NRL Round 17 Preview
Panthers vs Rabbitohs
Match Up - Dallin Watene-Zelezniak vs Alex Johnston. Two young fullbacks who have big futures in the number one jersey but they'll probably have to wait in line, they are both however exceptional talents.
Key Man - Reagan Campbell-Gillard has been impressive, so impressive that he's risen from the bench to starting in Penrith's front row. He faces a massive test against the Burgess boys and if he can bring the ruckus then the Panthers should thrive.
Keep An Eye On - Tim Grant will be out to show his former club what's up.
Verdict - Panthers <12. If they can handle the Keary/Reynolds/Stewart/Sutton threat, I reckon they'll be too nimble for the Bunnies.
Dragons vs Cowboys
Match Up - Mitch Rein vs Jake Granville. Two of the most impressive hookers this season go head to head and with the Dragons' halves failing to fire of late and the Cowboys without their Origin stars, these two need to offer the spark.
Key Man - Lachlan Coote, he's the perfect fullback for the Cowboys and anytime Jonathan Thurston isn't playing he becomes their dude.
Keep An Eye On - Kiti Glymin getting a start on the wing, he's big and quick.
Verdict - Dragons <12. Toss up, we haven't the Dragons as classy as they were earlier in the season and there's no Josh Dugan to offer some spice ... but they are at home.
Sea Eagles vs Sharks
Match Up - All kiwi centre battle with Peta Hiku and Steve Matai up against Gerrard Beale and Ricky Leutele. You'd be daft to bet against Hiku/Matai, but hey, it'll be fun.
Key Man - Daly Cherry-Evans has a habit of bouncing back and if he does, the Sharks won't be able to hang.
Keep An Eye On - Manly are pretty much at full strength as Hiku is as good as Jamie Lyon so if Manly are going to make a late push for the top eight, it's gotta start nowish.
Verdict - Manly >12. At Brooky, plenty to play for and I personally think the Sharks fall in the 'build ups' category.
West Tigers vs Eels
Match Up - Martin Taupau vs Tepai Moeroa. Two beastly beings who might not meet each other too often with Taupau ripping through the middle, but anytime they do meet, take cover.
Key Man - Junior Paulo looks like a above average NRL prop and with the Tigers loosing Aaron Woods to Origin, Paulo's job will be to dominate the middle.
Keep An Eye On - Nathan Milone starts in the centres for the Tigers while Bureta Faraimo gets another chance to build on his impressive NRL performances on the wing for the Eels.
Verdict - Eels <12. They look great with Corey Norman at fullback and welcome back Manu Ma'u who will be an eager beaver, don't run at him.