Preston’s previews: NRL Round 9

It was a huge week of football in Round 8 with the majority of teams delivering fantastic performances to honour the Anzac diggers.

There were however a string of disappointing performances from the likes of Souths and the Wests Tigers. These two teams are first off the rank for Round 9.

Last week’s tips – 7/8, running tip total: 39/64 (average 4.9/8 per week)

Souths versus Tigers
South’s have finally toppled out of the top eight and deservedly so. For mine they are the biggest under-performers of 2016. A star-studded roster that has been incredibly average for the majority of the season, Brisbane completely outclassed them in Round 8 and they haven’t put in a decent performance since Round 5 against Manly.

This match looms as a make or break moment for the season and with a full strength squad to select from there can be no complaints if they fail.

What to say about the Tigers? Last week they offered quite literally the worst performance I have seen from the club since the merger and that says a lot. While the Raiders were a 10/10 the Tigers offered zero defiance, especially Luke Brooks who was rolled over for five tries as the Raiders had a field day against the Tigers left side defence.

Jason Taylor has again resisted making changes stating that the second-tier salary cap prevents such a thing. While this is partially true there are still several changes he could make.

Jordan Rankin has tried hard but offers next to no punch. Justin Hunt has been killing it in the NSW Cup and is part of the top 25. Unfortunately the outstanding Josh Addo-Carr is not part of the top 25.

Jack Littlejohn was impressive in Round 1 for the Tigers and has been excellent in the past for Manly. At the moment Luke Brooks would struggle to make a difference playing in reserve grade such is his form and perhaps a player such as Littlejohn – who again is part of the top 25 – could be considered. Unfortunately the second tier cap also restricts Josh Drinkwater.

The Tigers should be fired up ready to make amends and could surprise many by defeating South’s but at the moment they are more likely to challenge the Knights for the wooden spoon.

Tip: Souths 1-12

Eels versus Dogs
The Eels have been terrific in 2016 and a trip to 1300Smiles Stadium was always likely to produce a frown for the boys from Parramatta. Back at home for Round 9 they will receive a huge boost from a vocal supporter base as they look to defeat the Dogs for the second time in 2016 following their 20-6 victory in Round 3.
It was a rare victory for the Eels who traditionally struggle over the Dogs; they have recorded just two wins from their last 11 clashes with the boys from Belmore.

The Dogs may well be a tad fatigued with a 6-day turn around after extra time against the Titans. You can similarly expect this match to come down to the wire in what I am predicting will be the best match of the round alongside Sharks v Broncos.

Tip: Eels 1-12

Panthers versus Raiders
Despite being set in freezing Bathhurst this should be a red-hot match up. The Panthers as I have maintained since about Round 3 have been one of the better sides in the competition despite their 12th placed standing on the ladder.

They have pushed each and every one of their opponents, whether winning or losing, to the final whistle. Their incredible performance against the Sharks last week was no different.

It is interesting to note the Panthers form this season. Since their first victory in Round 3 they have followed a strict win followed by a loss and repeat cycle. They are yet to record back to back victories but have only suffered back to back defeats in Rounds 1 and 2.

This could be trouble for the Raiders given if this trend is anything to go by it should be a Panthers victory. However, the Raiders were able to stave off the Panthers in Round 1 and the cold conditions could well play into their hands. They will also be chomping at the bit to prove that their demolition of the Tigers last round was no fluke.

The Panthers welcome back James Segeyaro but he will have his work cut out for him against the form rake of the competition in Josh Hodgson. Expect the Panthers to make this another close contest.

Tip: Raiders 1-12

Roosters versus Knights
Mark Round 9 down as the resurgence of the Roosters. If there was a match to prove they can salvage their season this is it. They welcome back big guns Mitchell Pearce and Jared Warea Hargraves for the first time this season and Boyd Cordner’s return last week has already shown a stark improvement in their forward pack.

Isaac Lui’s return from injury also see’s the Chooks backline strengthen as Mitchell Aubusson now slots into the centres. Put simply this is by far the best squad the Roosters have named in 2016.

Despite the Tigers woes the Knights are still firm favourites for the spoon in my mind. They tried hard against Manly in Round 8 but the only thing they got out of the match was a long term injury to their key playmaker Jarred Mullen.

The Roosters will not pass up this opportunity to jump off the bottom of the ladder.

Tip: Roosters 13+

Manly versus Cowboys
The Sea Eagles have been steadily improving each week and deservedly find themselves in the top eight for the first time since the competition ladder became stable. If ever there was a chance to topple the reigning premiers this is it with a big crowd expected at Brookvale Oval and with the side having won three of it’s last five. Daly Cherry-Evans should also be firing on all cylinders after his return match against Newcastle.

The Cowboys have once again named an unchanged outfit to the side that outlasted Parramatta in Round 8. The Cowboys are a pillar of consistency and quality and a big match from Lachlan Coote could well secure him an unlikely origin berth.

Manly holds a 6-4 winning record against the Cowboys in their last 10 fixtures. Interestingly the two sides have only met at Brookvale once in the past 10 fixtures, it was in fact their last match up (2015, Round 19), the Cowboys were successful on that occasion with an 18 point margin.

Tip: Cowboys 1-12

Warriors versus Dragons
The Warriors were atrocious against Melbourne. Not a single player looked remotely dangerous which is concerning given the talent in the roster. Now they face even more hardship as their best forward Simon Mannering has been ruled out and their x-factor Tui Lolohea is also missing for this match.

The Dragons were tough against the Roosters and have now managed to score 39 points in their past two performances (19.5 points per game). While that doesn’t sound like a lot it’s only one point less than what they managed in their first six fixtures – 6.6 points per game.

A glaring statisitic for the Warriors is that the Dragons have defeated them in their past seven fixtures dating back to 2011. Euan Aitken’s return will also help to strengthen the Dragons and the Warriors will find it tough to score points once again.

Tip: Dragons 1-12

Titans versus Storm
The Titans continue to surprise many, they put in a tremendous performance to push the Dogs to extra time only to be denied by a Josh Reynolds field goal.

The Storm produced by far their best performance of the season, flattening the Warriors 42-0. Everything they touched turned to gold and the performance of their outside backs was something special.

The Titans have traditionally struggled against the Storm winning just two of their past ten against the Victorian club, including a 1-3 record at Cbus Super Stadium.

Tip: Storm 13+

Sharks versus Broncos
The final match of Round 9 is an absolute blockbuster. The Sharks have been strong every round and their performance against Penrith was outstanding.

The Broncos put the bunnies to the sword in Round 8 but it came at a cost as influential hooker Andrew McCullough injured his hamstring and will be missing for this clash.

Surprisingly the Sharks actually have a good record against the table topping Broncos winning three of their last four dating back to 2012.

The match up between Chad Townsend and Ben Hunt is truly mouthwatering and if the Sharks half outplays his Broncos counterpart he could well find himself as an origin dark horse.

Tip: Sharks 1-12