NRL Round 9 Expert Tips & Predictions

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The NRL continues this week for Round 9 action, kicking off with the Bulldogs vs. Cowboys on Friday night.

We have NRL betting tips for every game in 2026, including this week’s featured games between the Dolphins vs. Storm, Roosters vs. Broncos, and Panthers vs. Sea Eagles.

Friday 1/5/26

6:00pm Bulldogs vs. Cowboys @ Accor Stadium

Betting Tip: Cowboys +3.5 @ $1.90

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The Cowboys have made their way into the top eight with a big win over the Sharks last week, and they could pounce on the struggling Bulldogs.

After being well-beaten in their last two games, the Bulldogs aren’t playing well, and they are there for the taking on Friday night.

Punters get $2.19 and a +3.5 start, which is worth including in NRL picks this week.

Cowboys by 4

8:00pm Dolphins vs. Storm @ Suncorp Stadium

Betting Tip: Dolphins -1.5 @ $1.90

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Having backed the Storm over the last few weeks, we can’t include them in picks after losing six straight games.

They are playing terribly, and although the Dolphins haven’t played well recently, they showed toughness to push the Warriors close last week.

A close game is expected but take the Dolphins to cover the spread at home.

Dolphins by 4

Saturday 2/5/26

3:00pm Titans vs. Raiders @ Cbus Super Stadium

Betting Tip: Raiders -2.5 @ $1.90

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The Raiders were hammered by the Tigers last week, but a quick bounce-back effort is expected against the Titans.

Bookmakers don’t have much between them, with the Raiders at -2.5, and although they’re not an easy team to predict, we believe they have more upside than the Titans.

They’re worth including in NRL picks this week.

Raiders by 6

5:30pm Eels vs. Warriors @ CommBank Stadium

Betting Tip: Warriors -7.5 @ $1.90

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The Warriors continued their winning run last week with a gutsy effort against the Dolphins, and another win looms against the Eels, who didn’t fire against the Sea Eagles.

There is no consistency with the Eels, who were great against the Bulldogs but showed little against the Sea Eagles, and based on that, the Warriors -7.5 is the play.

New Zealand is playing well, and that should be enough to see it post another win.

Warriors by 10

7:35pm Roosters vs. Broncos @ Allianz Stadium

Betting Tip: Broncos +8.5 @ $1.90

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Despite an injury crisis, the Broncos keep turning up and delivering for their fans, so we’re giving them the respect they deserve.

The defending NRL champions scored an easy win over the Bulldogs last week, and although they’ll need to defend well to hold out an in-form Roosters outfit, they are capable.

It’s next man up for the Broncos, so take the +8.5 line.

Broncos by 2

Sunday 3/5/26

2:00pm Knights vs. Rabbitohs @ McDonald Jones Stadium

Betting Tip: Rabbitohs -6.5 @ $1.90

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Most of the early money has come for the Knights, but after getting well-beaten by the Panthers last week, we can’t include them in our NRL picks.

We would rather bet on the Rabbitohs, who smashed Melbourne last week, and they look like a strong chance to win the premiership.

Covering a -6.5 spread can be tricky, but we would much rather back the Rabbits.

Rabbitohs by 10

4:05pm Sharks vs. Wests Tigers @ Ocean Protect Stadium

Betting Tip: Sharks -4.5 @ $1.90

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Consistency continues to frustrate the Sharks after losing again last week, but we fancy their chances against the Wests Tigers.

There have been off-field distractions with Larome Luai meeting with the PNG team officials, and that could see the Tigers’ form slip over the next few weeks.

If the Sharks are anywhere near their best, they should win and cover the spread.

Sharks by 8

6:15pm Panthers vs. Sea Eagles @ CommBank Stadium

Betting Tip: Sea Eagles +12.5 @ $1.90

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Covering spreads against the Panthers isn’t easy, but the Sea Eagles are playing well enough to keep it close on Sunday night.

They were too good for the Eels last week, and although the Panthers are a much tougher team, we expect a competitive affair.

Take the line before money comes for them.

Panthers by 8

Keen to compare bookies? Our punters have rated every one of the NRL betting sites, plus the full list of Australian bookmakers. Joining a new bookie this week? The EliteBet code GOBET500 has the sign-up details.

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl Curnow was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.