NRL Round 9
Roosters vs Tigers
Matchup - Mitchell Pearce vs Luke Brooks. The current NSW 7 vs the lad who will probably take over in a few years. Both love to run the footy as well as doing their play making duties so it should be fun.
Key man - Aaron Woods has been fantastic all season especially against impressive packs. He'll have to be at his best again to give the Tigers go forward and second phase ball.
Keep an eye on - Remi Casty getting a run off the bench. The French international is a very solid prop who will give the Roosters a hard nosed middle.
Verdict - Roosters <12. They're pretty much at full strength and must be eager to reclaim their throne, while the Tigers are still growing.
Cowboys vs Broncos
Matchup - Matt Scott/James Tamou vs Josh McGuire/Martin Kennedy. Scott and Tamou haven't been at their best this season so far but leading up to Origin they always find a way to improve while McGuire and Kennedy will have to be on point to give the Broncs a chance.
Key man - Michael Morgan. With Ray Thompson moving back in to the halves, Morgan will have to get his hands on the ball a fair bit to help out Thompson and JT. He's a skilled half himself so he should be able to add plenty on attack.
Keep an eye on - Cameron King getting a chance for the Cowboys. The former Dragon rake shifted north and gets a run behind Rory Kostjasyn.
Verdict - Cowboys < 12. The Cows have much more at stake and should come right leading in to Origin.
Warriors vs Raiders
Matchup - Chad Townsend vs Jack Wighton. Two halves who will play major supporting roles. Weird I know, but they both have jobs to do and who ever does their job better could have a big impact on their team.
Key man - Feleti Mateo. Coming off the bench, Mateo is the versatile go to man for the Warriors. Offloads, hit ups, passing, set plays, a lot of it involves Mateo. If he's firing on all cylinders, watch out.
Keep an eye on - Where Ben Matulino will fit in. Will we see him through the middle or on an edge?
Verdict - Warriors >12. I've got a good feeling, injured players are coming back and they are turning out a similar team each week.
Titans vs Rabbitohs
Matchup - Beau Falloon vs Apisai Koroisau. Both hookers have bench back up but I get a feeling that this one could be pretty tough at the start as both packs fight for an upper hand. These two will have plenty of defence to do and will need to be cheeky around the ruck.
Key man - John Sutton. He's the type of half who can have a physical impact as well as a play making one and if he's willing to run tough lines as well as kick, distribute etc then the Bunnies will go good.
Keep an eye on - William Zillman in the centres for the Titans. He's returning from injury but obviously John Cartwright is keen to see David Mead keep the fullback spot.
Verdict - Rabbitohs <12. This is where we'll see whether the Titans are the truth or not, I don't think they are.
Storm vs Sea Eagles
Matchup - Ben Hampton vs Jack Littlejohn. Two young halves who will be keen to impress against their modern rivals.
Key man - Brett Stewart. With some key men out injured, the Snake will have to put his magical touch on much of Manly's attack.
Keep an eye on - The battle in the centres, it'll be physical.
Verdict - Storm <12. Bit of a toss up, but the Storm a pretty much at full strength while Manly aren't so yeah.
Knights vs Panthers
Matchup - The tough as nails, robust Knights back row vs the smaller, skilled and quick footed back row of the Panthers.
Key man - Matt Moylan. Everything he does is under-rated. He's an extremely good distributer so the more times he gets his hands on the ball the better for the Panthers.
Keep an eye on - Adam Clydsdale has been very solid off the bench for the Knights at dummy half. He'll give Kurt Gidley some rest and is capable of providing a bit of a spark as well.
Verdict - Panthers <12. It'll be close but the Panthers, despite missing a few still look to have plenty of variety in their game.
Bulldogs vs Dragons
Matchup - Ben Creagh vs Tony Williams. Williams is solidly going about his business and I have a feeling Creagh could be in for a tough match, but he's a trooper so it'll be a good tussle.
Key man - Sam Kasiano. The Dogs get another dimension to their attack with Kasiano in the picture. If he can impact the game in any way, expect the Dogs to reap the rewards.
Keep an eye on - Mike Cooper, the much ignored English import has been going about his grind very impressively for the Dragons.
Verdict - Bulldogs <12. Don't sleep on the Dogs.
Eels vs Sharks
Matchup - Once again the battle of the back rows will be great viewing. Plenty of size, skill and a bit of mongrel to keep all parties interested.
Key man - Jeff Robson. With Todd Carney out, Luke Lewis at 6 and not many attacking weapons at his disposal, Robson will have to kick long and keep the pressure on the Eels.
Keep an eye on - Luke Lewis, the vet at 6 for the Sharks. Not sure how he'll go ... I'm leaning towards not very well and I think the Eels could provide him a few troubles.
Verdict - Eels <12. They've got options, a tough defensive mindset and players out to impress. Should be too good.