Eels vs Bulldogs

Match Up - Corey Norman vs Brett Morris. Neither of these two have been week-to-week fullbacks in the NRL but are looking pretty good in the number one jersey for their respective teams.

Key Man - Chris Sandow, when Sandow's playing well the Eels tend to do pretty well. Plus his razzle dazzle style will help unlock a stringent Bulldogs defence.

Keep An Eye On - Trent Hodkinson now has the chance to change the general perception of him in the remainder of the season, whether he does is the question.

Verdict - Bulldogs >12. They are back to their best rotation with Moses Mbye coming off the bench and it's hard to bet against their forward pack.

Storm vs Panthers

Match Up - Hymel Hunt vs Dean Whare. Hunt had a off-night against the Warriors and it doesn't get no easier this week against Whare who has the perfect mix of strength and footwork.

Key Man - Men, plural as Lewis Brown and Tyrone Peachey offer something a little different for the Panthers off the bench. They are both smaller lads but have speed and skill in abundance which could offer the Panthers a bit of an edge.

Keep An Eye On - A slightly bigger duo coming off the bench for the Storm with Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Felise Kaufusi continuing to show that they have high ceilings in the NRL.

Verdict - Storm <12. In Melbourne and they need to get their season back on track down the back straight.

Raiders vs Sharks

Match Up - Josh Papalii vs Wade Graham. Ball-runner vs ball-player, but they are both very good at what they do.

Key Man - Jack Wighton will need to help ease the burden on Kurt Baptise who replaces Sam Williams at halfback. If Wighton can fill some of that void then it will keep Blake Austin free to run the ball like he has been.

Keep An Eye On - Joey Leilua's on the bench for the Raiders and it's a reflection of the situation with the Sharks and Ben Barba. How will Leilua be used?

Verdict - Raiders <12. In Canberra, but no Sam Williams is a big loss however I think they'll scrape by.

Knights vs Titans

Match Up - Dane Gagai vs James Roberts. They're big, strong, quick and yeah.

Key Man - The return of Greg Bird couldn't come at a better time for the Titans as his presence will help the Titans combat a rugged Knights forward pack.

Keep An Eye On - Tyrone Roberts is reportedly on the outer at the Knights and his number one possible suitor are the Titans, funny that.

Verdict - Knights <12. The lack of a threatening halves combination holds the Titans pack and the Knights look to be at full strenght.

Dragons vs Rabbitohs

Match Up - Josh Dugan vs Greg Inglis. Two of the best ball-runners in the game.

Key Man - Mitch Rein has to be active around the ruck to not only keep the Rabbitohs defence honest, but to also ease the pressure on Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall who will benefit from a bit more time and space.

Keep An Eye On - Tyson Frizell and Joel Thompson were great during the Dragons' winning run and they now return in a huge boost for the Dragons.

Verdict - Dragons <12. No Issac Luke and a Dragons side who will be eager to prove that they are for real.

Roosters vs Warriors

Match Up - Blake Ferguson vs David Fusitua. Two big bodies who can pretty much do as they please athletically while I wouldn't sleep on the battle down the other edge with Michael Jennings up against Solomone Kata. 

Key Man - Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will be out to ensure that the Warriors can't get any advantage through the middle which will hinder their attacking threat. His aggression and enthusiasm will be crucial in winning that battle.

Keep An Eye On - Expect the Roosters to target Raymond Faitala-Mariner.

Verdict - Warriors <12. Who knows.

Broncos vs Wests Tigers

Match Up - Anthony Milford vs Mitchell Moses. They both like to play unstructured footy and Milford has flourished this season while Moses has struggled coming to grips with Jason Taylor's structured game plan.

Key Man - James Tedesco has been a shining light for the Tigers all season and his ability to set other blokes up as well as offering a constant threat himself will be crucial in breaking down the Broncos defence.

Keep An Eye On - Nathan Milone could be in for a long night against Justin Hodges.

Verdict - Broncos >12. Too classy in Brissy.

Sea Eagles vs Cowboys

Match Up - Jake Trbojevic vs Matt Scott. I've loved watching young Trbojevic this season as he keeps on getting better but he comes up against the benchmark this week.

Key Man - Jason Taumalolo will be licking his lips as the Manly forward pack is on the small side and he's coming off a nice rest.

Keep An Eye On - Justin Horo has had a strange old season but things tend to happen when he's on the park.

Verdict - Sea Eagles <12. At Brooky, but this one will be a close one and my game of the round.