NRL Round 8 Preview
Dragons vs Roosters
Matchup - Gareth Widdop vs James Maloney. Widdop has had a very good year so far and is the focal point of the Dragons attack while Maloney has been well below par. A big stage for either one to step up.
Key men - Mitch Rein is quietly going about his business very well, so well that he doesn't need Kyle Stanley coming off the bench anymore. The Dragons will need plenty of speed and excitement out of dummy half to have a chance.
Keep an eye on - Mike Cooper continues to impress in the NRL after making the move from England.
Mike Cooper is battlin'
Verdict - Roosters <12. I expect them to get back in to some form and should be too good in all facets.
Storm vs Warriors
Matchup - The bench. The Storm have gone with a pretty big bench while the Warriors have gone light, will be awesome to see which bench has the bigger impact in this battle of styles.
Key men - Chad Townsend must start to showcase his half play consistently. The Warriors need to be down the right end of the field and Townsend has the ability to dictate terms with his boot, but hasn't done so regular enough.
Keep an eye on - I was surprised Ben Roberts got the cut so quick and with Origin just around the corner expect Ben Hampton to start to have an impact.
Verdict - Warriors <12. I lied last week.
Broncos vs Rabbitohs
Matchup - Justin Hodges vs Kirisome Auva'a. The vet and the rookie, Auva'a hasn't had to line up against someone like Hodges yet so it'll be a great test.
Key men - With Corey Parker and Matt Gillett either offering offloads or pure skill, Ben Barba could be at his best sniffing around these two.
Keep an eye on - Jake Granville off the bench for the Broncos. He's been labelled as the best player consistently in the Intrust Super Cup and can play anywhere from hooker to fullback.
Verdict - Rabbitohs <12. With Sam Thaiday still out, I think the Bunnies will have a bit too much polish and power.
Sharks vs Panthers
Matchup - For me, this is just an all round good team matchup. Both teams play a tough, basic style but have skill in certain areas of the field.
Key men - Jamal Idris. The big lad needs to get his hands on the footy ... not just to run hard but to also impact the game with his range of skills. I remember a few weeks he got in to first receiver and led to a try so thats what he can do.
Keep an eye on - The Sharks have named Chris Heighington and Paul Gallen in the starting line up so it could be good to see Gallenn a bit wider, using his off load etc ... or we could see Andrew Fifita a bit wider hmmm.
Verdict - Sharks <12. They're getting a few players back and having Gallen, Fifita and Graham in your pack will make you pretty hard to defend against.
Cowboys vs Eels
Matchup - The battle of the Tongans! Jason Taumalolo vs Manu Ma'u. Ouch.
Key men - Inbetween Chris Sandow and Jarryd Hayne, Corey Norman is looking like a perfect fit for the Eels. His left boot, solid running game and crisp passing is vital.
Keep an eye on - If Ray Thompson's shift to 7 can change the Cowboys fortunes. This also means Anthony Mitchell coming off the bench which will give them some impact and dynamic running around the ruck.
Verdict - Cowboys <12. If this was in Sydney the Eels would win but I imagine the Cowboys are getting desperado.
Bulldogs vs Knights
Matchup - Josh Reynolds vs Jarrod Mullen. Could be a NSW audition.
Key men - Darius Boyd has to have an impact on the game every week for Newcastle to win. This is even more important against a team like the Bulldogs who have threats all across the park.
Keep an eye on - Sam Kasiano is perfect for this Dogs team there are plenty of workhorses, but Kasiano provides all things dynamic.
Verdict - Bulldogs <12. Too much everything.
Sea Eagles vs Raiders
Matchup - The battle up front. Not much razzle dazzle in this group of props, just some tough running, hard tackling men.
Key men - Jamie Lyon has moved in to the halves a bit this season and will have to again be on point at 6.
Keep an eye on - Make sure you're in the zone every time the ball gets shifted to the centres. Some quality players on display.
Verdict - Manly >12. The Sea Eagles are on their grind.
West Tigers vs Titans
Matchup - The youthful play makers. The future is on display here and the likes of Luke Brooks, Kurtis Rowe, Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly should put on a good show.
Key men - The Titans bench will have to not only match the typically awesome Tigers bench but probably better it to have a chance.
Keep an eye on - Blake Austin was awesome for the Tigers off the bench last week and he will be out to impress again.
Verdict - Tigers <12. They're just doing their thing.