Cowboys vs Broncos

Matchup - Anthony Mitchell vs Andrew McCullough. Both teams house some of the best forwards in the game but these two will both have to control the tempo through the middle. Both outfits have struggled in the dummy half department as of late as well so keep an eye on how this battle goes.

Key player – Matt Bowen comes back from injury and will vital to the Cowboys chances. A lot of the Cows attack goes through Bowen and he needs to take some of the load off Jonathan Thurston.

Keep an eye on – With Corey Norman being dropped, Josh Hoffman has been shifted to fullback. This is his preferred position so a sound display could keep Norman on the outer.

Verdict – Cowboys <12. Both teams desperately need a win so expect a torrid encounter. The Cowboys have more in their favour as well as more at stake.

Bulldogs vs Eels

Matchup – the big boys upfront. Both teams chances depend on how much go forward they can get. If the Dogs roll forward expect their backline to score a heap of points, while for the Eels to have any chance, they will need beat the Dogs up and maintain field position. Not to mention the quality of front rowers on show.

Key player – A lot rests on the shoulders of Luke Kelly as he will have to ensure that the Eels are able to maintain pressure on the Bulldogs. Repeat sets, ensuring that the Bulldogs start their sets deep in their own half and providing opportunities for his outside men will be vital to an Eels win.

Keep an eye on – Despite the Eels having a terrible year so far, Ryan Morgan has been solid all year. Keep an eye on how he performs in big games.

Dragons vs Raiders

Matchup – Bronson Harrison vs Josh Papalii. Harrison has worked his way back in to the starting line up and will come up against a young bloke who has had his first taste of Origin. Both are big boys but are very mobile so it will be great to watch as they look to get a yard or two on each other.

Key Player – Nathan Fien is the leader of this Dragons team. While there may be better players, Fiend is now in a position where has

Keep an eye on – Jack De Belin has been toiling away in the Dragons forward pack all year and will emerge as one of the best young forwards in the game soon enough.

Verdict – Who knows here. The Dragons upset favourites the Rabbitohs last week and could easily dispose of the Raiders this week. On the other hand, the Raiders could also do the same to the Dragons. I’m going to say the Dragons as they are at home and seem to have stumbled upon a sound 17.

Titans vs Rabbitohs

Matchup – Greg Bird vs Chris McQueen. This will be an Origin rematch for these two and given how competitive Greg Bird is I imagine he will pretty keen to do a job on McQueen and get some sort of revenge.

Key Player – Issac Luke will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility with Greg Inglis out injured. The Rabbitohs are a differe

Keep an eye on – Much was made of the age of many of the Titans older players but the now have many youngsters coming through getting a taste of first grade. Their whole backline consists of young guys who have are either established first graders or new on the block.

Verdict – The Titans pushed Manly last week and I’m picking them to go a step further this week. Titans <12

Warriors vs Storm

Matchup – Simon Mannerign vs Ryan Hoffman. Two guys who give their all each week but also add a bit more than just hard work. They run good lines and dominate on defence, should be a good ol ding dong battle.

Key players – The Warriors prop rotation. If these guys are able to gain good metres each set and put the Storm constantly on the back foot, the Warriors will win.

Keep an eye on – Dominique Peyroux’s involvement. He is consistently being named on the bench and offers Matt Elliot versatility. Recently he has come on for Konrad Hurrell but could come on anywhere he is needed.

Verdict – The Warriors generally have the wood on the Storm because they can dominate them physically. This Warriors team are probably more physical than in recent years so expect them to be victorious. Warriors <12

Sharks vs Panthers

Matchup – Jeff Robson vs Luke Walsh. Similar in stature and they both have similar roles. They will both be the foil to their 6’s who like to run the ball, so these two will have to provide good service and pinpoint kicking games.

Key player – Wade Graham re joins the starting 13 and will have to find the form he had before he side lined by injury pretty quickly.

Keep an eye on – The return of Sika Manu. Manu has been injured in recent weeks while his Panther comrades have been doing very well. Will his return ensure improvements for the Panthers or possible hinder their progress?

Verdict – Early in the year when the ASADA investigation was in full flight, the Sharks performances on the field reflected what was happening off field. How will the fare now that the drama has remerged from the wilderness? I think they’ll still end up victorious year thanks to a near full strength line up. Sharks <12

Knights vs Roosters

Matchup – Akuila Uate vs Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Not sure how many more times we’ll get to see these guys go up against each other, but enjoy it while it lasts. Powerful ball runners who are extremely light on their feet, it will be a pleasure to watch.

Key player – Sonny Bill Williams has the ability to throw the cat amongst the pigeons which will vital against a well organised Knights defence.

Keep an eye on – The impact Daniel Mortimer has. He has found a niche under Trent Robinson coming off the bench and will come on when the elderly Knights legs are a bit wary.

Verdict - The Knights are proving many people, myself included with their form this year. The Roosters will provide a different challenge though and will have too many attacking options as well as being able to grind it out with the Knights, which not too many teams have been able to do. Rooster <12

Tigers vs Sea Eagles

Matchup – Chris Lawrence vs Steve Matai. Jamie Lyon should easily dispose of Blake Ayshford, but the battle between two fine footy players will be a great spectacle,

Key player - Matt Ballin doesn't get too much recognition, but has to provide quality ball and get Manly rumbling forward if they are to continue to improve leading in to the finals.

Keep an eye on – How Braith Anasta is used. He has been pretty quiet of late and must love not having the spotlight shined upon him like it was at the Roosters.

Verdict - Manly look like they are putting all the pieces together for a run in to the finals and I don't think the Tigers will be able to match them physically. Manly >12