Round 9 NRL action kicks off in Sydney this week, with the Sharks hosting the Cowboys. Each team has experienced vastly different starts to the season, with broadcasters disappointed that the planned blockbuster contest will not gather as much attention as was expected prior to the start of the year. Nevertheless, it is an opportunity to win some money and after a great weekend previously, we will again be there to help in each game this weekend.
Check out our best bets for Sharks vs Cowboys below, and head over to our NRL Tips page for more Round 9 previews and betting tips.
NRL Round 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys
Thursday 27th April, PointsBet Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
The Sharks took care of business in their 33-20 win over the Bulldogs. Heading into the game as strong favourites, the Sharks took control early and were never really pressed to get ‘out of 2nd gear’. Even with a 4-point lead at HT, the Sharks defence set up victory with a strong showing (missed just 20 tackles). They dominated every area in attack too, with a highlight being their 7 line breaks and 587 post contact metres. It was yet another warning of just what they are capable of, and they still have players set to return.
The Cowboys are at the opposite end of the spectrum (and competition ladder). They recorded a much-needed victory over the Knights 18-16 in unconvincing fashion. While it was a positive outcome, the fact that they couldn’t score more points with a superior completion rate (81% vs 66%), missed 47 tackles while also conceding more line breaks is a major concern. Something is missing from this team compared to last season and questions need to be asked of their spine. They are not producing points and failing to build pressure when it matters. A few more losses could also make it too difficult to even push for the Finals when it matters most.
The NRL Power Rankings highlights the stark contrast between these two sides. The Sharks are justified $1.27 favourites (Cowboys @ $3.80); both teams are unchanged and despite missing players, the Sharks appear capable of covering this. The potential is still there in the Cowboys, but there is minimal evidence this season to suggest they can come out and cause an upset in this game. There are a few points which should be considered though; the Sharks have won just 1/3 games at home this season, while also allowing teams like the Raiders, Bulldogs, Eels and Warriors to score 20+ points. Interestingly, it is nearly identical to the points the Cowboys have allowed in 2023. When the Sharks had to improve their defence, they limited the Roosters to just 12-points.
Despite the Cowboys winning the most recent contest, the Sharks have still won 7 out of the past 8 matches between these two sides, with the away team victorious in the past 3 games. The Sharks also have an edge over the Cowboys at home (57% vs 32%). All this points towards a Sharks victory but finding a selection worth investing on is challenging. There are better games this weekend that you can invest on with confidence; so, keep the value high but stake low.
Same Game Multi
Sharks (H2H), Sharks -4.5, Total Points Over 40.5 & Nikora to score @ $6 – 0.5 units
Sharks 1-12
$3.10 (1.5 Units)
