Rabbitohs vs Roosters

The 13

Rabbitohs: Siosifa Talakai, Bryson Goodwin.

Roosters: Joseph Manu, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Bench

Rabbitohs: Zane Musgrove.

Roosters: Isaac Liu.

Doc's Word

Siosifa Talakai gets another chance at centre with Hymel Hunt out and while I'd love to see Talakai line up against Joseph Manu, a battle against Lattrell Mitchell's size will be a nice test for Talakai.

Panthers vs Knights

The 13

Panthers: Dean Whare, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Te Maire Martin.

Knights: Danny Levi.

Bench

Panthers: Peta Hiku, Sitaleki Akauola, Moses Leota, Corey Harawira.

Knights: Haters.

Doc's Word

At the start of the season I wondered where Peta Hiku would fit in to a full-strength Penrith backline and now we are graced with a very funky alternative. Hiku is the perfect utility and he'll wear No.14, coming off the bench and covering every position on the field. There's a slim chance we see another product of the Penrith x Northland connection Corey Harawira get a run, being named on the bench shows that he's well and truly in the mix to make his NRL debut this season.

Broncos vs Raiders

The 13

Broncos: Jordan Kahu, Adam Blair.

Raiders: Jordan Rapana.

Bench

Broncos: Alex Glenn, Benji Marshall, Herman Ese'ese.

Raiders: Iosia Soliola, Joseph Tapine.

Doc's Word

I wouldn't expect Jordan Rapana to put up big stats coming up against a stronger Broncos defence, while Joseph Tapine is also lurking to possibly make his return.

Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs

The 13

Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau.

Bulldogs: Brad Abbey, Greg Eastwood.

Bench

Sea Eagles: Lewis Brown, Addin Fonua-Blake.

Bulldogs: Sam Kasiano, Raymod Faitala-Mariner, Francis Tualau, Reimis Smith.

Doc's Word

The returns of Martin Taupau and Addin Fonua-Blake have come at a perfect time for Manly as they'll face off against the Bulldogs' beastly pack. Expect Daly Cherry-Evans to put Brad Abbey under the microscope with his kicking game as well.

Eels vs Sharks

The 13

Eels: Brad Takairangi, Josh Hoffman, Suaia Matagi, Manu Ma'u, Frank Pritchard.

Sharks: Sosaia Feki.

Bench

Eels: Kirisome Auva'a.

Sharks: Gerard Beale.

Doc's Word

Manu Ma'u on one edge and Frank Pritchard on the other? #ShitTheBed.

Titans vs Cowboys

The 13

Titans: Konrad Hurrell, Kevin Proctor, Agnatius Paasi.

Cowboys: Kalyn Ponga.

Bench

Titans: Nathaniel Peteru, Leivaha Pulu, Paterika Vaivai.

Cowboys: Braden Uele.

Doc's Word

The Cowboys' loss of Matt Scott and Jason Taumalolo has allowed some space for Braden Uele to get in on their bench. Don't expect Uele to play this week but the Cowboys could definitely benefit from having another big body in their pack and Uele is close to getting a run.

Tigers vs Storm

The 13

Tigers: Michael Chee-Kam, Matt McIllwrick, Ava Seumanufagai, Elijah Taylor.

Storm: Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich.

Bench

Tigers: Josh Aloiai.

Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

Doc's Word

Jesse Bromwich is the best in the business and the battle between him and Aaron Woods will excite rugby league nerds.

Dragons vs Warriors

The 13

Dragons: Jason Nightingale, Russell Packer.

Warriors: All but Jacob Lillyman and Ryan Hoffman.

Bench

Dragons: Leeson Ah Mau, Taane Milne.

Warriors: All but Blake Ayshford.

Doc's Word

All eyes will be on Kieran Foran and whether he plays or not, while Russell Packer and Leeson Ah Mau will look to stamp their mark on the middle against their former club.