Sharks vs Cowboys

Matchup - Andrew Fifita vs James Tamou. Two big boys with a bit of footwork and skill. Both are key players for their teams and with Fifita returning from injury, it'll be great to see them line up against each other.

Key Man - Jeff Robson. The Sharks are in a bit of a weird phase with some new faces mixed in with veterans and Robson must hold it all together. He needs to direct the show.

Keep An Eye On - The Cowboys in Sydney. A terrible record away from Townsville and up against a mediocre but Sharks side.

Verdict - Cowboys <12. They need to flick the switch sooner than later.

Eels vs Rabbitohs

Matchup - Jarryd Hayne vs Greg Inglis. Nuff said.

Key Man - Luke Keary will come off the bench and could definitely add some spice to the Bunnies. Whether he gives Isaac Luke a spell or spends some time in the halves, he'll give them another dimension on attack.

Keep An Eye On - Tepai Moera. A youngster with plenty of raps, he gets a start for the Eels on the edge.

Verdict - Rabbitohs <12. They're returning to top strength and I imagine they've put a heap of work this week in to stopping Hayne and the Eels.

Roosters vs Panthers

Matchup - The large humans of the Roosters vs the gritty, tough and skillful lads of the Panthers. The Panthers could try run the Chooks around a bit which could be interesting.

Key Man - Jamie Soward will put the chief playmaker hat and must lead the Panthers around.

Keep An Eye On - Matt Moylan and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. This could be very exciting for Panthers fans.

Verdict - Panthers <12. Cheeky upset here of sorts, just a feeling.

Storm vs Raiders

Matchup - Ben Roberts vs Josh McCrone. Two supporting role players who could impact the outcome if they do their role extremely well.

Key Man - Cooper Cronk is back, he gives the Storm so much class and near perfection.

Keep An Eye On - The Storm must put together some wins to ensure they make the 8 and we could start to see them click in to a high gear.

Verdict - Storm >12. Too much quality.

Brroncos vs Warriors

Matchup - The Broncos boast a near rep pack, while the Warriors have a greatly under estimated pack. Both are as skillful as they are tough and are super duper important to their side's performance.

Key Man - Justin Hodges could catch the Warriors slipping from dummy half on numerous occasions as well as giving the Warriors plenty of headaches on the edge.

Keep An Eye On - Agnatius Paasi + Feleti Mateo. Paasi's a big lad making his debut while Mateo has quietly been stringing some fine performances together.

Verdict - Warriors <12. Not sure if the Broncos can handle the Warriors fire power.

Knights vs Titans

Matchup - Both sides have reasonable centre pairings - Dane Gagai/Joey Leilua vs Brad Takarangi/James Roberts. You'd imagine they'll be keen to get these guys early ball.

Key Man - Dave Taylor must provide some excitement for the Titans. The Knights are a tough defensive unit and the Titans lack fire power.

Keep An Eye On - Tyrone Roberts off the bench for the Knights.

Verdict - Titans <12.

Tigers vs Bulldogs

Matchup - Robbie Farah vs Michael Ennis. Two top notch dummy halves.

Key Man - Tim Simona makes a return and he'll be a go to man out wide for the Tigers. Having he and Chris Lawrence on either edge gives the Tigers options.

Keep An Eye On - Differing styles will be on display here, a powerful Tigers unit vs a big, skillful Bulldogs crew.

Verdict - Tigers <12. They've got their forward pack pretty much back and I reckon they'll be up for a biggun'.

Dragons vs Sea Eagles

Matchup - Gareth Widdop/Benji Marshall vs Kieran Foran/Daly Cherry Evans. Much of both sides attack comes from their halves so it will be interesting to see who's up for the occasion ... Widdop's been quiet of late.

Key Man - Josh Dugan will need to float in and out of the Dragons' attack, instead of just staying out on his edge. He needs his mits on the ball.

Keep An Eye On - Jesse Sene-Lefao has been putting some good work off the bench for Manly and despite being a second rower, he's mixing it up well through the middle.

Verdict - Sea Eagles <12. Hard to go against them.