Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs @Southern Cross Group Stadium, Friday 7:50pm

Cronulla in their last clash went down 30-10 against the Gold Coast. That effort saw them slip all the way from second place to fifth place, they will be wanting to turn it around for this one. Meanwhile in Cairns South Sydney were easily disposed of losing 23-10 against North Queensland. Despite mathematically still being in the race for a finals spot it would appear that their season is all but over after last weeks blow. At this point in the season they are playing for pride and trying to bring back a bit of respect to the green and red colours.

In a massive boost to Cronulla James Maloney returns to the halves. For South’s Aaron Gray has been named to start while Damien Cook has been named on the bench.

Luke Lewis is the main man for this game. He is celebrating his 300th NRL appearance and is just the 28th player in the history of the game to do so. Last years Clive Churchill Medallist is still performing at the age of 33 have made just under 400 tackles this season and having scored a long range intercept try not to long ago.

Why Cronulla will win: Last year's Grand Final winners have been in a bit of a slump lately (two wins from their past five games). Amongst the low-lights was last week's pathetic effort against the Gold Coast and losing to Manly at home. They’ll be looking to change all of that with first place still within their reach. Expect them to bounce back strongly.

Our Tip: Cronulla by 13.

Penrith Panthers vs Gold Coast Titans @Pepper Stadium, Saturday 3:00pm

Penrith had to come back twice last Friday night as they were down 12-6 and 22-18 before they eventually won out by a score-line of 34-22. The Gold Coast on the other hand did it easy beating Cronulla 30-10 in one of their best efforts of the season. Penrith have won their past two games and only sit a win outside of the Top Eight. This could be a defining game for them in the context of their season.

For Penrith Matt Moylan returns to the halves as does Peter Wallace at hooker. Coming into the lock position is Moses Leota, while influential forward Trent Merrin is out. For the Gold Coast Morgan Boyle has been named on their bench.

Nathan Cleary has been one of the success stories of Penrith’s season so far. The son of current NRL coach Ivan Cleary has made the halfback spot his own and has helped propel Penrith up the ladder and competing for a finals spot. At times this season he has had teams on a string and Saturday should be no different.

Why Penrith will win: Penrith have been in red-hot form lately winning six of their past eight games. Not only that but in the process are being led by some of the best attacking threats in the competition with the likes of the previously mentioned Cleary, Moylan and Tyrone Peachey. This should be a very entertaining game to watch but in the end Penrith should prevail.

Our Tip: Penrith by four.