NRL Round 18 Preview
Raiders vs Knights
Match Up - Josh Papalii vs Tariq Sims. Two very physical back rowers who have great footwork and will be staples of Origin footy in the years to come.
Key Man - With the Raiders in a bit of a slump, Hodgson's got to give his halves a bit more time and space by running the footy. He's a damn good dummy half runner and the Knights have a big pack who might struggle to keep up with Hodgson.
Keep An Eye On - Edrick Lee was 18th man for the Maroons, rather strangely as he hasn't been in great form this season. That's how the Maroons roll though, they give blokes a sniff and now Lee will return to the Raiders eager to make that step up.
Verdict - Raiders <12. In Canberra and the Raiders have the forwards to snuff out the Knights' pack, if they show up which they didn't against the Warriors.
Panthers vs Roosters
Match Up - Dallin Watene-Zelezniak vs Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Kiwi fans, get excited about this battle here.
Key Man - Jamie Soward has the ability to play the Roosters out of the game by kicking long and accurately. Their power game won't be as effective if they have to come off their own tryline all the time and have to defend repeat sets.
Keep An Eye On - Lewis Brown and Tyrone Peachey are two extremely mobile forwards who could hold the x-factor against the huge Roosters pack.
Verdict - Panthers <12. Just a hunch.
Bulldogs vs Broncos
Match Up - Michael Lichaa vs Andrew McCullough. They will both play 80 minutes, unless Josh Reynolds gives Lichaa a spell, and are two very slick young hookers.
Key Man - Darius Boyd will be full of confidence after Origin and was back at his last-pass best in the Broncos' last outing which is a dangerous sign.
Keep An Eye On - Matt Parcell has filled the spot left vacant by Kodi Nikorima and looks to be a handy little player.
Verdict - Bulldogs <12. It remains to be seen who will back up for the Broncos and the Bulldogs are a horrible team to back up against.
Warriors vs Storm
Match Up - Ben Matulino vs Jesse Bromwich. Kiwi fans, get excited about this one as well.
Key Man - Cooper Cronk returned to the Maroons, but this will also be his return to the Storm and he could ensure that the Warriors are never really in this game.
Keep An Eye On - Ben Hampton is named on the bench, which is very strange as Ryan Hinchcliffe has also been named. Not sure what the go is here but just keep watch.
Verdict - Storm <12. Their Origin players will want to give the Storm a lift and their forward pack needs a strong showing after being touched up by the Bulldogs a few weeks ago.
Sharks vs Dragons
Match Up - Ricky Leutele vs Euan Aitken. Two young centres who don't grab headlines but are proving to be very good.
Key Man - Gareth Widdop needs to control the game and allow Benji Marshall to do what he does. Widdop's fallen off a bit and so have the Dragons but the Sharks offer a nice chance to step up.
Keep An Eye On - Jack Bird was barely used last week for the Sharks and when he did get the ball he looked like he had been ignored all game. This is more an issue for the Sharks than Bird himself, if they are going to play Bird at six, they need to give him opportunities to shine.
Verdict - Dragons >12. Local derby and the Dragons need a big win.
Titans vs Sea Eagles
Match Up - Eddie Pettybourne vs Dunamis Lui. They're very similar locks who do all sorts of dirty work.
Key Man - Josh Hoffman is bordering on overrated territory and with Daniel Mortimer at halfback, Hoffman's got to put in a classy half display for the Titans to have a chance.
Keep An Eye On - Jorge Taufua has been an absolute beast for the Sea Eagles since returning to the starting side.
Verdict - Manly >12. Way, way, way too good.