Broncos (2) v Roosters (12)
Thursday 7.50pm, The Gabba
A clash that could have more than two competition points up for grabs.
State of Origin fullback rivals Reece Walsh and James Tedesco will go head-to-head once again, Walsh returning from suspension last week in brilliant fashion and the Roosters skipper reminding critics of his class in his side’s triumph over the Gold Coast. Whoever emerges victorious could rubber-stamp their credentials as the Kangaroos custodian, with Brisbane’s livewire mounting a compelling case to unseat the incumbent. However, who shines brightest will likely depend on which forward pack rises above, and with in-form Broncos halves Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam operating behind Payne Haas and the returning Tom Flegler the home side should have too much firepower for the Roosters to overcome. Broncos by 10.
Nick Wright
Wests Tigers (17) v Rabbitohs (9)
Friday 6pm, Scully Park, Tamworth
The Taree Ferrari, Latrell Mitchell, is back, and Souths know they must start their run to the finals now. This could get ugly out in the bush. The Tigers have had a red-hot crack most weeks, welcome the return of Luke Brooks, and have Jahream Bula to cause dramas at the back. Pairing Brooks and Daine Laurie is exciting, but you have to wonder who calls the shots. Souths simply have too much to play for, not to mention a clear class edge, and will win big. Rabbitohs by 18.
Christian Nicolussi
Storm (4) v Eels (8)
Friday 8pm, Marvel Stadium
The loser of this game is in Barney Rubble. A good month of football and either of these teams is capable of finishing in the top four.
Reece Walsh, Jason Taumalolo, Viliame Kikau, Matt Lodge and James Tedesco.Credit: Getty/NRL Photos
However, a couple of losses and they are in danger of missing the finals altogether. Parramatta — still down on troops without Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Maika Sivo and Dylan Brown — have selected late-season signing Joey Lussick just days after he arrived from the UK. The Eels travel to face a Melbourne side smarting from an unexpected loss to Newcastle. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is out for the hosts, who need a win to cling to fourth spot. The Storm won a thriller when they last squared off in round one and history is about to repeat. Storm by 2.
Adrian Proszenko
Raiders (5) v Knights (10)
Saturday 3pm, GIO Stadium
The Raiders pushed an impressive Warriors side all the way and will relish getting back home and on a dry deck.
The Raiders are sitting pretty at the right end of the NRL ladder.Credit: Getty
This is their chance to make a statement and improve their points differential. The Knights were excellent against Melbourne, but few will argue the Storm saved one of their worst games of the year for last week. And it should be noted Newcastle took what felt like an eternity to put away the Tigers a week earlier. Kalyn Ponga is humming, while Jacob Saifiti will try to put the visitors on the front foot when he starts for his injured brother Daniel. Raiders by 4.
Christian Nicolussi
Dragons (15) v Sea Eagles (11)
Saturday 5.30pm, WIN Stadium
Daly Cherry-Evans’ 300th NRL game will come against a backdrop of Manly desperately needing to win to keep their finals hopes alive. As for places they’d like to be doing so? Wollongong’s WIN Stadium would be the bottom of the list. The Sea Eagles haven’t won at the ground since 2003 and have lost 10 of 11 there, one of the old school hoodoos still existing in the NRL. Manly coach Anthony Seibold has lost Taniela Paseka (knee) and Josh Aloiai (shoulder) with mid-season recruit Matt Lodge and Tof Sipley to start and Ethan Bullemor promoted to the bench. The Dragons have made just one change with Connor Muhleisen set for a debut in place of Moses Mbye, who has joined St Helens in the Super League. Sea Eagles by 8.
Adam Pengilly
Panthers (1) v Sharks (6)
Saturday 7.35pm, BlueBet Stadium
Crunch time for the Sharks, who are in danger of plunging out of the top eight in the next fortnight with title favourites Penrith and 2021 grand finalists South Sydney on the horizon.
Dale Finucane’s season is over for the rocks-and-diamonds Sharks.Credit: Getty
And the news hasn’t got better this week with Dale Finucane (biceps) ruled out for the rest of the season. Spencer Leniu (knee) is also out for a month for the Panthers giving Matt Eisenhuth a chance to join the bench. The Panthers have won five of their last six games against the Sharks — and it would be a brave person to suggest they won’t extend that record. Panthers by 14.
Adam Pengilly
Bulldogs (16) v Dolphins (13)
Sunday 2pm, Salter Oval, Bundaberg
This game could be spicy. Viliame Kikau is finally set to make his return for the Bulldogs after four months on the sideline with a pectoral injury.
Bulldogs fans have rarely seen Kikau and Matt Burton combine in the blue and white.Credit: Getty
Pair him with Liam Knight, whom the club picked up from the Rabbitohs this week, and the Bulldogs might finally have some much-needed power in their forward pack. The team list for Sunday is one of their best all year. Toby Sexton is back after a head knock, pairing Matt Burton in the halves, and Josh Addo-Carr is back on the wing. It’s a homecoming of sorts for the Dolphins, with Felise Kaufusi playing at home in Bundaberg. Jeremy Marshall-King returns from a shoulder injury and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow shifts to fullback. The Dolphins are outsiders to make the top eight, but a win on Sunday keeps their finals hopes alive. Bulldogs by 2.
Billie Eder
Titans (14) v Cowboys (7)
Sunday 4.05pm, Cbus Super Stadium
Expect the Cowboys’ remarkable resurgence to continue. While North Queensland will be missing star forward Jeremiah Nanai due to a shoulder injury, the emergence of rookie Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will have fans breathing a sigh of relief. The fact that powerhouse lock Jason Taumalolo will line up on the bench speaks volumes of the side’s forward depth, and the Titans bench are unlikely to possess the punch to win the battle through the middle. Questions still remain over how the Gold Coast can best use Jayden Campbell, who again remains on the bench in a utility role alongside hooker Chris Randall. The onus will fall on Moeaki Fotuaika and David Fifita to step up more than they have already this season in skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s absence, and with Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden causing chaos for the Cowboys we’re tipping them to make it seven wins on the trot. Cowboys by 14.
Nick Wright
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