Round 9

Roosters v Titans: Tupou, Momirovski back; McIntyre called up

After a 4-4 start to the season, the Tricolours will want to find their groove soon if they're going to challenge for the title this year with Trent Robinson's side reeling after a shock loss to the Bulldogs last week.

Plenty has been made about the Roosters' attack to start the year, particularly their final play options, with stars Sam Walker and Luke Keary trying to work out their combination on the run.

Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers: Turbo back; Utoikamanu confirmed to return

Manly were gallant in defeat to South Sydney last start given they played majority of the game with only 12 men, but their overall slide in the past fortnight has coincided with injuries in the backline, none more so than Tom Trbojevic.

The Wests Tigers will take plenty away from their six-point defeat to the Dragons, particularly around the key stats areas they were able to win during the match without being able to ice the moments when it mattered. 

Eels stun Panthers to win Battle of the West

The Eels trailed 14-10 midway through the second half in front of a record sold-out crowd in Penrith before two pieces of brilliance from Ryan Matterson and Dylan Brown proved the difference in the end. 

With the match sold out more than a week ago, the Eels were reeling after their 35-4 loss to the Cowboys in Darwin last week and muscled up in defence to sap the Panthers late.

Croker injured in comeback as Raiders beat Bulldogs

The Raiders dominated with field position and possession for most of the contest but couldn't capitalise on the scoreboard enough early against a gritty Bulldogs outfit who turned the home side away more often than not. 

However, it was a clash the Raiders needed to win after a difficult month of winless results and particularly given they were without star five-eighth Jack Wighton, due to suspension. 

Panthers v Eels: Double boost for Penrith; Opacic returns

In their way is an Eels side who were pummelled by the Cowboys in Darwin last week but have shown in western Sydney derbies in the past that these two sides put up a fight with every game played.

The Panthers knocked the Eels out of the finals last year, adding fuel for the blue and gold, who haven't beaten the 2021 champions since 2020, while Brad Arthur's side will be looking to get back into the top four after slipping to fifth. 

Raiders v Bulldogs: Mass changes for Green Machine; Jackson, Naden return

Canberra's five-game losing streak has come with its flashes of brilliance, messiness and heartache while the Bulldogs jagged their second win of the season over the Roosters last week and will want to ensure it's not a one-off.

It will be the 39th time the sides have played each other since 1998 with the Raiders holding a 20-18 record overall and having won the past five outings between the clubs with victories since 2018.

Reynolds stars as Broncos stun Rabbitohs to notch big win

After missing the round one encounter between both clubs in the season opener, Reynolds made up for lost time against the side he played 231 games for as a Rabbitohs junior across a decade at Redfern.

The former Rabbitohs captain looked in control from the early stages of the Broncos' victory, racking up 16 of the side's 32 points in a happy homecoming in front of his old faithful. 

It was an overall unhappy night for the home side, who couldn't really get out of second gear despite a double to Rabbitohs winger Taane Milne. 

 

Rabbitohs v Broncos: Milne, Knight return; Haas, Capewell out for Reynolds' reunion

The return of Reynolds to Accor Stadium on Thursday night is sure to put bums on seats after the 31-year-old missed the season opener in March due to COVID-19 protocols.

While all eyes will be on the former premiership-winner's comeback to the hallow turf, both sides are coming off victories in round eight and are four wins and four losses each to start the season.

Round 9 recorded close scores

With the top 6 placings almost decided and two rounds remaining, there’s a late surge from the outsiders to knockoff the top teams and give themselves a chance.

While the 12 franchise teams in the 2021 Digicel Cup competition took to the field on Sunday to rally their chances of making the final cut before the regular season ends, a number of teams had to dig deep in order to keep their finals hopes alive.

National Soccer League Round 9 Results

FC Bougainville and Star Mountain played out a 1-1 draw while Gulf Komara picked up another three points with a 2-0 victory over Kutubu FC at PNG Football Stadium on Saturday.

In the triple header in Lae, Morobe United drawn nil all with Tusbab Stallions in the opening encounter.

Vitiaz United worked hard for a 1-0 win over FC Morobe Wawens.

But all eyes were on the matchup between defending champion Lae City FC and Hekari United who played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in the main game of the triple header.