Tigers vs Rabbitohs

Matchup - Robbie Farah vs Isaac Luke. Two players who have a huge influence on how their team performs. Farah was back to his best last week while Luke continues to show that he is definitely in the top 3 best hookers in the NRL.

Key men - The bench men for the Tigers. Lots of enthusiasm, aggression and skill on the Tigers bench which could give them a massive boost when the Bunnies big boppers take a break.

Keep an eye on - The return of Tim Simona. An exciting centre, Simona gives the Tigers a great attacking option and he is someone who can break a game open.

Verdict - Tigers <12. Sneaky upset here. The Tigers have a forward pack capable of getting on top of the Bunnies and with some excitement out wide they could trouble the favourites ... if they can keep Greg Inglis in check.

Broncos vs Roosters

Matchup - Alex Glenn vs Mitch Aubusson. Aubusson is a fantastic hole runner and never lets his team down while Glenn does much of the same. They will be the focal point of many plays, whether the get the ball or run a decoy.

Key man - When Michael Jennings is keen, interested and wanting the ball, not many can stop him. If the Roosters can get him lots of early ball, getting him 1 on 1 with his opposition then watch out.

Keep an eye on - Whether the Roosters continue to swap Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Anthony Minichello. Was it a one off? Do they save it for specific games? Or will it become the norm?

Verdict - Roosters <12. Hard to ignore the Roosters and the form they are in. Too many weapons across the park and they'll be hard to score against.

Panthers vs Bulldogs

Matchup - Adam Docker vs Dale Finucane. Two uber tough players who love to dominate physically. Should be a good ol' ding dong battle between these two in the middle.

Key men - Tyrone Peachey and James Segeyaro. These two give the Panthers a whole new dimension when they come of the bench. Plenty of speed, footwork and excitement between them, they'll have to be in top form to break the Dogs down.

Keep an eye on - Patrick O'Hanlon off the bench. Picked up from the Eels, O'Hanlon has really impressed for the Dogs so far.

Verdict - Bulldogs >12. The Panthers have many people fooled (yeah I said it) and won't do as well as people think.

Sharks vs Dragons

Matchup - Todd Carney vs Gareth Widdop. These two control their teams attack and whoever can dictate proceedings the best will emerge the victor

Key men - Dylan Farrell and Gerard Beale. Two big, athletic centres who come up against a battler in Blake Ayshford and relative newbie Ricky Leutele. Opportunities galore outwide for the Dragons.

Keep an eye on - How the Sharks respond to a big loss and the return of some key players against a Dragons team high in confidence.

Verdict - Dragons >12. Can't see the Sharks getting close to the Dragons, especially with all not quite honkidory in the Shire.

Cowboys vs Warriors

Matchup - Quite a few in this game, the battle of the centres will be awesome to watch as well the battle of the big boppers up front.

Key men - Jacob Lillyman and Suaia Matagi. The Cowboys don't have much front row depth to back up their rep props, if these two (along with Sione Lousi) can offer a physical spark off the bench then they could be damaging.

Keep an eye on - How Konrad Hurrell will fit in. My guess is that John Palavi will fall off the bench making way for Hurrell to add some spice off the bench.

Verdict - Warriors <12. On paper it looks like an easy Cowboys win but the Warriors have the personnel and depth to make it interesting.

Sea Eagles vs Eels

Matchup - Glenn Stewart vs Manu Ma'u. Stewart's return will be against a tough, hard running Ma'u. Big test for Stewart's fitness while Ma'u's defence will be tested by Stewart's attacking ability.

Key man - Nathan Peats who returns from the dumbest suspension ever handed down. If the Eels can get a bit of go forward, Peats could be lethal from dummy half which will give the dangerous Parramatta back line a bit to work with.

Keep an eye on - There isn't much difference between the current Eels team and the '09 team, except that Jarryd Hayne carried them on his back. This will be a big stage, Brookvale Oval, will Hayne step up?

Verdict - Manly <12. At Brooky, Glenn Stewart back, hard to argue.

Raiders vs Titans

Matchup - Jack Wighton vs Aiden Sezer. Two young halves who will play very important supporting roles to their dominant halfbacks. They'll be responsible for many little things that could top the game their team's way.

Key men - Anthony Milford has the ability to carry the Raiders to victory, whether he does enough (which is a whole lot) is the question.

Keep an eye on - Brad Takairangi replacing Maurice Blair in the centres. Takairangi is a lot more exciting with the ball in his hands than Blair so expect the Titans to offer a bit more on attack.

Verdict - Titans >12. The Raiders are missing Josh Papalii and don't look to offer much of a threat besides Milford.

Storm vs Knights

Mahe Fonua will have his hands full with Joey Leilua this week

Matchup - Mahe Fonua vs Joey Leilua. Fonua has shifted to the centres this season and will be tested by Leilua, it'll be a great battle to watch.

Key men - The Storm's forwards. The Knights boast an experienced, tough pack and it will be a tough ask for Melbourne's big men to get on top through the middle for the big 3 to play off.

Keep an eye on - Matt Minto at fullback for the Knights. Didn't look out of place as a replacement for Darius Boyd so keep an eye on how he handles plenty of pressure from the Storm.

Verdict - Storm >12. They've got a very settled line up and we're seeing the 2014 version of the Melbourne Storm starting to build some chemistry.