This week there is only one clash between two top eight teams, with the Broncos taking on the Rabbitohs to open the round. If the Broncos lose another one, the Tigers will be set to pounce when they take on the hapless Dragons on Saturday evening at Leichhardt Oval. The top eight could receive a real shake-up through these two games alone.
On Saturday night the Sharks face a danger game at home against the Cowboys, while you just can't tell which Raiders team the Roosters will face in Canberra on Sunday.
Good luck with your tips.
Thursday, August 16
Brisbane Broncos vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs, Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd (c), 2. Corey Oates, 3. James Roberts, 4. Jordan Kahu, 5. Jamayne Isaako, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Kodi Nikorima, 8. Matt Lodge, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Sam Thaiday, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Tevita Pangai, 13. Josh McGuire Reserves: 14. Kotoni Staggs 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Korbin Sims 17. David Fifita, 18. Patrick Mago, 19. Troy Dargan, 20. Gehamat Shibasaki, 21. Sam Tagataese
Rabbitohs: 1. Dane Gagai, 2. Hymel Hunt, 3. Braidon Burns, 4. Tyrell Fuimaono, 5. Richard Kenner, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Thomas Burgess, 9. Damien Cook, 10. George Burgess, 11. John Sutton, 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Sam Burgess Reserves: 14. Mawene Hiroti, 15. Cameron Murray, 16. Jason Clark, 17. Tevita Tatola, 18. Matt McIlwrick, 19. Kyle Turner, 20. Dean Britt, 21. Connor Tracey
Verdict: The Broncos continued their recent slump losing to the Cowboys last week, while the depleted Rabbitohs fell short of the Roosters in a hard-fought clash. Brisbane have a tough run home and really have to start winning again or they could miss out on the eight, with the Tigers set to pounce from ninth. It is hard to tip against the Broncos at home on a pre-weekend night, but they'll need a lot of help to win this one.
Tip: Rabbitohs
TAB odds: Brisbane $2.50, +4.5 $1.90, Souths $1.55, -4.5 $1.90
Friday, August 17
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Gold Coast Titans, Lottoland, 6:00pm (AEST)
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Brad Parker, 6. Dylan Walker, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Manase Fainu, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Joel Thompson, 12. Shaun Lane, 13. Jake Trbojevic Reserves: 14. Trent Hodkinson, 15. Kelepi Tanginoa , 16.Frank Winterstein, 17. Lloyd Perrett18. Matthew Wright, 19. Tom Wright, 21. Toafofoa Sipley, 22. Taniela Paseka
Titans: 1. Alexander Brimson, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Konrad Hurrell, 4. Brenko Lee, 5. Phillip Sami, 6. Kane Elgey, 7. Ash Taylor, 8. Jarrod Wallac,e 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Ryan James (c), 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Keegan Hipgrave, 13. Jai Arrow Reserves: 14. Mitch Rein, 15. Moeaki Fotuaika, 16. Jack Stockwell, 17. Will Matthews, 18. Brendan Elliot, 19. Jai Whitbread, 20. Leilani Latu, 21. Bryce Cartwright
Verdict: The Sea Eagles managed to beat the Bulldogs last week in an uninspiring effort, while the Titans were run down by the Panthers. Manly have never collected the wooden spoon in the proud history of the club and they'll be determined to keep themselves above the pack scrapping it out at the bottom of the ladder.
Tip: Sea Eagles
TAB odds: Manly $1.43, -6.5 $1.90, Gold Coast $2.85, +6.5 $1.90
Melbourne Storm vs. Parramatta Eels, AAMI Park, 7:55pm (AEST)
Storm: 1. Billy Slater, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. William Chambers, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith (c), 10. Nelson Asofa Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi,12. Joe Stimson, 13. Dale Finucane Reserves: 14. Cheyse Blair, 15. Tim Glasby, 16. Christian Welch, 17. Kenny Bromwich, 18. Brandon Smith, 19. Tui Kamikamica, 20. Albert Vete, 21. Brodie Croft
Eels: 1. Corey Norman, 2. Jarryd Hayne, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Clint Gutherson (c), 5. George Jennings, 6. Jaeman Salmon, 7. Mitch Moses, 8. Peni Terepo, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Tim Mannah (c), 11. Marata Niukore, 12. Tepai Moeroa, 13. Nathan Brown Reserves: 14. Oregon Kaufusi, 15. Brad Takairangi,16. David Gower, 17. Siosaia Vave, 18. Josh Hoffman, 19. Bevan French, 20. Ray Stone, 21. Cameron King
Verdict: The Storm were pipped by the Sharks last week, while the Eels sprung a massive upset against the miserable Dragons. Melbourne will want to win this one badly to stay in the race for the minor premiership. Craig Bellamy won't allow his players to be complacent against the hot-and-cold Eels.
Tip: Storm
TAB odds: Melbourne $1.22, -11.5 $1.90, Parramatta $4.25, +11.5 $1.90
Saturday, August 18
Penrith Panthers vs. Newcastle Knights, Panthers Stadium, 3:00pm (AEST)
Panthers: 1. Tyrone Peachey, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Dean Whare, 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 6. Tyrone May, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. James Tamau, 9. Sione Katoa, 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Isaah Yeo (c), 13. James Fisher-Harris Reserves: 14. Wayde Egan, 15. Trent Merrin, 16. Corey Harawira-Naera, 17. Moses Leota,18. Kaide Ellis, 19. Christian Crichton, 20. Adam Keighran, 21. Liam Martin
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Ken Sio, 3. Sione Mata'utia, 4. Cory Dennis, 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6. Jack Cogger, 7. Mitchell Pearce (c), 8. Herman Ese'ese, 9. Danny Levi, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Mitchell Barnett, 13. Aidan Guerra Reserves: 14. Jamie Buhrer (c) 15. Chris Heighington 16. Pasami Saulo 17. JJ Felise, 18. Nick Meaney, 19. Josh King, 20. Brodie Jones, 21. Luke Yates
Verdict: The Panthers pulled off another miracle win last week against the Titans, while the Knights kept the score respectable in their loss to the Warriors. The Panthers will want to improve their starts before they face the Warriors and Storm on the way to the finals. This should be the perfact game for the Panthers to work on their defensive deficiencies and restart their premiership drive.
Tip: Panthers
TAB odds: Penrith $1.27, -10.5 $1.85, Newcastle $3.75, +10.5 $1.95
Wests Tigers vs. St George Illawarra Dragons, Leichhardt Oval, 5:30pm (AEST)
Tigers: 1. Moses Mbye, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Mahe Fonua, 5. Kevin Naiqama, 6. Benji Marshall, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Russell Packer, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. Ben Matulino, 11. Chris Lawrence, 12. Michael Chee-Kam, 13. Elijah Talylor Reserves: 14. Alex Twal, 15. Sauaso Sue, 16. Luke Garner, 17. Matthew Eisenhuth, 18. Jacob Liddle, 19. Tyson Gamble, 21. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty, 2. Nene Macdonald, 3. Euan Aitken, 4. Tim Lafai, 5. Jordan Pereira, 6. Kurt Mann, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. James Graham, 9. Cameron McInnes (c), 10. Leeson Ah Mau, 11. Tyson Frizell (c), 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Jack de Belin Reserves: 14. Jeremy Latimore, 15. Jacob Host, 16. Blake Lawrie, 17. Luciano Leilua, 18. Zac Lomax, 19. Jai Field, 20. Hame Sele, 21. Darren Nicholls
Verdict: Tigers
Tip: Once again the wheels have completely fallen off the Dragons' premiership wagon, having now lost five of their last six including an embarrassing flogging at the hands of the Eels last week. The Tigers overcame the furore surrounding coach Ivan Cleary with a scintillating first-half performance against the Raiders, before holding on grimly to win by two points. The Dragons will struggle against the enthusiasm of the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.
TAB odds: Wests Tigers $1.80, -1.5 $1.90, St George Illawarra $2, +1.5 $1.90
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs. North Queensland Cowboys, Southern Cross Group Stadium, 7:35pm (AEST)
Sharks: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Jesse Raimen, 4. Ricky Leutele, 5. Josh Dugan, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Luke Lewis, 12. Scott Sorensen, 13. Paul Gallen Reserves: 14. Kurt Capewell, 15. James Segeyaro, 16. Aaron Woods, 17. Jayson Bukuya, 18. Joseph Paulo, 19. Ava Seumanufagai, 20. Wade Graham, 21. Sione Katoa
Cowboys: 1. Te Maire Martin, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Justin O'Neill, 4. Kane Linnett, 5. Gideon Gela-Mosby, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Johnathan Thurston (c), 8. Matt Scott (c), 9. Jake Granville, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Coen Hess, 13. John Asiata Reserves: 14. Ben Hampton, 15. Francis Molo, 16. Corey Jensen, 17. Scott Bolton, 18. Ethan Lowe, 19. Kyle Laybutt, 20. Shaun Fensom, 21. Enari Tuala
Verdict: The Sharks found some form to win a vital game against the Storm last week, while the Cowboys lifted to ensure Johnathan Thurston had one last victory over the Broncos. The Cowboys will continue to give their all to send JT out with a winning run, but the Sharks have way too much to play for to lose this one at home.
Tip: Sharks
TAB odds: Cronulla $1.36, -8.5 $1.95, North Queensland $3.15, +8.5 $1.85
Sunday, August 19
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs. New Zealand Warriors, ANZ Stadium, 2:00pm (AEST)
Bulldogs: 1. Will Hopoate, 2. Brett Morris, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Kerrod Holland, 5. Reimis Smith, 6. Lachlan Lewis, 7. Jeremy Marshall-King, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Michael Lichaa, 10. David Klemmer, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Rhyse Martin, 13. Adam Elliott Reserves: 14. Fa'amanu Brown, 15. Danny Fualalo, 16. Ofahiki Ogden, 17. Greg Eastwood, 19. Francis Tualau, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. Renouf Toomaga, 23. John Olive
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2. David Fusitu'a, 3. Gerard Beale, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Blake Green, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. James Gavet, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Agnatius Paasi, 11. Isaiah Papali'i, 12. Adam Blair, 13. Simon Mannering Reserves: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Leivaha Pulu, 16. Bunty Afoa, 17. Peta Hiku, 18. Joseph Vuna,20. Anthony Gelling, 21. Chris Satae, 22. Karl Lawton
Verdict: The Bulldogs fell back into old habits last week against the Sea Eagles without five-eighth Lachlan Lewis. The Warriors were too good for the Knights but weren't able to pile on the points. The Warriors are known to struggle against the teams they should beat easily, and while I'm not convinced they are anywhere near being back to their best, they should still should grab the points here.
Tip: Warriors
TAB odds: Canterbury $2.45, +4.5 $1.90, New Zealand $1.55, -4.5 $1.90
Canberra Raiders vs. Sydney Roosters, GIO Stadium, 4:10pm (AEST)
Raiders: 1. Brad Abbey, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Elliott Whitehead, 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Sam Williams, 8. Dunamis Lui, 9. Josh Hodgson (c), 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Joe Tapine, 12. Sia Soliola, 13. Josh Papalii Reserves: 14. Emre Guler, 15. Luke Bateman, 16. Siliva Havili, 17. Junior Paulo, 18. Jack Murchie, 19. Liam Knight, 20. Makahesi Makatoa, 21. Michael Oldfield
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Ryan Matterson, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Dylan Napa, 9. Jake Friend (c), 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Boyd Cordner, (c) 12. Isaac Liu, 13. Victor Radley Reserves: 14. Nat Butcher, 15. Zane Tetevano, 16. Mitchell Aubusson, 17. Sean O'Sullivan, 18. Sitili Tupouniua, 19. Kurt Baptiste, 20. Paul Momirovski, 21. Lindsay Collins
Verdict: The Raiders looked like they were already on their post-season trip in the first half against the Tigers last week before storming home to make it another close loss.The Roosters won a tough arm-wrestle against the Rabbitohs in a game that would have taken a fair bit out of them physically and mentally. It is always a dangerous trip down to Canberra, because you never know how switched on the Raiders are going to be.
Tip: Roosters
TAB odds: Canberra $3, +7.5 $1.90, Sydney Roosters $1.40, -7.5 $1.90