Our experts check out the teams for NRL round 9 and offer their tips

STRUGGLING to pick your tips for the next NRL round? Let our experts do it for you with their own analysis of every team in the competition.

PAUL Kent maintained his lead over the rest of our experts with a round 8 top score of seven.

Had the Roosters comeback against the Dragons been successful Kent would have had a perfect round.

Follow Phil Rothfield, Dean Ritchie, Rebecca Wilson, Paul Crawley, Barry Toohey, Christian Nicolussi, David Riccio, Nick Walshaw, James Phelps and Paul Kent throughout the season for advice and tips.

Have they got it right for round two or are some of them way off the mark?

ROUND 9 FIXTURES: Rabbitohs v Tigers, Eels v Sharks, Panthers v Raiders, Roosters v Knights, Sea Eagles v Cowboys, Warriors v Dragons, Titans v Storm, Sharks v Broncos.

   Paul Kent's top tips:

   Score so far: 44 

No brainer: It will be a defensive slog between Brisbane and Cronulla, but the Broncos should get home.

Upset: The Dragons have won 19 of 23 games between them and the Warriors, despite being outsiders.

Coin toss: Hard to know who turns up for the Raiders this week, against the ever consistent Panthers.

   Paul Crawley's top tips:

   Score so far: 42 

No brainer: Roosters have Pearce and Waerea-Hargreaves back, have to win.

Upset: Bookies have Raiders as outsiders against Panthers. Not in my eyes.

Coin toss: Eels and Bulldogs my toughest to pick this week.

   Nick Walshaw's top tips:

   Score so far: 42 

No brainer: Roosters. With Pearce as man of the match.

Upset: Can't see one...

Coin toss: Eels or Dogs, could go either way.

   Barry Toohey's top tips:

   Score so far: 41 

No brainer: With the Knights losing Mullen and the Roosters boosted by the return of Pearce and JWH, the home side will win.

Upset: I can see the Raiders, Dragons and Sharks all potentially causing upsets in their respective games.

Coin toss: Penrith take on the Raiders in Bathurst. Not even their respective coaches would be confident of winning.

   David Riccio's top tips:

   Score so far: 40 

No brainer: Eels. Playing with conviction, confidence and belief. As for the Bulldogs....

Upset: According to the bookies, the Dragons are the outsiders against New Zealand. That is, despite back-to-back wins while the Warriors were punished by Melbourne. Call it an upset, but Saints can easily make it three on the trot.

Coin toss: Titans. Have proven tough to beat in almost every match this season. Have the pack to match the Storm.

   James Phelps's top tips:

   Score so far: 39 

No brainer: No certainties this round. The Cowboys the best best against the improving Sea Eagles at Brookvale.

Upset: Sharks will be out to show they are the real deal. And they are.

Coin toss: Souths v Tigers. Only the inclusion of Adam Reynolds can make this anything other than a flip of a coin.

   Dean Ritchie's top tips:

   Score so far: 37 

No brainer: You'd think the Storm will do it comfortably over the Titans.

Upset: The Warriors are at their inconsistent best but they can topple the Dragons.

Coin toss: The old rivals Parra and the Bulldogs - 50-50 call.

   Rebecca Wilson's top tips:

   Score so far: 36 

No brainer: Rabbitohs. Just starting to look all right.

Upset: Sharks are on a roll.

Coin toss: Panthers v Raiders. Penrith are fast becoming the unluckiest losers.

   Phil Rothfield's top tips:

   Score so far: 35 

No brainer: Rabbitohs to demolish the Wests Tigers. Best bet of the weekend.

Upset: Sharks to knock off the Broncos. Huge chance on their home ground.

Coin toss: Eels and Bulldogs will be a colossal contest in front of a huge crowd at ANZ.

   Christian Nicolussi's top tips:

   Score so far: 31 

No brainer: The return of Mitchell Pearce will inspire the Chooks to a big, big victory

Upset: The Raiders won't get it easy against a Panthers' side who deserve more luck

Coin toss: Brisbane won't find it easy in the Shire

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Originally published as Our experts check out the teams for NRL round 9 and offer their tips