | $1.87 |
Predicted Squads
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matthew Eisenhuth 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Linday Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. Brent Naden 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamano 9. Api Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Alex Twal 17. Tommy Talau
Warriors vs Roosters
The Warriors host the Roosters on Sunday at Mount Smart Stadium, with both teams having a short 5-day turnaround due to Anzac Day. The Warriors were extremely courageous in defeat, fighting until the end against Melbourne, despite having no players on the bench. On the other hand, the Roosters almost let a 20-6 halftime lead slip, only winning thanks to a Luke Keary field goal.
Coming into this game, the Warriors have been the far more impressive side, yet their injury toll truly is devastating. The Warriors will be without Nicoll-Klokstad, Harris, Tevaga and Dylan Walker, who are all key playmakers or veteran forwards. The Roosters are regaining troops, with Nat Butcher returning from suspension while Angus Crichton and Sitili Tupouniua get their 2nd games each. I think the experience of the Roosters side should be too much for an injury-depleted Warriors.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Roosters -5.5 | $1.85 |
| Halftime/Fulltime double – Roosters/Roosters | $1.86 |
| Corey Allan any time try score | $2.33 |
Predicted Squads
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Josh Curran 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Bailey Sironen 16. Tom Ale 17. Viliame Vailea
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Corey Allan 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Joseph Manu 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Angus Crichton 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Matt Lodge
Dragons vs Bulldogs
Ending off the round, we have the Dragons hosting the Bulldogs. Both sides are struggling this season, with the Dragons 2-5, sitting at 14th place while the Bulldogs are 3-5, sitting at 16th place. Despite the poor ladder position, the Dragons have been unlucky, losing 3 of their 5 games by 6 points or less.
The Dragons definitely will take lots of positives from their game against the Roosters, with Sloan, Suli and Amone all looking extremely threatening. This Dragons side is still young, with all 3 mentioned players 24 or younger, and should continue to develop throughout the season. The Bulldogs welcome Josh Reynolds back into the starting side, in place of Kyle Flannagan and it will be interesting to see his partnership with Burton. I think this one should be relatively close, filled with lots of attack and minimal defense.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Either team by 6 or less | $2.70 |
| Over 40.5 | $1.87 |
| Either team by 1-12 | $1.70 |
Predicted Squads
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Max Feagai 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Michael Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jack Bird 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Toby Couchman 16. Jaiyden Hunt 17. Josh Kerr
Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Declan Casey 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Braidon Burns 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Matt Burton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Corey Wadell 12. Jacob Preston 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Jayden Okunbor 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Ryan Sutton
