Rabbitohs vs Manly

Matchup - This match is the battle of a celebrated forward pack of giants up against a group of forwards who don't have the big brand name but do a fine job. How will the likes of Manly's Josh Starling and Brenton Lawrence go against the Burgess clan?

Key men - Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran. They will have to control the game and do so with slow ball which will really test their abilities. They Bunnies boast a much more powerful pack so it will be these two Sea Eagles who will have to execute a quick, mobile style of footy to perfection.

Watch out for - Whether the Sea Eagles can get quick, early ball to Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai. These two have a huge advantage over their opposites which will make for an interesting battle out wide.

Verdict - Manly <12. They'll have a clear game plan to nulify G.I. as well as slowing down a rampant group of Bunnies. They need to bounce back as well.

Broncos vs Cowboys

Matchup - Andrew McCullough vs Ray Thompson. These two rakes are pretty under cover but are vital to their team's success. They will both need to offer a threat with their running games while also serving quick ball on a platter for their playmakers.

Key men - Alex Glenn and Sam Thaiday. These two will have a big challenge in stopping Gavin Cooper and Jason Taumalolo on the edges. If they can, they will make the Cowboys go to plan B.

Watch out for - Michael Morgan's impact from fullback. They Cowboys have plenty of weapons and with Morgan as an option they can become unstoppable.

Verdict - Cowboys >12. Big forwards, skilled halves, threats all across the park.

Warriors vs Dragons

Matchup - John Palavi vs Trent Merrin. Two rather big lads who will be charged with tightening up the middle. They're both relatively new to the lock position with Palavi previously playing on the edge and Merrin being a prop, so it will be a good battle.

Key men - Dane Nielsen and Jerome Ropati. The edge defence for the Warriors last week was pretty horrible and these two will need to do a job on Dylan Farrell and Gerard Beale.

Watch out for - Tyson Frizzell moving from the edge to prop. This will give the Drags plenty of footwork and mobility through the middle.

Verdict - Warriors >12. The Warriors have so much more to play for and their line up looks very solid, expect them to execute their plays and plans a lot better this week.

Storm vs Panthers

Matchup - The battle of the Kiwi back rowers. Tohu Harris, Kevin Proctor, Elijah Taylor and Lewis Brown will all feature on the edges for their respective teams in what will shape as a fantastic battle ... especially with some Kiwi jerseys up for grabs.

Key men - Jamie Soward/Peter Wallace. These two will have to make the most of any opportunities and perfectly execute kicks to build pressure to see what this group of Storm Troopers is made of.

Watch out for - Isaah Yeo was a late replacement for Jamal Idris last week and is a very good young centre for Penrith.

Isaah Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeoooooooo

Verdict - Storm >12. The Storm welcome back Cooper Cronk and should be too good for the Panthers at home.

Roosters vs Eels

Matchup - A mouth watering battle in the centres here - Michael Jennings/Shaun Kenny-Dowall vs Will Hopoate/Willie Tonga. Footwork, speed, experience, distribution ... four very good all round footballers.

Key men - Tim Mannah and Fuifui Moimoi. Up against the best props of last year, these two were very good against the Warriors and if they can continue to improve, they could make a few waves in the NRL.

Watch out for - Kaysa Pritchard replacing Nathan Peats at dummy half for the Eels. With the only cover for hooker possibly being Joseph Paulo on the bench, Pritchard will be in the heart of the fire.

Verdict - Roosters <12. The Roosters D will be much harder to breach than the Warriors, but if you're brave put some money on a sneaky Eels upset win.

Titans vs Tigers

Matchup - Albert Kelly vs Luke Brooks. Kelly was in fine form last week while Brooks is still finding his feet. Two very good young halves who are vital to their team's success.

Key men - Braith Anasta and Robbie Farah. These two must lead this group of Tigers in every aspect of the game. If they continue to make some questionable decisions then the Tigers will continue to fail.

Watch out for - Whether Adam Blair can actually claim to be worth his price tag. He needs to start doing so.

Verdict - Tigers <12. Tigers fans will be hoping that it can all click this week and I expect them to bounce back against a good Titans team.

Knights vs Raiders

Matchup - Jeremy Smith vs Shaun Fensom. Two very tough footy players who will set the tone for their teams, doing the little things to perfection.

Key men - Jack Wighton is still finding his feet as an NRL half, but with him and Terry Campese both being big lads they could pose some serious problems if they run the ball.

Watch out for - Matt Allwood was very good at centre for the Raiders last week and is definitely worthy of being someone to watch two weeks in a row.

Verdict - Raiders <12. With Kurt Gidley at fullback, I can't see the Knights offering as much a threat as the Raiders who have a few exciting players up their sleeve.

Bulldogs vs Sharks

Matchup - Josh Reynolds vs Todd Carney. Two very different styles with Reynolds offering a gritty type of half play while Carney will put the cherry on top of the Sharks attack.

Key men - Matt Prior and Wade Graham have a massive task ahead of them as they try to limit the effectiveness of Frank Pritchard and Tony Williams

Watch out for - Corey Thompson on the wing for the Bulldogs. He was pretty exciting during the Nines and will offer the Dogs a live wire option out wide.

Verdict - Sharks <12. The Sharkies should be tough enough to match the Dogs upfront, but have the edge with Carney and his band of solid but exciting lads out wide.