St George Illawarra Dragons vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs on Thursday at 7.50pm, WIN StadiumNews South Sydney will keep Latrell Mitchell frozen one more week, it will be music to St George Illawarra’s ears as they look to re-enter the top eight.
Kodi Nikorima will play on the sidelines in the absence of Mitchell, while the Dragons welcome a couple of ends in Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring) and Mathew Feagai (illness). Dragons hooker Andrew McCullough wins a start in his 300th NRL game, but the Rabbitohs are expected to be too strong as they look for three straight wins for the first time this year. 12.Caden Helmers Rabbitohs
Manly Sea Eagles vs. North Queensland Cowboys, 6 p.m. Friday, 4 Pines Park The Cowboys’ confidence has been restored after their reality check at the hands of Penrith late last month. The great victories over the Titans and Dragons make them sit in third place on the ladder. Jeremiah Nanai and former Sea Eagle Peta Hiku should be candidates for the beginner and cheap purchase of the year respectively. Manly recovers Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, and Jake Trbojevic will step in (as always) in search of a Origin retreat, but hopes the North Queensland outfit has a class advantage. 8.Christian Nicolussi Cowboys
Melbourne Storm vs. Brisbane Broncos on Friday at 7:55 p.m., AAMI ParkThe Storm will not have Ryan Papenhuyzen after testing positive for COVID-19, but they will welcome Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster. The Broncos have turned their fortunes upside down and are looking for their eighth straight victory since losing to Penrith in April. But with midfielder Adam Reynolds out with a rib injury, something special will be needed to win this one. Melbourne only have a handful of home games left this season. They will want to send a message to the young Broncos who still have a long way to go before they can keep up with the top teams. Selwyn Cobbo will be ready to strengthen his impressive form at Origin with a big display in Melbourne, but the storm will give him very few opportunities to leave his mark. 8.Roy Ward Storm
Jake Trbojevic, Mikaele Ravalawa, Joseph Suaalii, Isaah Yeo and Josh Addo-Carr. Credit: Getty
Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans, Saturday at 3 p.m., C.ex International Stadium, Coffs Harbor Another chance for Cronulla to regain his mood after a mid-season setback. With all the rights and recently they should have the Titans on toast. The inclusion of Dale Finucane in the reserves as his recovery from a knee problem approaches only reinforces his cause, while winger Sione Katoa and Ronaldo Mulitalo are performing as well as any end of the competition. The Gold Coast welcomed AJ Brimson again after reaching the final round with COVID-19, when captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui continued with his head, shoulders and several feet above his teammates. Justin Holbrook needs 16 more to follow his inspiring leadership, but it’s hard to see that against Cronulla. 16.Dan Walsh Sharks
New Zealand Warriors – Penrith Panthers, Saturday at 5.30pm, Moreton Daily StadiumStacey Jones scores her second Warriors game against one of the best modern teams in NRL history. If that sounds hard on paper, it’s likely to be harder on the meat. The Warriors are in their foster home, Redcliffe’s Moreton Daily Stadium, but the cool, clear, dry conditions for the twilight game are perfect for the Panthers. They’ll go through the middle, do their things in halves and cause a lot of headaches for the Warriors, who have only won four games in 14 this season. Ronald Volkman makes his Warriors debut at No. 6, Isaah Yeo returns for the Panthers after a week off after Origin. This is going to get ugly. Panthers of 40.Phil Lutton
Parramatta Eels – Sydney Roosters, Saturday at 7.35pm, CommBank Stadium. As much as Parramatta was against the Bulldogs, it seems like everyone forgets the Roosters should have won Melbourne. Sitili Tupouniua had a hard time on the waterlogged pitch – his trademark technique was nowhere in sight today. The tricolors moved the ball well in that game. Joseph Suaalii improved every week and alerted rivals with his defensive blows. The loss of Luke Keary hurts, but Walker and Drew Hutchison are no strangers to playing together. As for eels, the less they say the better. Dylan Brown’s ankle doesn’t look good. Roosters of 1. Christian Nicolussi
Canberra Raiders – Newcastle Knights on Sunday at 2pm, GIO StadiumSigns for ACT could also read “must-see territory” for the Newcastle Knights as they head to Canberra this weekend. Adam O’Brien’s team has two wins out of the top eight and a win over the Raiders is crucial if they want to stay in touch with rivals in the final. It will not be easy for a team with the worst attacking record in the competition and has only won two of its last 11 games. Josh Papalii returns to the Raiders’ starting game, but is looking for the fit Kiwi international Joe Tapine to have the biggest impact against his former club. 10.Caden Helmers Raiders