Panthers vs Rabbitohs

Matchup - Jamal Idris vs Dylan Walker. Idris has been in some good form recently, relishing the opportunity to play some consistent footy and he'll be up against the very light footed Walker. Size and strength vs speed and agility.

Key men - Tim Grant and Sam Mckendry are the two blokes for Penrith who have the size and class to handle the big Bunnies. They're both rep level props and the Panthers hopes of winning will start with these two.

Keep an eye on - Young Kyle Turner getting a start on the edge for the Rabbitohs and the possibility of the Panthers unleashing another young freak in Isaah Yeo.

Verdict - Panthers <12. They've got the size and attitude to be able to handle to Rabbitohs while also having some potent smaller guys who will bring the ruckus when the big boys tire.

Titans vs Broncos

Matchup - It has to be the two back rows. Every player is a current or former rep player and they offer so much variety. Alex Glenn vs David Taylor will be very interesting to watch as Taylor will be tough to handle but Glenn will be waiting to catch Taylor slippin'.

Key men - Justin Hodges. He's a centre who is as much a play maker as he is a ball runner, much like Jamie Lyon and he's the best dummy half runner ever. 

Keep an eye on - Corey Oates has kinda snuck in to the Broncos rotation, finding a home in the second row after playing on the wing last season. Definitely someone to keep tabs on.

Verdict - Broncos >12. With Justin Hodges and Ben Hannant back in the team, the Broncos look to have settled in to their work and will have to much class for the Titans.

Raiders vs Knights

Matchup - Matt Allwood vs Dane Gagai. Allwood is playing himself in to a new contract and is up against the very solid Gagai. Two hard working, big, mobile young men.

Key men - There aren't many players cut from the same cloth as Shaun Fensom and he'll be very important against the Knights. Fensom is the defensive glue and any time you play the Knights you have to willing to get in to the grind.

Keep an eye on - Josh Papalii will be welcomed back with open arms, he's huge for the Raiders.

Verdict - Raiders <12. They got the W only a few weeks ago and with Anthony Milford and Papalii in the line up they have punch and x factor.

Eels vs Roosters 

Matchup - Manu Ma'u vs Sonny Bill Williams. I'm pretty sure Ma'u will be given some instructions to go after SBW and they're both big, athletic and skillful men so it will be a great battle.

Key men - Peni Terepo. Someone a bit different here but Terepo will come off the bench and give the Eels a big boost. He'll likely come on around the time that the Roosters make their changes so expect the Eels to lift from his hard running and energy.

Keep an eye on - Pauli Pauli. He's massive, he's young and he'll ruffle a few Roosters feathers.

Verdict - Eels <12. The Roosters smashed them a few weeks ago but this is a much different Eels side and have a bit of a chip on their shoulder.

Tigers vs Cowboys

Matchup - Tim Simona/Chris Lawrence vs Kane Linnett/Brent Tate. Some very good centres here and Simona will be keen to seal a place as the starting centre ahead of Keith Lulia.

Key men - Tariq Sims. The Tigers have bullied some highly fancied forward packs recently and it will be Sims' job to fight fire with fire through the middle.

Keep an eye on - Kurtis Rowe at fullback and Blake Austin and five eight for the Tigers.

Verdict - Cowboys <12. Toss up here, but I think with Tedesco out and the Cowboys back on their grizzind they'll have a bit too much class. Would like to see a Tigers win though.

Warriors vs Bulldogs

Matchup - Sam Tomkins vs Sam Perrett. Two fullbacks with two different styles but they each have a lot to prove and will be out to showcase their talents.

Key men - Impossible to ignore the halves here. Thomas Leuluai is back at 6 so the Warriors will have a bit more leadership their and expect Josh Reynolds to put Shaun Johnson under the pump. Johnson and Trent Hodkinson will be out to do their core roles very well.

Keep an eye on - Charlie Gubb will give the Warriors some much needed energy off the bench and Dominique Peyroux should offer a bit more mobility. 

Verdict - Warriors <12. Would you bet against them pulling this outta their ass?

Sea Eagles vs Sharks

Matchup - Glenn Stewart vs Wade Graham. Two of the most skillful second rowers in the game at the moment and they both love to play tough as well.

Key men - Brett Stewart. A lot of Manly's attack is based around the snake and he gives them another high powered weapon.

Keep an eye on - Manly's winger situation. Jorge Taufua is expected back soon so Peta Hiku and David Williams will be playing for their jerseys in the nek few weeks.

Verdict - Manly >12. There is a sense of normality returning to Manly and expect them to bounce back with vigour.

Storm vs Dragons

Matchup - Billy Slater vs Josh Dugan. We haven't seen the best of these two yet and hopefully they'll both be firing come Monday night.

Key men - Michael Witt is the calming influence for Gareth Widdop to do what he doooz. Witt will have to do the basics efficiently for Widdop to stamp his mark on the game.

Keep an eye on - Tim Glasby and Mitch Garbuttt. They're young forwards who have been given their shot this season and they'll be out to show their worth at NRL level.

Verdict - Storm <12. Melbourne know Widdop inside out and I don't think Craig Bellamy would accept another loss.