Broncos vs Bulldogs

Matchup - Sam Thaiday vs Tony WIlliams. Slammin' Sammy won't take a backward step, but the T-Rex has just emerged alive and well after many thought he was extinct.

Key player - Josh Reynolds has to assert his dominance and physical presence that had him on the verge of a NSW jersey.

Keep an eye on - Scott Prince's last game could mean a few teary eyes.

Verdict - Bulldogs >12. The Dogs need to build some momentum and get back to their best footy from last season.

Rabbitohs vs Roosters

Matchup - Issac Luke vs Jake Friend. Two of the best second tier hookers in the game (Cam Smith is the only top tier hooker) who do a lot of work defensively but also like to make an impact with ball in hand.

Key players - Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sam Moa. These two will have to set the bar high in the opening stanza to ensure that the Roosters aren't battling for field position. If these two get off to a good start, expect Dylan Napa and Issac Liu to make cause some damage.

Keep an eye on - Luke Keary off the bench adds a lot to the Rabbitohs and could be the difference in games like this.

Verdict - Rabbitohs >12. The Bunnies have that extra size and class which will be too much for the Roosters.

Dragons vs Warriors

Matchup - Charly Runciman vs Konrad Hurrell. Two very good young centres who will be in an all mighty battle throughout the game.

Key player - Kevin Locke has been way too inconsistent this season and needs to step up when it matters. If he can, all will be forgiven.

Keep an eye on - Injuries could force the inclusion of some youngsters in to a high pressure environment for the Warriors which could either be awesome, or a bit of a worry.

Verdict - Warriors <12. The Dragons will offer a much stiffer challenge than the Raiders but the Warriors have too much on the line.

Storm vs Titans

Matchup - Kevin Proctor vs Greg Bird. Two aggressive, skillful and mobile back rowers who will each be looking for the upper hand.

Key player - Brad Takairangi has flourished since moving north from the Roosters and if he can get his hand/s on the ball early, look out.

Keep an eye on - Big bopper Jordan McLean has done a fine job since coming in to first grade and is up against a massive Titans pack.

Verdict - Storm >12. The Storm will be switching in to finals mode and will have too much discipline for the Titans.

Cowboys vs Tigers

Matchup - James Tamou vs Adam Blair. Both are hearty Maoris, one's a kiwi, one's an Aussie??

Key player - Robert Lui has to do the basics extremely well to allow Jonathan Thurston the opportunity to pull the strings. The more he runs the ball, the better.

Keep an eye on - The Tigers have a bench stacked with young talent, so keep an eye out for how they go.

Verdict - Cowboys <12. I tinkered with the idea of a Tigers upset but I think there'll be too much emotion and desperation up in Townsville for the Tigers to have a chance.

Sea Eagles vs Panthers

Matchup - David Williams vs David Simmons. Two wingers of similar stature who have proven themselves as some of the best finishers around.

Key player - Isaac John came on to the scene with a flourish but now's the time to really show your NRL capabilities.

Keep an eye on - Jesse Sene-Lefao is skillful back rower who could provide a bit of x-factor off the bench.

Verdict - Panthers <12. Pretty insane upset here, with no Brett Stewart and their ladder place set in stone I'm picking the Panthers to do the job.

Knights vs Eels

Matchup - Tyrone Roberts vs Luke Kelly. Both are young halves with a huge future who have been very good in some patches, while mediocre in others.

Key player - Jarrod Mullen carries the weight of Newcastle on his shoulders.

Keep an eye on - Pat O'Hanlon was given a go last year and is a fantastic young back rower.

Verdict - Eels >12. The Knights have toiled away all season, but I think the Eels will be up for this one to give their fans something to cheer about as well as putting in a good showing to convince Ricky Stuart to stay.

Sharks vs Raiders

Matchup - Shaun Berrigan vs Isaac De Gois. Two battlers who will come off the bench and try provide their teams with a bit of a spark.

Key players - Luke Lewis and Anthony Tupou are both veterans who should be able to trouble the Raiders on the edges.

Keep an eye on - Mitch Cornish has tormented oppositions in the U20's for a few years now and with fellow U20 graduate Anthony Milford getting a lot of the spotlight, make sure you keep an eye on Cornish.

Verdict - Sharks >12. The Raiders showed what a mess they are last week and don't expect any let up from the Sharks.