Rabbitohs vs Storm

Matchup - Dylan Walker vs Kurt Mann. Walker is coming off a four try performance for the Bunnies while Mann is coming off a debut, albeit an impressive debut. Both are athletic youngsters who will have their defensive abilities tested by each other.

Key man - Jesse Bromwich. He's been one of the best props in the league through the last few weeks and up against the fairly decent Bunnies pack he'll have to be aggressive, eat metres and get a few offloads in.

Keep an eye on - Dayne Weston had a big impact off the bench for the Storm last week. He's the typcial Craig Bellamy type of player and gives the Storm some size and mongrel.

Verdict - Rabbitohs <12. The Rabbitohs should be able to grind through the middle and have too much class throughout.

Broncos vs Titans

Matchup - Alex Glenn vs Dave Taylor. Glenn could trouble Taylor with his mobility but while Taylor can give Glenn plenty of headaches with his size and power.

Key man - Ben Hunt. I'm not convinced with Josh Hoffman at 6, so Hunt really needs to dictate terms. If he can then it allows both Hoffman and Ben Barba a bit more time and space to run the ball.

Keep an eye on - Brad Takairangi in the centres for the Titans. He's having a good season, is tall, athletic and has all the skills + a big step.

Verdict - Titans <12. I think the forward pack they have can not only dominate the Broncos pack, but also put in the type of efforts needed to defend their line against Barba, Hodges etc.

Eels vs Dragons

Matchup - Jarryd Hayne vs Josh Dugan. Simple.

Key man - Darcy Lussick. His return to first grade resulted in the Eels looking like an aggressive powerhouse. He's an enforcer, gets off the line quick and does all the little things. The Dragons have gone small in their pack which gives Lussick room to throw his weight around.

Keep an eye on - Besides Benji, Junior Paulo for the Eels got a run last week and is a beast. He's keeping Fuifui Moimoi out of the team so keep watch of him.

Verdict - Eels >12. Whether Benji Marshall plays or not is irrelevant, the Eels are a group of man beasts and enjoy playing tough ... while the Dragons haven't shown that ability yet.

Sharks vs West Tigers

Matchup - Paul Gallen vs Adam Blair. Two tough, niggly guys who will love to mix it up through the middle.

Key man - Tim Simona, welcome back. The Tigers have two really good centres now in Simona and Chris Lawrence and expect Simona to get his hands on the ball as much as possible.

Keep an eye on - Kurtis Rowe continues to impress at fullback for the Tigers.

Verdict - Tigers <12. The Tigers shouldn't have any problems in defence but it will be a good test for them in the art of the grind.

Cowboys vs Roosters

Matchup - The props. Matt Scott/James Tamou vs Jared Waerea-Hargreaves/Sam Moa. It'll be a doozy.

Key man - Michael Morgan's job will be to link between Jonathan Thurston and the edge players. I'd expect the Cowboys to try get Gavin Cooper and Jason Taumalolo involved a lot so Morgan will play an important role as either a decoy or a distributor.

Keep an eye on - Ethan Lowe, young prospect for the Cowboys who had a fairly decent debut last week.

Verdict - Cowboys <12. A tough road trip for the Roosters against a Cowboys team who could be settling in to their season.

Raiders vs Panthers

Matchup - Anthony Milford vs Matt Moylan. Two high quality young players with very bright futures. They have all the skills and physical attributes.

Key man - James Segeyaro. His work around dummy half could kill the Raiders as he could get easy metres and roll forward. If he's a bit quiet then the Panthers could let the Raiders in with a sniff.

Keep an eye on - Who actually plays for the Raiders. Everyone's on notice and Ricky Stuart will be keen to figure out a winning line up.

Verdict - Panthers <12. Can't really see the Raiders offering too many threats, while the Panthers are a very settled team.

Bulldogs vs Warriors

Matchup - There's honestly too many to single any out. Both sides have size and power in abundance while also having players with skill and subtlety.

Key man - Josh Reynolds. Reynolds did a fantastic job getting up in the face of Gareth Widdop and could have a similar impact this week against Shaun Johnson.

Keep an eye on - The impact off the bench. Both teams have intriguing selections and we'll again get an insight in to the mind of Andrew McFadden with the use of Kevin Locke and Feleti Mateo.

Verdict - Warriors <12. McFadden would have done his homework and the Warriors look to have found their identity.

Sea Eagles vs Knights

Matchup - Brett Stewart vs Darius Boyd. One fullback who always impacts a game and one fullback who should take note. Both are equally important to their teams and it'll be a good battle.

Key man - Tyrone Roberts. The Knights need Roberts to provide a spark, run the footy and bring the ruckus.

Keep an eye on - Jesse Sene-Lefao has been going about his first grade business quietly but looks to be a keeper. Normally and second rower, he's found himself at prop a bit but this week he could end up anywhere

Verdict - Sea Eagles >12. The Knights could be tricky for the Sea Eagles with a pack of battlers who will be keen to grind, but expect Manly's class to be tu meke