Gold Coast Titans vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks @CBUS Super Stadium

Saturday, 7:30pm

The Gold Coast came up with the goods in their last game against St. George as they won 20-10 in a win that helped them keep their season alive for another week. As for Cronulla in their last game they turned the motors on as they smashed Sydney 44-12. A win for Cronulla would be massive in their pursuit of first place. As for the Gold Coast while their season is technically still alive their more so playing for pride at this point of the season than anything else.

There are no changes to the Gold Coast’s line-up. For Cronulla Kurt Capewell has come onto the interchange bench. What he brings off the bench is under-appreciated as he has made 136 tackles this season and has two tries to his name.

Ricky Leutele

Ricky Leutele has six tries this season and bagged a double last weekend. In what should be a relatively high-scoring game his try scoring abilities will be crucial in getting Cronulla the two points.

Why Cronulla Sharks will win: These two teams are having quite different seasons. The Gold Coast are in fourteenth position and have won only two of their past six games. Meanwhile Cronulla are in second position and have won six of their past eight games. Despite the Gold Coast’s best efforts this probably won’t be close.

Our Tip: Cronulla by 14.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Wests Tigers @Lottoland

Sunday, 2:00pm

Manly have every right to feel hard done by in their last round 16-8 loss to Penrith. They lost the penalty count 14-4 and a very controversial try was awarded to Dallin Watene Zelezniak. As for Wests they pretty much all but assured themselves of avoiding the Wooden Spoon this season as they beat the Newcastle Knights 33-12. A win for Manly helps them keep up their chase for top spot while a win for Wests would give them a positive note in what has otherwise been a sour season for them.

Manly have named Jake Trbojevic in their starting thirteen while for Wests they have named both James Tedesco and Chris Lawrence to start.

James Tedesco

Akuila Uate has been an absolute bargain-bin buy for Manly this year. He has 10 tries from 15 games and will no doubt be looking to add to that tally against a poor Wests defence that has conceded 102 points through its last four games.

Why Manly Sea Eagles will win: Wests have absolutely nothing to play for while Manly have everything to play for. If that’s not enough they’ll be determined to turn last weeks result around as well as having won five of their past seven clashes against the Orange & Black.

Our Tip: Manly by 18.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys @Barlow Park

Sunday, 4:00pm

With a host of Origin players missing for Sydney they were supposed to be easy pickings for their long-time rivals, apparently no one told them though as 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 beating Canberra 31-18. Souths are currently four wins of a finals spot so it’s do or die for the team nicknamed the ‘Bunnies’.

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

Michael Morgan

Cody Walker has 14 try assists this season, that’s good for 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: Johnathan Thurston is out and despite North Queensland having other attacking threats besides him he is without a doubt their best player and will be missed. This gives South Sydney a punchers chance.

Our Tip: South Sydney by one.