Round 9 of the 2026 NRL season delivered late drama, individual brilliance and decisive ladder movement, with Penrith holding firm at the top and Melbourne’s struggles deepening. Hat‑tricks were on display across the competition, thrilling comebacks reshaped matches, and several contenders showed just how fine the margins are as the season gathers momentum.

Review

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Penrith (14 points, +167) stayed in first place after another tight win, followed by the NZ Warriors (14 points, +108), the Sydney Roosters (14 points, +51), and South Sydney (12 points, +68). The Wests Tigers (12 points, +40), North Queensland (12 points, +12), Manly Warringah (10 points, +53), and Cronulla‑Sutherland (10 points, +36) rounded out the top eight.

Round 9 delivered widely varying results. Penrith edged Manly 18–16, while Newcastle prevailed 42–38 in a 14‑try shootout against South Sydney. The Sydney Roosters nearly squandered a 30‑0 lead against Brisbane, Cronulla thrashed the Wests Tigers 52–10, and Teig Wilton, KL Iro and Greg Marzhew all scored hat‑tricks. Melbourne’s misery continued with a record seventh straight defeat, surpassing their losing streak from 2002 – although news surrounding Craig Bellamy’s health put the result into perspective.

Penrith retained outright first after beating Manly at CommBank Stadium, but the Sea Eagles showed they remain a genuine finals contender under Kieran Foran despite their “Fozball” unbeaten streak ending. Lehi Hopoate’s try proved contentious, with Nathan Cleary appearing to be obstructed in the lead‑up. Filling in for the injured Jamal Fogarty, Joey Walsh impressed with a no‑look pass to set up Ethan Bullemor’s try and even attempted a two‑point field goal at full‑time. GAME BREAKER: Penrith preserved their slender lead after Jack Cogger was sin‑binned for a dangerous tackle on Tolutau Koula.

The Dolphins extended Melbourne’s woes with a spirited comeback win at Suncorp Stadium. Trailing 10–0 after 26 minutes, the Dolphins got back into the game with a Jack Bostock double (Bostock playing his first game for 2026 after a long injury break). The Dolphins scored 28 points in 40 points, securing a valuable win after close losses to Penrith and the Warriors. GAME BREAKER: Bostock’s opening try gave the Dolphins the lead for the first time. Max Plath darted out of dummy half, with Bostock – starting on the right-hand side – angling in on a 20 metre run to score on the next tackle.

The Sydney Roosters survived a major scare against Brisbane at Allianz Stadium. Leading 30–0 early in the second half despite losing Mark Nawaqanitawase, the Roosters looked home until Reece Walsh’s try‑saving tackle ignited a Broncos revival that produced four tries in 15 minutes. Sam Walker finished with 18 points as the Roosters claimed their fifth straight win. GAME BREAKER: Kotoni Staggs’ late sin‑bin swung momentum back to the Roosters, allowing Walker to extend the lead with a penalty goal.

Newcastle claimed a thrilling win over South Sydney at McDonald Jones Stadium. With Kalyn Ponga back, the Knights raced to a 28–6 lead before surviving a furious Rabbitohs comeback. Greg Marzhew scored a hat‑trick, while Trey Mooney and Dylan Lucas both bagged doubles. GAME BREAKER: Mooney’s second try regained the lead after Souths briefly moved ahead, before desperate defence sealed the result.

Scott Drinkwater scored a double as North Queensland beat Canterbury‑Bankstown at Accor Stadium, while Simi Sasagi also struck twice in Canberra’s win over the Gold Coast.

The Warriors extended their winning run to four with a convincing victory over Parramatta at CommBank Stadium, with Alofiana Khan‑Pereira scoring another try double.

Cronulla‑Sutherland produced the attacking performance of the round, posting 52 points against the Wests Tigers with hat‑tricks from Teig Wilton and KL Iro.

Elsewhere, NSW claimed the opening Women’s State of Origin in Newcastle. In a tight, low‑scoring contest without the six‑again rule, Jesse Southwell’s late field goal broke a 6–6 deadlock before Jessica Sergis sealed the win on full‑time.

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Results

Bulldogs vs Cowboys

Full Time: Bulldogs 12 – 28 Cowboys
Bulldogs 12 (Tries: Lachlan Galvin 7′; Josh Curran 52′. Goals: Stephen Crichton 9′, 53′)
Cowboys 28 (Tries: Reuben Cotter 18′; Scott Drinkwater 28′, 65′; Jake Clifford 74′; Braidon Burns 78′. Goals: Jake Clifford 20′, 30′, 66′, 76′)

Half-Time Score: Bulldogs 6 – 12 Cowboys
Date: Friday 1st May 2026
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Connor TraceyFullback0000
2Jonathan SuaWinger0000
3Bronson XerriCentre0000
4Stephen CrichtonCentre0204
5Enari TualaWinger0000
6Matt BurtonFive-Eighth0000
7Lachlan GalvinHalfback1004
8Samuel HughesProp0000
9Bailey HaywardHooker0000
10Leo ThompsonProp0000
11Sitili Tupouniua2nd Row0000
12Jacob Preston2nd Row0000
13Jaeman SalmonLock0000
14Kurt MannInterchange0000
15Josh CurranInterchange1004
16Alekolasimi JonesInterchange0000
17Jake TurpinInterchange0000
Team Total22012

Cowboys Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Scott DrinkwaterFullback2008
2Braidon BurnsWinger1004
3Jaxon PurdueCentre0000
4Tom ChesterCentre0000
5Zac LaybuttWinger0000
6Jake CliffordFive-Eighth14010
7Tom DeardenHalfback0000
8Coen HessProp0000
9Reed MahoneyHooker0000
10Jason TaumaloloProp0000
11Heilum Luki2nd Row0000
12Jeremiah NanaiInterchange0000
13Reuben CotterLock1004
14Soni LukeInterchange0000
16Thomas MikaeleInterchange0000
17Griffin NeameInterchange0000
18Matthew LodgeInterchange0000
Team Total54028

Dolphins vs Storm

Full Time: Dolphins 28 – 10 Storm
Dolphins 28 (Tries: Selwyn Cobbo 38′; Jamayne Isaako 58′; Jack Bostock 64′, 73′; Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 78′. Goals: Jamayne Isaako 60′, 65′, 79′. Penalty Goals: Jamayne Isaako 71′)
Storm 10 (Tries: Tyran Wishart 11′; Sualauvi Faalogo 26′. Goals: Nick Meaney 12′)

Half-Time Score: Dolphins 4 – 10 Storm
Date: Friday 1st May 2026 (or similar date per round)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Dolphins Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Hamiso Tabuai-FidowFullback0000
2Jamayne IsaakoWinger13111
3Herbie FarnworthCentre0000
4Selwyn CobboWinger1004
5Jack BostockCentre2008
6Bradley SchneiderFive-Eighth0000
7Isaiya KatoaHalfback0000
8Tom GilbertProp0000
9Max PlathHooker0000
10Francis MoloProp0000
11Connelly Lemuelu2nd Row0000
12Kulikefu Finefeuiaki2nd Row1004
13Morgan KnowlesLock0000
14Ray StoneInterchange0000
15Thomas FleglerInterchange0000
16Felise KaufusiInterchange0000
17Tevita NaufahuInterchange0000
Team Total53128

Storm Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Sualauvi FaalogoFullback1004
2Will WarbrickWinger0000
3Jack HowarthCentre0000
4Nick MeaneyWinger0102
5Hugo PeelWinger0000
6Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth0000
7Tyran WishartHalfback1004
8Stefano UtoikamanuProp0000
9Harry GrantHooker0000
10Josh KingProp0000
11Shawn Blore2nd Row0000
12Ativalu Lisati2nd Row0000
13Trent LoieroLock0000
14Trent ToelauInterchange0000
15Joe ChanInterchange0000
16Davvy MoaleInterchange0000
17Cooper ClarkeInterchange0000
Team Total21010

Titans vs Raiders

Full Time: Titans 12 – 28 Raiders
Titans 12 (Tries: Phillip Sami 26′; Jojo Fifita 65′. Goals: Jayden Campbell 28′, 66′)
Raiders 28 (Tries: Simi Sasagi 4′, 12′; Kaeo Weekes 20′; Savelio Tamale 49′; Sebastian Kris 79′. Goals: Ethan Sanders 5′, 14′, 51′, 79′)

Half-Time Score: Titans 6 – 16 Raiders
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Keano KiniFullback0000
2Sialetili FaeamaniWinger0000
3Jojo FifitaCentre1004
4AJ BrimsonCentre0000
5Phillip SamiWinger1004
6Lachlan IliasFive-Eighth0000
7Jayden CampbellHalfback0204
8Kurtis MorrinProp0000
9Sam VerrillsHooker0000
10Tino Fa’asuamaleauiProp0000
11Arama Hau2nd Row0000
12Beau Fermor2nd Row0000
13Chris RandallLock0000
14Oliver PascoeInterchange0000
15Cooper BaiInterchange0000
16Moeaki FotuaikaInterchange0000
17Klese HaasInterchange0000
Team Total22012

Raiders Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Kaeo WeekesFullback1004
2Savelio TamaleWinger1004
3Sebastian KrisCentre1004
4Matthew TimokoCentre0000
5Jed StuartWinger0000
7Ethan SandersHalfback0408
8Corey HorsburghProp0000
9Tom StarlingHooker0000
10Joseph TapineProp0000
11Ata MariotaInterchange0000
12Simi Sasagi2nd Row2008
13Jayden BraileyInterchange0000
14Chevy StewartInterchange0000
15Daine LaurieFullback0000
16Morgan SmithiesLock0000
17Joe RoddyInterchange0000
18Owen PattieInterchange0000
Team Total54028

Eels vs Warriors

Full Time: Eels 14 – 36 Warriors
Eels 14 (Tries: Ronald Volkman 4′, 59′; Will Penisini 44′. Goals: Mitchell Moses 5′)
Warriors 36 (Tries: Leka Halasima 13′; Alofiana Khan-Pereira 18′, 69′; Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 24′; Jackson Ford 63′; Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 76′. Goals: Tanah Boyd 15′, 65′, 71′, 77′. Penalty Goals: Tanah Boyd 40′, 50′)

Half-Time Score: Eels 6 – 16 Warriors
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Joash PapaliiFullback0000
2Brian KellyWinger0000
3Will PenisiniCentre1004
4Sean RussellCentre0000
5Josh Addo-CarrWinger0000
6Ronald VolkmanFive-Eighth2008
7Mitchell MosesHalfback0102
8Luca MorettiProp0000
9Ryley SmithHooker0000
10Junior PauloProp0000
11Charlie Guymer2nd Row0000
12Jack Williams2nd Row0000
13Jack De BelinLock0000
14Tallyn Da SilvaInterchange0000
15Saxon PrykeInterchange0000
16Dylan WalkerInterchange0000
17Kelma Tuilagi2nd Row0000
Team Total31014

Warriors Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Taine TuaupikiFullback0000
2Dallin Watene-ZelezniakWinger1004
3Roger Tuivasa-SheckCentre1004
4Adam PompeyCentre0000
5Alofiana Khan-PereiraWinger2008
6Chanel Harris-TavitaFive-Eighth0000
7Tanah BoydHalfback04212
8James Fisher-HarrisProp0000
9Wayde EganHooker0000
10Jackson FordProp1004
11Leka Halasima2nd Row1004
12Kurt Capewell2nd Row0000
13Erin ClarkLock0000
14Sam HealeyInterchange0000
16Demitric VaimaugaInterchange0000
17Jacob LabanInterchange0000
18Eddie Ieremia-ToeavaInterchange0000
Team Total64236

Roosters vs Broncos

Full Time: Roosters 38 – 24 Broncos
Roosters 38 (Tries: Daly Cherry-Evans 2′; Daniel Tupou 18′; Hugo Savala 32′; Sam Walker 39′; Nat Butcher 42′; Reece Robson 74′. Goals: Sam Walker 4′, 33′, 39′, 43′, 76′. Penalty Goals: Sam Walker 6′, 72′)
Broncos 24 (Tries: Reece Walsh 50′; Xavier Willison 58′; Patrick Carrigan 60′; Jordan Riki 65′. Goals: Thomas Duffy 52′, 59′, 62′, 67′)

Half-Time Score: Roosters 24 – 0 Broncos
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Roosters Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1James TedescoFullback0000
2Daniel TupouWinger1004
3Hugo SavalaCentre1004
4Robert ToiaCentre0000
5Mark NawaqanitawaseWinger0000
6Daly Cherry-EvansFive-Eighth1004
7Sam WalkerHalfback15216
8Naufahu WhyteProp0000
9Reece RobsonHooker1004
10Lindsay CollinsProp0000
11Angus Crichton2nd Row0000
12Siua Wong2nd Row0000
13Victor RadleyLock0000
14Connor WatsonInterchange0000
15Spencer LeniuInterchange0000
16Nat ButcherInterchange1004
17Salesi FoketiInterchange0000
18Cody RamseyInterchange0000
Team Total65238

Broncos Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Reece WalshFullback1004
2Josiah KarapaniWinger0000
3Kotoni StaggsCentre0000
4Gehamat ShibasakiCentre0000
5Deine MarinerWinger0000
6Ezra MamFive-Eighth0000
7Adam ReynoldsHalfback0000
8Ben TaltyProp0000
9Cory PaixHooker0000
10Jack GosiewskiProp0000
11Xavier Willison2nd Row1004
12Jordan Riki2nd Row1004
13Patrick CarriganLock1004
15Jaiyden HuntInterchange0000
16Va’a SemuInterchange0000
18Jesse ArtharsInterchange0000
21Thomas DuffyInterchange0408
Team Total44024

Knights vs Rabbitohs

Full Time: Knights 42 – 38 Rabbitohs
Knights 42 (Tries: Trey Mooney 5′, 73′; Dylan Lucas 9′, 29′; Greg Marzhew 20′, 23′, 62′. Goals: Kalyn Ponga 6′, 11′, 22′, 31′, 63′, 75′. Penalty Goals: Kalyn Ponga 47′)
Rabbitohs 38 (Tries: Sean Keppie 26′; Alex Johnston 31′, 57′; Cody Walker 42′, 65′; Tallis Duncan 54′, 78′; Latrell Mitchell 70′. Goals: Latrell Mitchell 28′, 44′, 55′, 66′, 72′)

Half-Time Score: Knights 28 – 10 Rabbitohs
Date: Sunday 3rd May 2026
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Kalyn PongaFullback06113
2Dominic YoungWinger0000
3Dane GagaiCentre0000
4Bradman BestCentre0000
5Greg MarzhewWinger30012
6Fletcher SharpeFive-Eighth0000
7Dylan BrownHalfback0000
8Jacob SaifitiProp0000
9Phoenix CrosslandHooker0000
10Trey MooneyProp2008
11Dylan Lucas2nd Row2008
12Jermaine McEwen2nd Row0000
13Mat CrokerLock0000
14Tyson FrizellInterchange0000
15Pasami SauloInterchange0000
16Cody HopwoodInterchange0000
17Fletcher HuntInterchange0000
Team Total76142

Rabbitohs Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Matthew DuftyFullback0000
2Alex JohnstonWinger2008
3Latrell MitchellCentre15014
4Jack WightonCentre0000
5Campbell GrahamWinger0000
6Cody WalkerFive-Eighth2008
7Jamie HumphreysHalfback0000
8Tevita TatolaProp0000
9Bronson GarlickHooker0000
10Sean KeppieProp1004
11Keaon Koloamatangi2nd Row0000
12Tallis Duncan2nd Row1004
13Cameron MurrayLock0000
14Peter MamouzelosInterchange0000
15Lachlan HubnerInterchange0000
16Euan AitkenInterchange0000
Team Total95038

Sharks vs Wests Tigers

Full Time: Sharks 52 – 10 Wests Tigers
Sharks 52 (Tries: Teig Wilton 4′, 55′, 65′; KL Iro 19′, 47′, 76′; Jesse Colquhoun 33′; Samuel Stonestreet 68′; Nicholas Hynes 74′. Goals: Nicholas Hynes 6′, 21′, 34′, 49′, 57′, 70′, 75′, 77′)
Wests Tigers 10 (Tries: Adam Doueihi 9′; Taylan May 15′. Goals: Jock Madden 16′)

Half-Time Score: Sharks 18 – 10 Wests Tigers
Date: Sunday 3rd May 2026
Venue: Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney

Sharks Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1William KennedyFullback0000
2Mawene HirotiWinger0000
3Siosifa TalakaiCentre0000
4KL IroCentre30012
5Samuel StonestreetWinger1004
6Braydon TrindallFive-Eighth0000
7Nicholas HynesHalfback18018
8Addin Fonua-BlakeProp0000
9Blayke BraileyHooker0000
10Toby RudolfProp0000
11Briton Nikora2nd Row0000
12Teig Wilton2nd Row30012
13Cameron McInnesLock0000
14Jesse ColquhounInterchange1004
15Billy BurnsInterchange0000
16Oregon KaufusiInterchange0000
17Thomas HazeltonInterchange0000
Team Total98052

Wests Tigers Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Sunia TuruvaFullback0000
3Taylan MayCentre1004
4Starford To’aCentre0000
5Luke LauliliiWinger0000
6Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth0000
7Adam DoueihiHalfback1004
8Terrell MayProp0000
9Tristan HopeHooker0000
10Fonua PoleProp0000
11Samuela Fainu2nd Row0000
12Tony Sukkar2nd Row0000
13Alex TwalLock0000
14Jock MaddenInterchange0102
15Sione FainuInterchange0000
16Royce HuntInterchange0000
17Alex SeyfarthInterchange0000
19Faaletino TavanaWinger0000
Team Total21010

Panthers vs Sea Eagles

Full Time: Panthers 18 – 16 Sea Eagles
Panthers 18 (Tries: Blaize Talagi 10′; Brian To’o 37′; Izack Tago 60′. Goals: Nathan Cleary 11′, 38′, 62′)
Sea Eagles 16 (Tries: Clayton Faulalo 4′; Ethan Bullemor 44′; Lehi Hopoate 52′. Goals: Reuben Garrick 5′, 46′)

Half-Time Score: Panthers 12 – 6 Sea Eagles
Date: Sunday 3rd May 2026
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Panthers Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Dylan EdwardsFullback0000
2Thomas JenkinsWinger0000
3Paul AlamotiCentre0000
4Casey McLeanCentre0000
5Brian To’oWinger1004
6Blaize TalagiFive-Eighth1004
7Nathan ClearyHalfback0306
8Moses LeotaProp0000
9Freddy LussickHooker0000
10Lindsay SmithProp0000
11Isaiah Papali’i2nd Row0000
12Luke Garner2nd Row0000
13Isaah YeoLock0000
14Jack CoggerInterchange0000
15Scott SorensenInterchange0000
17Billy PhillipsInterchange0000
18Izack TagoInterchange1004
Team Total33018

Sea Eagles Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Tolutau KoulaFullback0000
2Jason SaabWinger0000
3Clayton FaulaloCentre1004
4Reuben GarrickCentre0204
5Lehi HopoateWinger1004
6Luke BrooksFive-Eighth0000
7Joey WalshHalfback0000
8Taniela PasekaProp0000
9Brandon WakehamHooker0000
10Kobe HetheringtonProp0000
11Haumole Olakau’atu2nd Row0000
12Ben Trbojevic2nd Row0000
13Jake TrbojevicLock0000
14Jake SimpkinInterchange0000
15Nathan BrownInterchange0000
16Ethan BullemorInterchange1004
17Siosiua TaukeiahoInterchange0000
Team Total32016

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