Dragons vs Cowboys

Matchup - It will interesting to see how the Dragons halves (Chase Stanley and Nathan Fien) go against Jonathan Thurston and Robert Lui. Thurston should be rearing to go after a week's rest and Lui has looked good at 7.

Key player - Josh Dugan. Dugan will have to carry the Dragons for the rest of the year. If he fires and makes chances out of nothing, then the Dragons can muscle up on defence.

Keep an eye on - Chase Stanley playing at 6. Could fill a gap in the short term.

The Verdict - Against the form guide, but Cowboys <12

Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs

Matchup - Glenn Stewart vs Tony Williams. T-Rex returns to Brookvale and expect Stewart to let him know about it.

Key player - Josh Reynolds. After sitting on the bench for Origin 1, Reynolds will have to direct the Bulldogs around the park well and match up physically with Manly's halves.

Keep an eye on - James Hasson. A big 21 year old, could be the answer to the loss of Brent Kite next year.

The Verdict - Manly <12

Raiders vs Panthers

Matchup - Sika Manu/Lewis Brown vs Josh Papalii/Joel Thompson. All four starting back rowers offer something different and will provide entertainment throughout the game.

Key player - Isaac John provides the Panthers with a solid running game and good direction around the park. He offers a lot more the Luke Walsh but they work well together.

Keep an eye on - Mose Masoe promoted to a starting spot. Gives the Panthers plenty of size and grunt upfront.

The Verdict - Raiders >12

Sharks vs Eels

Matchup - Andrew Fifita/Ben Ross vs Tim Mannah/Fui Fui Moi Moi. Four outstanding props who will battle it out through the middle. Containing Fifita could fall upon the shoulders of Mannah.

Key player - Michael Gordon. Hasn't quite hit his straps yet and the Sharks need him to provide an extra pair of hands on attack.

Keep an eye on - The return of Reni Maitua after being told he was no longer wanted.

The Verdict - Sharks >12

Rabbitohs vs Titans

Matchup - Adam Reynolds vs Albert Kelly. Both have proven instrumental to their teams chances but Kelly's dynamic running game/speed could give the Bunnies headaches.

Key players - Sam Burgess will have to do a lot of tidying up in the middle to slow the Titans down while also making tough carries. Hard yakka.

Keep an eye on - Dave Taylor is coming up against two blokes who replaced him for Queensland and after a poor showing by Queensland in Origin 1, Taylor could impress with a barnstorming performance.

The Verdict - Rabbitohs <12

Storm vs Knights

Matchup - Billy Slater vs Darius Boyd. Both play the same type of game, adding a lot to their team's attacking options.

Key players - Kade Snowden/Willie Mason. The Storm are always a bit vulnerable to big, aggressive forwards who like to intimidate. The two Knights props love that.

Keep an eye on - Cameron Smith's pain for Queensland could be the Storm's gain as he will look to regain some momentum before Origin 2.

The Verdict - Storm >12

Roosters vs Warriors

Matchup - Jake Friend vs Nathan Friend. They might as well be friends as they are both very tough and provide good service. Both teams will be looking to roll forward so dummy half running and the quality of service to their halves could determine the outcome.

Key players - Kevin Locke/Thomas Leuluai. Both are playing very well and their combinations seem to be getting better. If this continues to improve, the Warriors could become a force to be reckoned with.

Keep an eye on - Dominique Peyroux's steady rise in the Warriors power rankings.

The Verdict - Warriors <12

Broncos vs Tigers

Matchup - Adam Blair vs Sam Thaiday. Both can play back row but are now playing in tight and can lead from the front in terms of effort.

Key player - Curtis Sironen has to take some pressure of Benji Marshall and play his hand while also allowing Marshall, Robbie Farah and Braith Anasta to add their classy touches.

Keep an eye on - David Nofoaluma has been in fine form, played injured last week as well.

The Verdict - Broncos >12