New Zealand Warriors vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles @Mt Smart Stadium, Sunday 2:00pm

Stat Fact: Tom Trbojevic is averaging 184m per game to go along with 10 tries and 15 try assists.

Big Talking Point: Manly are now in crisis mode. Ever since the salary cap saga started Manly were sitting comfortably in 3rd place, now they are in danger of missing the finals altogether. A loss this week to New Zealand and a win to St George (because of their significantly better points difference) would see them move into 8th spot ahead of the Maroon & White. Despite all the crap that has affected Manly this will not change and in the context of their season, this is arguably their most important game. Manly have been bad recently but against an even worse New Zealand side this is their best opportunity to stop their slump and save their season.

What Will Happen: Manly could either come out and play like they have the past two rounds in their poor losses to both Canterbury or Wests (which many view as the more likely option) or they can fight to save their season (which I see as the likely option). Despite all the adversity that the Northern Beaches club has faced they still have the Trbojevic brothers, DCE and Martin Taupau in their squad that should see them over the line.

What Won’t Happen: Anything good. This game will be contested by two struggling teams and won’t be easy on the eyes. Both Stephen Kearney and Trent Barret are suffering tough years, it’s about to get a whole lot worse for one of them.

Our Tip: Manly by 14.
 

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers @Pepper Stadium, Sunday 4:00pm

Stat Fact: St George have won the last three clashes that these two teams have contested. The last one being a 42-10 win in these two teams first game of the season this year.

Big Talking Point: Win and they’re alive or lose and it’s all over until next season. The Red V are desperate to make the finals and nothing less than a win will do against a resurgent Penrith side. Against a Penrith side aiming to make the Top Four this won’t be as easy as it was back in Round One, but St George still need the same result, which was a victory.

What Will Happen: The Dragons will breathe fire into their season with a win over Penrith. It’s pretty simple maths that they need to win or they can start booking their end of season holiday's because it certainly won’t be a trip to the finals if they lose this one.

What Won’t Happen: Penrith getting a second life in the playoffs. If they wish to make the Top Four then this is a must win for Penrith, but due to St George’s desperation they’ll just miss out on a place they so dearly covert.

Our Tip: St George by four.