NRL Round 26 Preview
Broncos vs Storm
Match Up - Adam Blair vs Jesse Bromwich. Blair does a lot of defensive work and this week he will be tasked with slowing down Bromwich who appears to be warming up for the finals.
Key Man - Cooper Cronk is so good, that we only remember that he's so good when he makes a mistake. Expect to see Cronk control the game smartly and add a few touches of class which he always does.
Keep An Eye On - Ashley Taylor is expected to start for the Broncos with Ben Hunt out. Gold Coast fans will be watching Taylor closely as he's heading to the Titans next season.
Verdict - Storm <12.
Roosters vs Rabbitohs
Match Up - Siua Taukeiaho vs Kyle Turner. Turner's been named at lock, which means he's going to have to try handle Taukeiaho who has been a force through the middle this season.
Key Man - Dylan Walker isn't just a centre. Especially with Greg Inglis out, Walker pops up everywhere with his speed and skill desperately needed by the Rabbitohs this week.
Keep An Eye On - Turner's move to lock pushes Chris McQueen to the edge and we haven't seen the best of McQueen this season. Now would be a great time for McQueen to show something.
Verdict - Roosters <12. They'll dominate up the guts.
Panthers vs Knights
Match Up - Regan Campbell-Gillard vs Korbin Sims. Two of the better young props this season going at it.
Key Man - Bryce Cartwright hasn't quite served up the moments of brilliance that we all thought would become a weekly event and the Panthers need his x-factor out on the edge.
Keep An Eye On - It's hard not to notice Sam Mataora for the Knights, but we just don't see enough of this big lad.
Verdict - Panthers <12. At home?
Dragons vs Tigers
Match Up - Trent Merrin vs Martin Taupau. Size, power and footwork - this will be fun.
Key Man - The Dragons need Tyson Frizell to be at his barnstorming best on the right edge, especially without Joel Thompson. Frizell gives the Dragons metres and gets them rolling forward from which their halves have more time and space.
Keep An Eye On - The Farah hangover. Last week was lovely, but can Farah sign off with another match-winning effort?
Verdict - Dragons >12. Benji will strike.
Cowboys vs Titans
Match Up - Jake Granville vs Beau Falloon. They look the same, but one's way better than the other.
Key Man - If Jonathan Thurston plays, which he will, the Cowboys will win.
Keep An Eye On - The Cowboys need James Tamou for the finals and he returns this week, here's hoping he stays healthy.
Verdict - Cowboys >12. Easy.
Eels vs Raiders
Match Up - Reece Robinson vs Sisa Waqa. They are both smooth customers and I have loved the work of Waqa this season with the Raiders, especially at fullback.
Key Man - Last game of the season, perfect time for Will Hopoate to show everyone what he can do.
Keep An Eye On - Bureta Faraimo and Jordan Rapana, two low key wingers who have impressed this season for both the Eels and Raiders. Plus there's kiwi connections.
Verdict - Raiders <12. Meh meh meh.
Sharks vs Sea Eagles
Match Up - Jack Bird vs Kieran Foran. Bird has shown positive signs this season but comes up against a pro in Foran who will be eager to finish his time with Manly on a high.
Key Man - It's all about Michael Ennis for the Sharks, he sparks their attack and epitomises their rugged attitude.
Keep An Eye On - Jayden Hodges needs to make an impression ahead of next season when there will be a new coach and a new hooker in town.
Verdict - Manly <12. The Sharks are pretenders.
Bulldogs vs Warriors
Match Up - Damien Cook vs Nathan Friend. Warriors fans will be given an example of what a quick, run-first dummy half can do as Cook's shown what a livewire he is.
Key Man - Josh Reynolds will be absolutely fizzing to return to the field and his energy in combination with a consistent lack of energy from the Warriors could be dangerous.
Keep An Eye On - A massive Bulldogs forward pack vs a soft Warriors pack? Yikes.
Verdict - Bulldogs >12. Make that 50.