Broncos vs Eels

Matchup - David Stagg vs Ben Robert. The battle of the misfit centres. Will be entertaining to see a couple of veteran players try their hand at centre.

Key Player - Ben Hunt has to give the Broncos some direction and purpose at halfback. They have lacked potency for much of the year and this now falls upon Hunt's young shoulders.

Keep an eye on - Mitchell Allgood has been shifted out in to the centres so keep an eye on how he handles Matt Gillett.

Verdict - Broncos <12. The Broncos have a fair bit to play for so expect them to expose a weakness or two within the Eels.

Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles

Bit of a humdinger this one!

Matchup - There's too many really. Can't wait to see who has the bigger impact, Greg Inglis or Brett Stewart.

Key players - Manly's bench. Brent Kite and Brenton Lawrence will have a torrid time in the middle so the Manly bench which is packed with muscle will have to muscle up and do their share of the work.

Keep an eye - What Michael Maguire does with John Sutton. The prospect of moving John Sutton to the second row, bringing Luke Keary in to the halves will be a x factor play for Souths in the finals.

Verdict - Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm who knows really. But I get paid the big bucks so Manly <12

Raiders vs Bulldogs

Matchup - Joel Edwards vs Dale Finucane. Two young tough nuts who have been doing pretty well. Will be good to see these two butt heads with some big body contact as they can both whack.

Key Player - Michael Ennis holds the key for the Bulldogs. With Sam Kasiano out injured, the Bulldogs will need a bit extra go forwardwhich Ennis can provide out of dummy half.

Keep an eye on - The combination of Blake Ferguson and Jack Wighton for Canberra. Two large, athletic and aggresive beings.

Verdict - The Bulldogs will have too much skill and size as well as being able to handle Canberra's few weapons. Bulldogs >12

Cowboys vs Titans

Matchup - The big boppers. Lots of talented props on display in this game and they will be eagerly looking to dominate each other and give their play makers time and space.

Key Players - If Gavin Cooper and Glenn Hall can start strong and cause some trouble on the edges, the Cowboys will gain too much momentum and Jonathan Thurston will just keep getting these guys one on one.

Keep an eye on - Joel Riethmuller has been doing a great job in Dallas Johnson's place, he's one tough cookie.

Verdict - Combine desperation and a home crowd and you have a Cowboys win. Cowboys >12

Dragons vs Sharks

Matchup - Jack De Belin vs Paul Gallen. Two hard nuts who will be looking to assert their physical dominance.

Key Player - Luke Lewis has to rediscover the form that he displayed during the middle of the year, running great lines and physically dominating his opponents.

Keep an eye on - Leeson Ah Mau getting a start in the second row. He has been in and out of the team but could provide some spark on the edge.

Verdict - This Dragons team that has been named is full of great young talent and has a fresh look about it. I'm picking an upset here, Dragons <12

Knights vs Storm

Matchup - Chris Houston vs Ryan Hoffman. Two very solid back rowers who are athletic but also deceptively big.

Key Players - The Knights bench packs a lot of punch and experience and they will have to add a bit of variety to defeat the Storm.

Keep an eye on - Kenny Bromwich has added a lot to the Storm in the past few weeks so watch out for his influence off the bench.

Verdict - Two very similar teams, but the Storm will have too much class as the Knights try to beat them at their own game. Storm >12

Warriors vs Panthers

Matchup - Nathan Friend vs Kevin Kingstone. Two blokes who have a large influence on the attitude and performance of their teams.

Key Player - An attacking dynamo, Konrad Hurrell will be targeted by Ivan Cleary. He will have to work well with Manu Vatuvei defensively to ensure a Warriors victory.

Keep an eye on - Whether or not Matt Elliot has any tricks up his sleeve with Jerome Ropati.

Verdict - Much like the Cowboys, I think the combination of desperation and playing at home will result in a Warriors win. Warriors >12

Roosters vs Tigers

Matchup - David Nofoaluma vs Daniel Tupou. Two great young wingers, one relatively short and dynamic, the other tall and lanky.

Key Player - Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will have to continue his consistent footy and lead the Roosters through the middle.

Keep an eye on - Ben Murdoch-Masila getting a starting spot in the back row. Usually used off the bench, Murdoch-Masila has the x-factor which the Tigers need.

Verdict - For no reason really, this one will be another upset. Tigers <12