Bulldogs vs Broncos

The 13

Bulldogs: Brad Abbey, Greg Eastwood.

Broncos: Jordan Kahu, Adam Blair.

Bench

Bulldogs: Sam Kasiano, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Renouf To'omaga, Francis Tualau, Reimis Smith.

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

Doc's Word

How Wayne Bennett uses Benji Marshall and Kodi Nikorima will be interesting to watch, mainly because we'll get an insight into who Bennett thinks offers more impact. Nikorima's the logical choice there.

Roosters vs Sea Eagles

The 13

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

Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau.

Bench

Roosters: Isaac Liu.

Sea Eagles: Lewis Brown, Addin Fonua-Blake.

Doc's Word

The battle between the Roosters' big lads and Martin Taupau will be brutal, while Joseph Manu's defence will be severely tested by the speed of Manly centre Brian Kelly. Plus there's a chance that Manu will have to make way for Blake Ferguson.

Cowboys vs Rabbitohs

The 13

Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo.

Rabbitohs: Siosifa Talakai.

Bench

Cowboys: Kalyn Ponga.

Rabbitohs: Zane Musgrove.

Doc's Word

Last season, the speed and footwork of Jason Taumalolo caused major problems for the gluggy Rabbitohs' middle. Taumalolo makes his NRL return and against a similar Rabbitohs pack, I reckon we'll see the same result.

Sharks vs Knights

The 13

Sharks: Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale.

Knights: Danny Levi.

Bench

Sharks: Sam Tagataese.

Knights: Haters.

Doc's Word

This will be a fantastic gauge of how Danny Levi is developing, coming up against another young hooker in Jayden Brailey. Levi's a wee bit more dynamic and has the experience advantage while Brailey will be playing behind a Sharks forward pack that will most likely dominate their Newcastle opposition.

Raiders vs Eels

The 13

Raiders: Jordan Rapana, Iosia Soliola.

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

Bench

Raiders: Joseph Tapine.

Eels: Frank Pritchard, Peni Terepo.

Doc's Word

How will Jordan Rapana go coming up against Semi Radradra? There's also the possible return of Peni Terepo after he got caught up in some mischief before the season began.

Storm vs Panthers

The 13

Storm: Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich.

Panthers: Dean Whare, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Corey Harawira-Naera.

Bench

Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jeremy Hawkins.

Panthers: Peta Hiku, Sitaleki Akauola, Sione Katoa, James Fisher-Harris.

Doc's Word

Eight Maori #KiwiNRL players named in this game and it could have been more if Tohu Harris was healthy. An interesting match up could be Kenny Bromwich vs Corey Harawira-Naera out on the edges and I'll once again be keeping a close eye on how Peta Hiku is used off the bench for Penrith.

Warriors vs Titans

The 13

Warriors: All but Blake Ayshford, Jacob Lillyman and Ryan Hoffman.

Titans: Konrad Hurrell, Leivaha Pulu.

Bench

Warriors: All but Caspar.

Titans: Nathaniel Peteru, Paterika Vaivai.

Doc's Word

Agnatius Paasi won't face his former club after getting injured, however Konrad Hurrell will make his return to Mount Smart.

Tigers vs Dragons

The 13

Tigers: Matt McIlwrick, Ava Seumanufagai, Josh Aloiai, Elijah Taylor.

Dragons: Jason Nightingale, Russell Packer.

Bench

Tigers: Michael Chee-Kam.

Dragons: Leeson Ah Mau, Taane Milne.

Doc's Word

Things are settling down at the Tigers with Josh Aloiai moved back to his rightful spot on the edge and Elijah Taylor starting at lock. Michael Chee-Kam has lost his starting centre spot to Jamal Idris, so how he's used off the bench will be interesting.