Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos @Cbus Super Stadium, Saturday 5:30pm

Stat Fact: Brisbane have won 17 of the 22 games played between these two sides.

Big Talking Point: Benji Marhsall has been one of the best buys of the season considering his low price tag. But it has been revealed recently that theirs a high chance he leaves Brisbane in the off-season in pursuit of a bigger pay-cheque and a more featured role for a Sydney based team. How will this affect the team given he’s highly liked by his team-mates and that coach Wayne Bennet has also stated that he’d like to keep him?

What Will Happen: This is probably one of the most one-sided derbies in Rugby League history and as Brisbane have so often done, they’ll come away with an easy win. If this isn’t enough for them, many people after their loss last week have written them of as genuine Premiership contenders. They have a point to prove in this clash.

What Won’t Happen: Jarryd Hayne plays like the player he is supposedly supposed to be. Hayne is on a one million dollar a year contract but despite this most games for the Gold Coast he plays like his disinterested and only in it for the money. Given that he is one of the Gold Coast’s best players this will have to change if they are to be in with a shot of winning this game.

Our Tip: Brisbane by 10.

 

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Canberra Raiders @Southern Cross Group Stadium, Saturday 7:30pm

Stat Fact: This will be only Jack Bird’s second game for Cronulla since Origin III.

Big Talking Point: During the week Canberra and QLD forward Josh Papalii said his side needed to lift if they wanted to play finals footy. Everybody who already follows the NRL knows this and now that one of their star players has actually made the statement they need to actually go out and show that they are a side worthy of being in the Top Eight.

What Will Happen: It seems like forever now that Canberra’s season games have been classified as desperate. This game is no different and Canberra should resemble a side that’s desperate to win a game of footy. Look for them to throw it out wide to one of their speedsters and also to really run it hard up the middle with their intimidating forward pack.

What Won’t Happen: A dull game. It dates back to the hey days of Shaun Fensom vs Paul Gallen and this clash should be no different. Cronulla are fighting for a Top Four spot while Canberra for one in the finals. This should be an entertaining game to watch.

Our Tip: Canberra by four.