NRL Round 15 Preview
Raiders vs Bulldogs
Matchup - Jarrod Croker vs Tim Lafai. Croker has been a consistent performer while Lafai is one of the best young centres going around. Jack Wighton vs Krisnan Inu will also be a goodun.
Key man - James Graham offers so much but if he's in a creative play making mood, he'll have a field day. Not only are the Bulldogs' forwards bigger and more aggressive but they are also much more skillful ... Graham is the main man.
Keep an eye on - Youngsters on the Raiders bench. I've pointed out Mitch Cornish a few times, but Shannon Boyd and Kyle O'Donnell are also there and could offer the Raiders some hope.
Verdict - Bulldogs >12.
Warriors vs Broncos
Matchup - Nathan Friend vs Jake Granville. Two hookers who offer a lot in a sneaky way for their respective teams. Both are great runners and with two rather nice forward packs, these two will be entertaining out of dummy half.
Key man - Jacob Lillyman will be the only play to back up from Origin with the Broncos resting their stars. If Lillyman can set the tone, expect the Warriors to follow his bull charging lead.
Keep an eye on - Each position offers some great battles so enjoy the likes of Tomkins/Barba and the four young centres. Francis Molo off the bench for the Broncos is a bit of a beast as well.
Verdict - Warriors <12.
Sharks vs Sea Eagles
Matchup - Wade Graham vs Jamie Buhrer. High quality edge back rowers with all the skills and toughness.
Key man - The only way the Sharks can win is if Paul Gallen can inspire his troops after Origin so he'll need to find another gear.
Keep an eye on - The Sharks are nearing full strength, whether they can turn things around or not is the key but we'll get a decent look at them.
Verdict - Manly <12
Storm vs Eels
Matchup - Kevin Proctor vs Pauli Pauli. Big boys with skills, gonna be fun.
Key man - Chris Sandow has the tools to be able to break down a determined Storm defence, he's also got the Hayne plane in the hangar.
Keep an eye on - Issac De Gois recently joined the Eels and his veteran grit and determination could be great for the Eels.
Verdict - Storm <12.
Titans vs Dragons
Matchup - James Roberts vs Josh Dugan. Roberts is someone worthy of a geeze himself, up against Dugan he'll face another great test.
Key man - Maurice Blair has shown that he's got the skills and leadership to guide the Titans around, but whether he can shoulder the majority of the burden or not is the key.
Keep an eye on - Caleb Binge looked like a great young prop in his debut last week. Very aggressive and gives the Titans a bit of an edge.
Verdict - Dragons <12
Knights vs Cowboys
Matchup - Robbie Rochow vs Tariq Sims. Again two top young players going at each other on the edge.
Key man - How Jonathan Thurston responds to Origin will be interesting. He got his knickers in a twist so might be out to dominate or he may be a bit meh.
Keep an eye on - Adam Clydsdale has been coming off the bench for the Knights and doesn't look out of place in first grade.
Verdict - Cowboys <12.