Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Wests Tigers 

Lottoland, Sunday 2pm
Manly have every right to feel hard done by over their 16-8 loss to Penrith after losing the penalty count 14-4 and being on the receiving end of a controversial try by Dallin Watene Zelezniak.

Wests almost scertainly dodged the Wooden Spoonwith a 33-12 victory over Newcastle Knights and a win here would at least give them a positive note in what has otherwise been a sour season for them...but a win for Manly keeps them in the chase for top spot.

Manly have named Jake Trbojevic in their starting squad while Wests welcome back both James Tedesco and Chris Lawrence.

Akuila Uate has been an absolute bargain-bin buy for Manly this yea with 10 tries from 15 games and will be looking to add to that tally against a poor Wests defence that has conceded 102 points in its last four games.

Why Manly Sea Eagles will win: Wests have nothing to play for while Manly have everything to lose. If that’s not enough, they’ll be determined to turn around last week's result and build on their five wins in their past seven clashes with the Orange & Black.

Our Tip: Manly by 18.

 

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys

Barlow Park, Sunday 4pm
With a host of Origin players missing for the Roosters last week, the Rabbitohs were tipped to be easy winners...but they never got that memo and South Sydney went down 14-12. For North Queensland, despite playing in absolutely freezing conditions (the game started at one degree), they still put on a masterclass to beat Canberra 31-18. Souths are currently four wins off a finals spot so it’s do or die for the Bunnies.

Robert Jennings has been named to start for South Sydney. For North Queensland Johnathan Thurston is out through injury.

Rabbitohs' star Cody Walker has 14 try assists this season to be equal third in the league. Against a stoic North Queensland team, he’ll have to be at his creative best for them to be within a shot of a much needed victory.

Why South Sydney Rabbitohs will win: Thurston is out and despite North Queensland having other attacking threats, he is their best player and will be missed and gives South Sydney a puncher's chance.

Our Tip: South Sydney by one.