NRL 2026 team lists: Every side’s predicted lineup for Round 9
No Thursday night NRL this week with all eyes on Game I of the Women’s State of Origin series in Newcastle.
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Round 9 instead begins on Friday with the Bulldogs hosting the Cowboys in Sydney and the Dolphins welcoming a desperate Storm side to Suncorp Stadium.
Saturday’s action starts on the Gold Coast before two matches in Sydney headlined by the heavyweight Roosters-Broncos clash at Allianz.
A Sunday triple-header concludes with the Panthers tackling the Sea Eagles at CommBank Stadium.
The Dragons have the bye and a guaranteed two points.
NRL 2026 — ROUND 9
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. North Queensland Cowboys
(Friday, May 1 at Accor Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
Canterbury predicted team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jonathan Sua
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton (c)
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Samuel Hughes
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Leo Thompson
11. Josh Curran
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Lipoi Hopoi
17. Jake Turpin
18. Logan Spinks
19. Jethro Rinakama
Bulldogs team news:
Viliame Kikau suffered a pectoral injury against the Broncos and could be out for several weeks with Logan Spinks likely to come into the 19 in his place.
Reserve forward Harry Hayes has copped a one-week ban for his trip on Adam Reynolds, but teammate Stephen Crichton escaped with a fine and is free to play.
North Queensland predicted team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Tom Chester
5. Zac Laybutt
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden (c)
8. Coen Hess
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter (c)
14. Soni Luke
15. Sam McIntyre
16. Thomas Mikaele
17. Griffin Neame
18. Matthew Lodge
19. Robert Derby
Cowboys team news:
Only just back after missing Round 7 with head knock Murray Taulagi failed an HIA against the Sharks and is on the sidelines again. The rep winger is expected to be out for multiple weeks with Zac Laybutt or Robert Derby in line to take his place.
Dolphins vs. Melbourne Storm
(Friday, May 1at Suncorp Stadium, 8:00pm AEST)
Dolphins predicted team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Selwyn Cobbo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Brad Schneider
7. Isaiya Katoa (c)
8. Tom Gilbert (c)
9. Jeremy Marshall-King*
10. Francis Molo
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Max Plath
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Tom Flegler
16. Felise Kaufusi
17. Ray Stone
18. Trai Fuller
19. Tevita Naufahu
Dolphins team news:
Kodi Nikorima remains out through suspension but Kurt Donoghoe and Jeremy Marshall-King are both possible additions.
Stand in five eighth Jake Averillo was taken to hospital with a serious hand injury and is in doubt with Brad Schneider set to wear the No.6 jersey.
Morgan Knowles was ruled out of Round 8 with a recurring calf injury and could be touch and go to return this week.
Winger Jack Bostock made a try-scoring return from his ACL rupture in Q Cup and is nearing his first NRL start of 2026, potentially seeing Selwyn Cobbo shift into the centres in the likely absence of Averillo.
Melbourne predicted team:
1. Sua Fa’alogo
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Hugo Peel
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant (c)
10. Josh King
11. Ativalu Lisati*
12. Cooper Clark
13. Trent Loiero
14. Moses Leo
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Shawn Blore
17. Joe Chan
18. Jack Hetherington
19. Davvy Moale
Storm team news:
Things are going from bad to worse for the Storm. What does Craig Bellamy do ahead of a must-win away clash with the Dolphins?
One forced change is the absence of Jahrome Hughes who failed an HIA and is likely to be replaced by Tyran Wishart.
There have also been a few whispers around Hugo Peel who may come into the backline.
Ativalu Lisati is close to a return from a calf strain while rep winger Xavier Coates is still at least a week away.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Canberra Raiders
(Saturday, May 2 at Cbus Super Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)
Gold Coast predicted team:
1. Keano Kini*
2. Sialetili Faeamani
3. Jojo Fifita
4. AJ Brimson
5. Phillip Sami
6. Lachlan Ilias
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Kurtis Morrin
9. Sam Verrills
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (c)
11. Arama Hau
12. Beau Fermor
15. Cooper Bai
14. Oliver Pascoe
16. Moeaki Fotuaika
17. Chris Randall
19. Klese Haas
20. Zane Harrison
21. Josh Patston
Titans team news:
Keano Kini picked up a painful rib injury against the Warriors before the bye and is likely to be named but could be a game-day decision.
AJ Brimson missed the trip to NZ for family reasons but should return this week pushing Jaylan De Groot back to the extended reserves.
Chris Randall should also be available following a calf issue.
Canberra predicted team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Sebastian Kris
3. Simi Sasagi
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Jed Stuart
6. Ethan Strange*
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Ata Mariota
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine (c)
11. Zac Hosking
12. Noah Martin*
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Jayden Brailey
14. Daine Laurie
16. Joe Roddy
17. Morgan Smithies
18. Savelio Tamale
20. Owen Pattie
Raiders team news:
Ethan Strange left the field with an ankle injury in the first half against the Tigers but should be good to go.
Second rower Noah Martin suffered a leg injury and is also in some doubt.
Simi Sasagi could return to the centres after missing Round 8 through injury, pushing Savelio Tamale back to the bench.
Hudson Young remains out with suspension.
Parramatta Eels vs. New Zealand Warriors
(Saturday, May 2 at CommBank Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
Parramatta predicted team:
1. Joash Papali’i
2. Brian Kelly
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Ronald Volkman
7. Mitchell Moses (c)
8. Luca Moretti
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kitione Kautoga
12. Jack Williams
13. Jack De Belin
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Saxon Pryke
16. Toni Mataele
17. Charlie Guymer
18. Kelma Tuilagi
19. Lorenzo Talataina
Eels team news:
Dylan Walker injured his arm in the loss to Manly and is the latest addition to Parramatta’s bulging injury ward.
Tallyn Da Silva (lifting tackle) and Mitchell Moses (high tackle) were placed on report against the Sea Eagles but both are free to play.
Warriors predicted team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
4. Adam Pompey
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Tanah Boyd
8. James Fisher-Harris (c)
9. Wayde Egan
10. Jackson Ford
11. Leka Halasima
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Erin Clark
14. Sam Healey
15. Taine Tuaupiki
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Jacob Laban
18. Marata Niukore
19. Luke Hanson
Warriors team news:
Marata Niukore and Adam Pompey were late scratchings from the Wahs’ Round 8 line-up. Both could return this week along with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad who has been struggling with a neck issue throughout April and potentially even star half Luke Metcalf (hamstring).
Mitch Barnett and Ali Leiataua both suffered head knocks against the Dolphins and are out this week.
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Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos
(Saturday, May 2 at Allianz Stadium, Wellington, 7:35pm AEST)
Roosters predicted team:
1. James Tedesco (c)
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Hugo Savala
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Daly Cherry-Evans
7. Sam Walker
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley
14. Connor Watson
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Nat Butcher
17. Salesi Foketi
18. Cody Ramsey
19. Billy Smith
Roosters team news:
The Roosters handed the Dragons an ANZAC Day spanking but can expect a much sterner test against a resilient Broncos side.
There are unlikely to be too many changes, if any, with Billy Smith set to be named on the bench and Hugo Savala keeping his spot in the starting 13.
Brisbane predicted team:
1. Reece Walsh*
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds (c)
8. Ben Talty
9. Cory Paix
10. Jack Gosiewski
11. Xavier Willison
12. Jordan Riki
13. Pat Carrigan
14. Josh Rogers
15. Jaiyden Hunt
16. Va’a Semu
17. Hayze Perham
18. Jesse Arthars
19. Antonio Verhoeven
Broncos team news:
Veteran prop Corey Jensen and Payne Haas remain out and are joined on the sidelines by Brendan Piakura (knee).
In better news Patrick Carrigan returns from suspension.
Jesse Arthurs (calf) missed the Bulldogs match but should be available this week while the noise persists that Reece Walsh could be a welcome addition to the Round 9 team sheet.
Preston Riki is facing a one-match ban for a high tackle on Bulldogs winger Jonathan Sua.
Newcastle Knights vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
(Sunday, May 3 at McDonald Jones Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)
Newcastle predicted team:
1. Fletcher Sharpe
2. Dominic Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Sandon Smith
7. Dylan Brown
8. Jacob Saifiti (c)
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Francis Manuleleua
12. Jermaine McEwen
13. Mat Croker
14. Harrison Graham
15. Fletcher Hunt
16. Cody Hopwood
17. Pasami Saulo
18. Asu Kepaoa
19. Tyson Frizell/Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
Knights team news:
Dylan Lucas (throat) and Thomas Cant (calf) remain out in the forwards while Jacob Saifiti picked up a category two HIA against the Panthers and could also be in some doubt.
Tyson Frizell (ribs) is a chance of returning.
Bradman Best (groin) and Greg Marzhew (HIA) should return to the backline, likely pushing the versatile Fletcher Hunt to the bench.
Star fullback Kalyn Ponga (hamstring) is also nearing a return and could even be named this week, creating an interesting spine selection dilemma for Justin Holbrook.
South Sydney team:
1. Matt Dufty
2. Alex Johnston
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Jack Wighton
5. Campbell Graham
6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys*
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Bronson Garlick
10. Sean Keppie
11. Euan Aitken
12. Tallis Duncan
13. Cameron Murray (c)
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Lachlan Hubner
16. Jayden Sullivan
17. Keaon Koloamatangi
18. Liam Le Blanc
19. Ashton Ward
Rabbitohs team news:
The Rabbitohs embarrassed the Storm on ANZAC Day and will head to Newcastle full of confidence, but they could be missing two more stars.
Brandon Smith left the field in Melbourne with a recurrence of his calf injury and looks set to be out for multiple weeks yet again.
Meanwhile halfback Jamie Humphreys picked up a rib injury with Jayden Sullivan or Ashton Ward the likely replacements if he’s ultimately ruled out.
Cronulla Sharks vs. Wests Tigers
(Sunday, May 3 at Ocean Protect Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)
Cronulla predicted team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Mawene Hiroti
3. Jesse Ramien
4. KL Iro
5. Sam Stonestreet
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey (c)
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Billy Burns
12. Teig Wilton
13. Jesse Colquhoun
14. Briton Nikora
15. Cam McInnes
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Thomas Hazelton
18. Siosifa Talakai
19. Hohepa Puru
Sharks team news:
The Sharks were disappointing in a high-scoring loss in Townsville and will be desperate to turn things around at home against the Tigers.
Jesse Ramien (knee) is set for a return to the backline pushing Siosifa Talakai back to the bench.
Tigers predicted team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Taylan May*
4. Starford To’a
5. Luke Laulilii
6. Jarome Luai (c)
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Terrell May
9. Tristan Hope
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Alex Twal
14. Jock Madden
15. Sione Fainu
16. Royce Hunt
17. Latu Fainu
18. Patrick Herbet
19. Heath Mason
Tigers team news:
Api Koroisau has copped three weeks for a dangerous on Noah Martin and, unless he successfully fights the charge, will be replaced by Tristan Hope at hooker.
Jahream Bula aggravated the left shoulder he injured against the Broncos in Round 7 but is set to play on.
Taylan May (wrist/shoulder) could also be in some doubt.
Kai Pearce-Paul failed an HIA and will miss Round 9 in NRL concussion protocols with Alex Seyfarth set to come into the starting 13.
Penrith Panthers vs. Manly Sea Eagles
(Sunday, May 3 at CommBank Stadium, 6:15pm AEST)
Penrith predicted team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Paul Alamoti
4. Casey McLean
5. Brian To’o
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Freddy Lussick
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Luke Garner
13. Isaah Yeo (c)
14. Jack Cogger
15. Scott Sorensen
16. Kalani Going
17. Billy Phillips
18. Izack Tago
19. Jack Cole
Panthers team news:
Mitch Kenny remains out with a fractured leg while a date for Liam Martin’s return from a knee injury is unclear.
Isaiah Papali’i was placed on report for a crusher tackle on Knights forward Jermaine McEwen but has escaped charge and is free to play.
Manly predicted team:
1. Tolu Koula
2. Jason Saab
3. Clayton Faulalo
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Brandon Wakeham
10. Kobe Hetherington
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic (c)
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Corey Waddell*
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Siosiua Taukeiaho
18. Simione Laiafi
19. Josh Feledy
Sea Eagles team news:
Manly has won four in a row under Kieran Foran and now faces the ultimate test against the Panthers.
Corey Waddell (pectoral) failed to finish the match against the Eels and is in serious doubt for Round 9. If he’s out Nathan Brown or Paul Bryan will likely take his place.
Haumole Olakau’atu has been hit with two separate high contact charges but copped fines for both and is free play.
NRL RESULTS, SCORES ROUND 9:
Come back once the round has begun for full results.
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