The Cronulla Sharks will look to build a three-match winning streak when they open Round 9 of the NRL against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Arguably the match of the round will come on Friday night as the ladder-leading Brisbane Broncos host an in-form South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Elsewhere, the St. George Illawarra Dragons and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will do battle as both sides look to move up the table.
Here are The Sporting News’ betting predictions for Round 9.
Odds courtesy of Bluebet.
MORE: NRL team lists: Every side's confirmed lineup for Round 9
Sharks to hammer underwhelming Cowboys
After an inconsistent start to 2023, the Cronulla Sharks appear to have regained their rhythm.
They face a struggling North Queensland Cowboys side on Thursday night, who haven't been able to replicate their results of last year.
Despite taking the win in Newcastle last week, it was still a lacklustre performance from Todd Payten's side.
At a raucous Shark Park, we think the men in blue run away with this one.
Cronulla Sharks 13+ - $2.10
Wingers to feast in Eels vs. Knights
The wingers from both the Parramatta Eels and Newcastle Knights have thrived this season, and we expect more of the same when they face off on Friday.
Maika Sivo is always a try-scoring threat, particularly when playing in front of his home fans at CommBank Stadium.
As for the visitors, Greg Marzhew is in a strong chance to add to his current six-try haul.
The Eels concede 40% of tries down their right-hand side (per Stats Insider), so look for Marzhew to take advantage.
Maika Sivo anytime tryscorer - $1.57 / Greg Marzhew anytime tryscorer - $2.10 / Multi - $3.50
Rabbitohs to take advantage of depleted Broncos
Despite sitting top of the table, the Brisbane Broncos come into this home match as underdogs due to a number of key omissions.
Corey Oates, Ezra Mam and Dally M Medal leader Payne Haas will all miss this clash, handing the advantage to the visiting South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Whilst they are without key forward Keaon Koloamatangi, their starting 17 is in good shape, and confidence will be high after last round's impressive win over the reigning champions, the Penrith Panthers.
We believe the Bunnies have enough to beat the Broncos by more than a try at Suncorp Stadium.
South Sydney Rabbitohs -4.5 - $1.95
Dragons and Bulldogs to play out a tight one
Coming into this match, both teams are tied on six points and would greatly benefit from a win as they aim to spark a potential finals push.
The St. George Illawarra Dragons are fresh off a frustrating - yet promising - defeat to the Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day.
Their young core - headlined by Tyrell Sloan - is a threat to a number of teams, and could come to life against an injury-ravaged Canterbury Bulldogs side.
The Bulldogs themselves also have youthful, exciting players, but will face an uphill battle on Sunday.
We're predicting the Dragons to break their three-match losing run on this occasion, although it may be a narrow victory.
St. George Illawarra Dragons 1-12 - $3.05
