NRL Round 18 Preview
Sea Eagles vs West Tigers
Matchup - Daly Cherry-Evans has shown what he's all about on a consistent basis, which is what we wanna see from Luke Brooks. Two guns in a shootout.
Key man - Adam Blair has been a stead performer this season, but he'll need to offer some slick passing/offloads to help the Tigers break down the Sea Eagles defence.
Keep an eye on - With Braith Anasta out injured, Blake Austin comes in to 6 giving the Tigers a very young, exciting spine of Mitchell Moses, Austin and Brooks. Hmmm.
Verdict - Tigers <12. Everything is against them here, but I dunno I just like em.
Warriors vs Eels
Matchup - We could be treated to a Manu Vatuvei vs Semi Radradra bulldozer battle. Plenty of size here, but the are both quick and light on their feet which will make for a good battle.
Key man - Chris Sandow gets another run at fullback which will be exciting. He'll be able to chip in where he wants and will be able to have a greater impact without the defensive duties.
Keep an eye on - Jacob Lillyman was one of Queensland's best and how he backs up will be interesting.
Verdict - Warriors >12. Mt Smart on a cold Saturday night?
Storm vs Bulldogs
Matchup - Cameron Smith vs Michael Ennis. Ennis is playing at a very high level and we'll get to see him up against the bench mark.
Key man - Jesse Bromwich will need to continue his fine form with the Storm coming up a great forward pack who offer size, power and skill.
Keep an eye on - How will Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds back up after finishing up their first Origin series?
Verdict - Storm <12. Craig Bellamy will have something up his sleeve for handling the Bulldogs.
Titans vs Raiders
Matchup - Paul Carter vs Shaun Fensom. Two locks of a similar style who provide enthusiasm and toughness to two teams who can often go missing on defence.
Key man - Daniel Mortimer must not only direct the Titans, but he's gotta be an attacking threat as well because the Titans do lack a bit of strike power.
Keep an eye on - Some strike power will come in the form of Albert Kelly. How or where he impacts the game, we'll have to wait and see.
Verdict - Titans >12. They'll dominate up front and be too slick out wide.
Sharks vs Knights
Matchup - Wade Graham vs Beau Scott. Two very tough edge players who won't take a back step. Graham could provide Scott with some troubles given how skillful he is.
Key man - Kurt Gidley comes in at halfback and he'll play a major role in leading the Knights. He'll need to play up a gear to really give the Knights some attacking opportunities.
Keep an eye on - Jacob Gagan has been very solid, if not impressive in his first few games. Keep an eye on him for the rest of the season on the wing for the Sharkies.
Verdict - Sharks <12. Both teams are tough, gritty teams, but the Sharks have some fresh faces and a bit of skill as well now.
Panthers vs Broncos
Matchup - Tyrone Peachey vs Josh Hoffman. Two 6's who are very strong ball runners. Peachey is very slippery while Hoffman is a fullback so expect them two to offer some excitement with ball in hand.
Key man - Elijah Taylor not only does a whole lot of work on defence, but he's also another pai of hands in the Panthers slick back line moves.
Keep an eye on - This is a great matchup of styles between the two teams and whoever emerges the winner, will be the team who put together the best team performance. There aren't many individual stars so it will be a collective effort.
Verdict - Panthers <12. They just continue to look super solid.