Knights vs Broncos

Matchup – Craig Gower vs Peter Wallace. The two former halfbacks will come off the bench and look to add some quality to their respective teams. Will be interesting to see who has the greater impact.

Key Player – Darius Boyd holds the key to the Knights attack. He adds the touch of quality that is needed to turn good chances in to tries and will step up against his former team.

Keep an eye on – David Stagg in the centres. An old work horse battling away against some young bucks.

Verdict – Knights >12

Roosters vs Panthers

Matchup – Shaun Kenny Dowall vs Dean Whare. Two Kiwi centres who will be looking to impress Stephen Kearney. Whare has been in great form this year, while SKD hasn't been as good as in previous years. Will still be a great battle.

Key Player – When Isaac John is on song, the Panthers look a lot better. He will need to play out of his skin to give the Panthers a chance

Keep an eye on – Sika Manu is back in to the starting line up and will give the Panthers a greater presence on that edge.

Verdict – Roosters >12

Warriors vs Sharks

Matchup – Simon Mannering vs Wade Graham. Both are physical monsters but are also very useful attacking weapons as they run great lines and can make something out of nothing.

Key Player – Dane Nielsen needs to lead the Warriors defensively and instil a confidence in the players and their defensive ability, especially against teams like the Sharks who aren't going to let you score 20+ points easily.

Keep an eye on – Suaia Matagi adding some punch off the bench.

Verdict – Warriors <12

Eels vs Sea Eagles

Matchup – Willie Tonga vs Steve Matai. There aren't many Eels players who can stack up against their Manly counterpart besides Tim Mannah but Willie Tonga will give Steve Matai a good go and entertainment will be a plenty.

Key Player – Glenn Stewart needs to get his hand on the ball as much as possible to ensure that the defence has to focus on each of the many different pieces to the Manly puzzle.

Keep an eye on – Api Pewhairangi at six. Another halves combination zzzz for the Eels

Verdict – Sea Eagles >12

Cowboys vs Rabbitohs

Matchup – The front rows. The Australian front row vs 1/2 of the Burgess clan.

Key Player – Ray Thompson. Its easy to say the Jonathan Thurston is always the key for the Cowboys along with Matty Bowen, but Thompson must do a very very solid job to give his play makers time and space while also having a go himself,

Keep an eye on – Kyle Feldt was the guy who missed the kick from the sidelien in the U20's final a few years back to hand the Junior Warriors the championship. He now gets a start on the wing.

Verdict – Cowboys < 12

Raiders vs Storm

Matchup – Josh Papalii vs Kevin Proctor. Two very dynamic players who can dominate physically. Will be interesting to see who gets the upper hand and can provide the best opportunities for their team.

Key Players – Storm props. These blokes must step up if the Storm are going to be able to beat the more physical teams like Canberra.

Keep an eye on – Slade Griffin. A tough young bugger.

Verdict – Storm <12

Titans vs Tigers

Matchup – Brad takairangi vs Blake Ayshford. Size, speed and footwork = entertainment.

Key Player – Aidan Sezer must step up in the absence of Albert Kelly.

Keep an eye on – Keith Galloway giving the Tigers some experienced muscle.

Verdict – Tigers <12

Dragons vs bulldogs

Matchup – Daniel Vidot vs Tim Lafai. Another centre matchup with two very good young players who have all the physical tools.

Key Player – Sam Perrett has to be able to add to the Bulldogs attack and tap in to his ball distribution. Fail to do so and the Bulldogs will turn in to a predictable machine.

Keep an eye on – The form of Tony Williams leading in to the finals. Doesn't matter too much what you do at the start of the year, but what you do at the business end of the season.

Verdict – Bulldogs >12