NRL Round 6 Preview
Broncos vs Roosters
Match Up - Anthony Milford vs James Maloney. The Milf is warming to the task of playing in the high-pressured Broncos number 6 jersey while Maloney is coming off a horrible game against the Sharks. Maloney's playing for a contract so he can't afford to continue this run of poor form.
Key Man - Sam Thaiday has a huge task along with Josh McGuire to try get some go forward and hold their own against a solid Roosters pack. Thaiday is a rep player because he charges every hit up, whacks with every tackle and always shows up, all that is needed to beat the Chooks.
Keep An Eye On - I reckon this game will perfectly suit Kodi Nikorima who will come off the bench once the war through the middle has settled down a bit. He adds some spice and excitement to the Broncos which when combined with Milford could trouble the Roosters big boys.
Verdict - Broncos <12. This is a huge test for the Brisbane forwards and we'll see where they are at as the Roosters do so much more than grind for 80 minutes. I reckon the Broncs can step up though.
Sharks vs Knights
Match Up - Luke Lewis/Wade Graham vs Chris Houston/Tariq Sims. Two very interesting battles will go down on either edge with all four of these blokes capable of the nitty gritty and some polished passing. Very athletic as well.
Key Man - Andrew Fifita isn't playing badly but with the Knights able to hold their own with any forward pack, Fifita's explosive best will be needed.
Keep An Eye On - Ben Barba off the bench, will he come on and help out at hooker? Probably not, he'll come on and do whatever, where ever and keep it simple.
Verdict - Sharks <12. Confidence, it'll allow the Sharks to have a go and with some younger players who are full of confidence, they'll be hard to stop.
Eels vs Titans
Match Up - Another epic edge battle here with Tepai Moeroa and Manu Ma'u up against Ryan James and Dave Taylor. James continues to make an Origin case and all these lads are big, aggressive and have great feet.
Key Man - Kierran Moseley will probably play 80 minutes with no other hooker named on the bench and he'll be crucial in testing the Eels through the middle.
Keep An Eye On - Kane Elgey is a young half who is going to have his up and downs, but games against sides like the Eels are crucial. He'll have chances and controlling the game will be a bit easier so keep an eye on how he performs.
Verdict - Eels <12. Their forward pack won't just be too powerful but they have better depth which will allow their halves to play going forward.
Warriors vs Wests Tigers
Match Up - Ben Matulino vs Aaron Woods. Two of the best props in the NRL right now going at it, what's better than that?
Key Man - James Tedesco will pop up everywhere and will be a nightmare to defend against, especially for a Warriors side who aren't exactly the best defensive side going around.
Keep An Eye On - Surely Konrad Hurrell can't go back to back with shockers?
Verdict - Warriors <12. In Auckland, they should be able to turn things around but it won't be easy as they Tigers pack more punch through the middle.
Panthers vs Sea Eagles
Match Up - Matt Moylan vs Brett Stewart. The youngin up against the veteran and they are both crucial to their team's performance, especially with the Panthers lacking some direction without Jamie Soward.
Key Man - Jamal Idris went pretty well in the second row last week but he's back in the centres, up against Peta Hiku who is a wee bit smaller. If Idris can serve up his usual dosage then Hiku could be in for a long evening.
Keep An Eye On - Apisai Koroisau is in the halves and he'll be crucial if the Panthers want to get a few wins while Jamie Soward is out. He's just got to keep it simple and get his weapons early ball.
Verdict - Sea Eagles <12. It's hard to see Manly putting two stink efforts back to back and despite a bunch of injuries, they have a pretty settled line up.
Raiders vs Storm
Match Up - Blake vs Blake. Blake Austin has been one the Raiders best, halves and hookers should take note of how important running the football is while Blake Green has been super impressive for the Storm.
Key Man - Billy Slater's replacement, names have been thrown around but who ever it is they will need to fire and keep the Storm's nice run going.
Keep An Eye On - Felise Kaufusi off the bench for the Storm, he's a young prop with a huge future.
Verdict - Storm >12. They'll be too good.
Dragons vs Bulldogs
Match Up - Mitch Rein vs Michael Lichaa will both play 80 minutes at hooker and they're two young hookers who have only impressed this season.
Key Man - If Gareth Widdop can lead the Dragons, control the game and get the Doggies coming off their own try line constantly, then they'll go alright. Having Benji Marshall free to provide some class along with Widdop will test the Bulldogs defence.
Keep An Eye On - Lloyd Perrett has a big future and he's going to have offer plenty of impact off the bench for the Bulldogs.
Verdict - Dragons <12. There won't be a better time to play the Dogs as they have a host of suspensions and injuries.
Rabbitohs vs Cowboys
Match Up - Isaac Luke vs Jake Granville. Luke is celebrated while Granville is under-appreciated but their style of play is very similar. They love a scoot.
Key Man - Greg Inglis may play in the halves, he may play at fullback but where ever he plays, he'll have to be near his best as the Cowboys are on fire.
Keep An Eye On - John Asiata continues to cut through the clutter with the Cowboys and hopefully we'll get to see him off the bench again. Big game against a solid pack, it's a good test for the youngster.
Verdict - Cowboys <12. The Rabbits still lack some punch while the Cowboys are on the up, it'll be interesting to see how the Cowboys deal with a decent defensive side.