NRL Round 15 Preview
Sea Eagles vs Wests Tigers
Match Up - Manly forward pack vs Aaron Woods. We got another example last night as to how good Woods is up the guts and Manly's forward pack isn't known for being a dominating force.
Key Man - Daly Cherry-Evans however, wasn't so good last night. He has to put in a controlling performance, not only to help his team win but for his own confidence.
Keep An Eye On - David Nofoaluma has come back into first grade as a centre and he's doing a fine job there.
Verdict - Manly <12. This is the ultimate test for Manly's forwards, but I think they just hang in there.
Raiders vs Cowboys
Match Up - Shaun Fensom vs Jason Taumalolo. You won't get two more different locks, Fensom's a workhorse who has added some metres and offloads into his game while Taumalolo is all power and footwork.
Key Man - David Shillington has been on fire recently, and the Raiders will need his go forward through the middle against the typically good Cowboys forwards.
Keep An Eye On - Low key battle of the bench hookers here as well with Kurt Baptise adding some spark off the bench for the Raiders and Rory Kostjasyn will come on to tighten up the middle for the Cowboys.
Verdict - Raiders <12. In Canberra, big game and they have the goods to win.
Titans vs Warriors
Match Up - Aidan Sezer vs Shaun Johnson. The tale of two halves as Sezer's reputation has risen to the point where he's one of the best, while Johnson's has plateaued this season.
Key Man - Daniel Mortimer, besides a late change will play hooker and will need to play plenty of minutes. He's not the best defender and will need to be on point in attack.
Keep An Eye On - Can Solomone Kata tackle James Roberts?
Verdict - Warriors <12. Actually, who knows.
Bulldogs vs Panthers
Match Up - Michael Lichaa vs James Segeyaro. Lichaa has been showing why he was head-hunted by the Bulldogs and we all know what Segeyaro can produce.
Key Man - Elijah Taylor has a tough ask ahead of him with the Bulldogs capable of destroying teams through the middle. Taylor's gonna have to make a bunch of tackles and make them count.
Keep An Eye On - Antonio Kaufusi on the edge? Not sure if this is a troll or not, don't be surprised to see Sam Kasiano try life out on the edge though.
Verdict - Panthers <12. Two contrasting styles, both with positives and negatives but the Panthers are near full strength and I like that.
Knights vs Sharks
Match Up - Beau Scott/Tariq Sims vs Luke Lewis/Wade Graham. We'll be treated to a show out on the edges with all four of these lads being big, quick, skillful and tough.
Key Man - Tyrone Roberts returns and the Knights desperately need that. Having him control the game should make life easier for Carlos Tuimavave as well.
Keep An Eye On - Dane Gagai has been Newcastle's best player, playing at fullback and now Kurt Gidley shifts there with Gagai moving to centre.
Verdict - Knights <12. Heads up Knights fans, it's going to be ok.
Storm vs Broncos
Match Up - Jesse Bromwich vs Josh McGuire. These two will go toe to toe all game and they both offer plenty on attack which will make this a fun battle to watch.
Key Man - I won't pick an Origin player here so ...... Ben Hunt. Hunt looks so good because he can control a game and pose a threat running the footy and picking perfect passes.
Keep An Eye On - It the Storm's big three don't line up, it'll be a huge game for the likes of Cameron Munster and Ben Hampton.
Verdict - Storm <12. Game of the round right here.
Dragons vs Roosters
Match Up - Josh Dugan vs Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Two of the best ball runners in the NRL, enjoy.
Key Man - Trent Merrin is going to be a busy boy trying to stop the Roosters rolling up the field, especially post-Origin. For the Dragons to win, Merrin's gotta play like an Origin player.
Keep An Eye On - Life has been pretty good for Euan Aitken and Peter Mata'utia so far, but this week they come up against Michael Jennings and Blake Ferguson. That's the stuff of nightmares.
Verdict - Roosters <12. The Dragons are good defensively, but I'm not sure that they are this good.