Broncos vs Knights

Matchup - Jack Reed vs Dane Gagai. Two young centres who have been playing pretty consistently all season. With Justin Hodges out, Reed will be looking to assert himself and show that he is the future while Gagai still has to prove that he can perform under pressure.

Key Player - A certain somebody gave me a hard time for naming Jarrod Mullen in the Battler 17 a few weeks back. Now is his time to lead the Knights and show his worth.

Keep an eye on - Zane Tetevano has worked his way in to Wayne Bennett's good books this year and has been playing tough in the middle.

Verdict - Knights >12. The Knights have too much to play for to slip up here.

Tigers vs Rabbitohs

Matchup - Tim Simona vs Dylan Walker. Two extremely talented young centres who will provide each other with headaches all game. Will be interesting to see who is better defensively.

Key Player - John Sutton has been playing very well all year and has to lighten the load on Greg Inglis and Adam Reynolds throughout the back end of the season.

Keep an eye on - Curtis Sironen has recently been shifted to the back row which he was always destined for. A back rower who played in the halves will provide an added dimension to the Tigers attack.

Verdict - Tigers <12. I think the Rabbitohs could slip up here. The Tigers have the best forward pack they've had all season along with the return of Robbie Farah and will be looking for a positive end to the season.

Warriors vs Raiders

Matchup - Shaun Johnson vs Anthony Milford. Two of the games most exciting young halves, the winner of this battle will be the bloke who does the simple things the best. The razzle dazzle will come on the back of some solid, smart footy.

Key Player - Nathan Friend has been one of the Warriors best all season and must now lead the Warriors defensively and provide a threat out of dummy half. Expect to see him scooting out of the ruck to catch out the big Raiders forwards.

Keep an eye on - Josh McCrone has been pushed in to hooker which could make him a target with the likes of Ben Matulino and Suaia Matagi.

Verdict - The Raiders are all over the show at the moment and I don't think a trip across the ditch will help. Warriors >12

Bulldogs vs Panthers

Matchup - Michael Ennis vs Kevin Kingstone. Two battler 9's. What's better?

Key Players - Tim Grant/Sam McKendry. These two will have to match the big Bulldogs pack and provide the aggression needed to dominate the middle.

Keep an eye on - The Bulldogs have some very good young forwards in Dale Finucane and Josh Jackson who don't get much attention. Now is their time.

Verdict - Another upset here, with the Bulldogs not quite at full strength and the Panthers sniffing around for some points. Panthers <12

Sea Eagles vs Storm

Matchup - Brett Stewart vs Billy Slater. The two premier full backs in the competition, this will be an absolute pleasure to watch.

Key Player - Matt Ballin. Cam Smith will be up to his usual antics, but whether Ballin can be effective out of dummy half or not could decide the game.

Keep an eye on - James Hasson is a typical Manly forward who has done a fine job so far this year.

Verdict - Toss up here. I'm going with Manly who are at home. Manly <12

Sharks vs Cowboys

Matchup - Back rows. Plenty of class on the edges and expect the halves to try find the likes of Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Jason Bukuya, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall and Tariq Sims early on in the set.

Key player - Matt Bowen has provided us with his usual brilliance all year, but he must step in to the halves more often especially against a big, sluggish Sharks pack. For the Cowboys to win in Sydney, Matt Bowen must perform in Sydney.

Keep an eye on - Jayden Hodges is the cousin of Justin and will slot in to hooker off the bench.

Verdict - This week is all about desperation, which is where the Cowboys will have the edge. Cowboys <12.

Roosters vs Titans

Matchup - This game has us spoilt for choice with both teams possessing quality halves. The Roosters have the established pair, while the Titans have the young guns out to prove themselves.

Key Player - The Titans would have welcomed Albert Kelly with open arms as he has the ability to break any team open. For the Titans to crack the Roosters defence, Kelly has to fire.

Keep an eye on - The collisions. Plenty of angry big boppers on show here.

Verdict - Shit, I'm putting my balls on the line with all these upsets this week. The Titans have a tough pack who can match the Roosters along with an exciting back line. Titans <12

Eels vs Dragons

Matchup - Darcy Lussick vs Jack de Belin. Two young tough nuts who will defend in the middle and have to do plenty of grunt work.

Key Player - Jason Nightingale needs to add quality touches in the attacking zone for the Dragons to pose a threat.

Keep an eye on - The Dragons overall. This is an interesting collection of exciting youngsters (Charly Runciman, Adam Quinlan, Josh Drinkwater) and some experienced NRL battlers. They could pose a large threat next season.

Verdict - Pretty shit game this one. Dragons <12