NRL Round 8 Preview
Bulldogs vs Tigers
Match Up - Trent Hodkinson vs Luke Brooks. Neither of these two halfbacks have been in peak form so far this season so it'll be interesting to see how they go lining up against each other.
Key Man - The Tigers will be up against one hell of a forward pack and they'll rely heavily on Aaron Woods to not only do a lot of dirty work but also spark some razzle dazzle. Woods loves an offload and if he's at his best then it'll help the Tigers run the Doggies around a bit.
Keep An Eye On - Curtis Sironen, he's one of the best younger edge back rowers in the game.
Verdict - Bulldogs >12. Too big, powerful and skillful.
Warriors vs Titans
Match Up - The halves. They're all pretty young and very talented, but Aidan Sezer and Kane Elgey are enjoying some success while Chad Townsend and Shaun Johnson just have questions.
Key Man - Josh Hoffman's settled into the fullback jersey and with him playing well the Titans have plenty of attacking options at their disposal.
Keep An Eye On - David Fusitua will return to the NRL in the centres (probably against Will Zillman who is on fire) while we get our first look at Raymond Faitala-Mariner off the bench for the Warriors.
Verdict - Warriors <12. It's hard to pick against this Titans side but the Warriors are back at home and love to play inconsistent football, so they'll win.
Knights vs Cowboys
Match Up - Adam Clydsdale vs Jake Granville. Clydsdale is flying under the radar after doing a nice job for the Knights at hooker, while Granville is nabbing all the headlines.
Key Man - The Knights will need to dominate the Cowboys up front, which will take some uber aggressive play from someone like Korbin Sims.
Keep An Eye On - Joseph Tapine is a young kiwi forward who does nothing but impress for the Knights.
Verdict - Cowboys >12. They are away from home, but this Cowboys side is very slick.
Roosters vs Dragons
Match Up - Sio Siua Taukeiaho vs Trent Merrin. Taukeiaho has been rising through the NRL ranks, but this week he comes up against one of the best middle forwards in Merrin.
Key Man - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will need to get plenty of touches on attack for the Roosters to break down the stubborn defence of the Dragons.
Keep An Eye On - Mike Cooper is the new Englishman making waves in the NRL.
Verdict - Roosters >12. They have the forward pack and the x-factor to really trouble the Dragons.
Storm vs Sea Eagles
Match Up - Cameron Munster vs Peta Hiku. Two young players with immense talent who are doing a great job filling the boots at fullback.
Key Man - Jesse Bromwich will be a nightmare for Manly's forwards who lack size, aggression and skill, all of which Bromwich has.
Keep An Eye On - Jordan McClean is doing a great job starting at prop and he along with Tim Glasby and Felise Kaufusi show that there's young blood eager to impress in Melbourne.
Verdict - Storm >12. In Melbourne, depleted Manly, done.
Broncos vs Eels
Match Up - The forward packs. They are both very solid and also have a bit of an edge with guys who love to ruffle feathers, bring it on!
Key Man - Nathan Peats doesn't get the praise he deserves and if the Eels are to beat the Broncs in Brisbane, he'll have to get their big (and slightly old) forward pack running around.
Keep An Eye On - Francis Molo is a big bopper with a bright future for the Broncos.
Verdict - Eels <12. Bit of an upset, but the Eels love to play exciting footy which will be a great asset against the Broncos.
Panthers vs Sharks
Match Up - Apisai Koroisau vs Jack Bird. One's in a bit of low key form, especially as he was bought as a hooker, while the other is the most celebrated youngster in the game right now.
Key Man - With so many injuries, Matt Moylan holds the Panther's hopes.
Keep An Eye On - Reagan Campbell-Gillard was one the best for the Panthers last week and he's a young forward who the Panthers will be eager to see continue to improve.
Verdict - Sharks <12. Just too good.
Rabbitohs vs Raiders
Match Up - Luke Keary vs Blake Austin. They play different positions but both love to run the ball which is always great to watch.
Key Man - Greg Inglis, I reckon he's probably tried a bit too hard with all the injuries the Bunnies have had. If he can get back to chiming in every so often and allowing his halves to control the game, the Rabbits will go good.
Keep An Eye On - Glenn Stewart's name is being mention for a NSW jersey and all it will take is a few more very solid performances.
Verdict - Rabbitohs >12. They've got some troops back and will be too dynamic for the Raiders.