Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers

Ground: Suncorp Stadium

The Broncos have won their past three at Suncorp whilst the Panthers have lost their last four fixtures. Brisbane are deservedly favourites but it should be closer than a lot of people expect. The Panthers last week lost by a converted try to an in-form Eels side while the Broncos barely scraped by with a very controversial one point win against a struggling South Sydney. Interestlingly, the Panthers beat Brisbane 31-12 in their last meeting.

Both sides will be looking to turn their form around, especially the Panthers who have won just two from eight. Some are calling for Phil Gould’s head with the Panthers near the bottom of the ladder. 

Why Brisbane will win:

Home ground advantage and so many try scoring threats in the form of Darius Boyd, James Roberts and Anthony Milford. The Broncos have had their last two games decided by two points or less, so if it gets close, expect the Broncos to steal the win with a late field-goal.

Our Tip: Broncos by 8

Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Ground: Allianz Stadium

Manly are three from three on the road this year and will be looking to extend that record against a struggling Rabbitohs side. The Rabbitohs enter this game having won only three of eight and have lost their past two games. South Sydney beat Manly comprehensively by 20 points earlier this year despite a fast start by Manly. 

Adam Reynolds is back for Souths while George Burgess is out.

Why Manly will win:

The Sea-Eagles are arguably the best road team in the NRL this year. They have beaten the Cowboys, Roosters and Raiders away by an average of 10 points per game, no easy feat. 

Our Tip: Manly by 4

North Queensland Cowboys vs Parramatta Eels

Ground: 1300SMILES Stadium

The last game between the two sides resulted in a convincing 16-point victory for the Cowboys. Expect things to be a bit closer this time around with the Cowboys' win over the Knights last week not at all convincing. The Eels are finally starting to step up to the plate, delivering on form many expected at the beginning of the year.

The only out for Parramatta is Brad Takairangi. His defence will be missed for Parramatta. 

Why Cowboys will win:

We expect Johnathan Thurston to return after being named 18th man in a huge boost to the side. Everything he does makes the Cowboys better. From his leadership on the field, to his goal kicking skills right through to his passing game. If he plays the Cowboys win.

Our Tip: Cowboys by 6

Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights

Ground: Cbus Super Stadium

The battle of the cellar dewellers. This year they have amassed just three wins from 16 games between them. This is especially disappointing for the Gold Coast as they were expected to improve on last year’s finals appearance. The Knights have lost their last six games. The Titans have lost four of their past five. The last time these sides met Newcastle won 34-26.

Marquee signing Trent Hodkinson has been dropped for the second consecutive week as the former NSW halfback searches for form. 

But the injury bug has severely hurt the Titans this year which could prove costly. 

Our Tip: Newcastle by 8

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders

Ground: ANZ Stadium

The big question ahead of this week’s game is how Canterbury star Josh Reynolds performs after signing a multi-million dollar deal with the Wests Tigers.

The Bulldogs sit 9th with the Raiders in 7th. Canterbury will be hurting after last week's loss to the struggling Tigers while the Raiders fell in a golden-point thriller to Manly by two points. 

Why Canterbury will win:

With news Josh Reynolds will be a Tiger from next year, the man who bleeds blue & white will be determined too see this year out strongly starting now. Expect him to have an on-point performance. If their monster forwards do what they normally do the Bulldogs will be well on their way to victory.

Our Tip: Bulldogs by 8

Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks

Ground: Leichardt Oval

What a past couple of weeks it has been for the Tigers. Losing Jason Taylor and gaining Ivan Cleary. Luke Brooks sticking by the embattled club while Aaron Woods, James Tedesco and Mitchell Moses have all decided to move on.

The Tigers earned a hard-fought six point win over the Bulldogs last week while the Sharks suffered a shock home loss to the lowly Titans. The last time these two teams played it was an eight point win to Cronulla.

Why Cronulla will win: 

Cronulla won’t want to suffer two shock losses in a row and coach Shane Flanagan would have given the boys hell at training this week. The Sharks will come out firing and look to get early points. This could get ugly.  

Our Tip: Sharks by 14

New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters

Ground: Mt Smart Stadium

The Warriors head into this match following a six-point loss to Melbourne with the Roosters carrying in good form after beating the Dragons 13-12 in a thriller.

You can bet the Aucklander’s will turn out for this one. The last game played between these two sides resulted in a 12-10 win for the Warriors.

Look out for the halves battle of Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran vs Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary. Foran has been superb since returning to the NRL with Pearce and Keary in devastating touch which has both pushing for Origin selection. 

Why Warriors will win: 

Kieran Foran. The man has been an absolute godsend since he began his tenure with the Warriors. Look for him to control the game and allow Johnson to do the fancier stuff.

Our tip: Warriors by 4

St George Dragons vs Melbourne Storm

This is the match of the round with the top two teams going head-to-head. The Dragons won the last fixture between the sides 20-10 but without Gareth Widdop, the home side will be up against it.

The Dragons have won five of their past six while the Storm have won seven of their past eight with just one loss for 2017.

Widdop's absence will severely affect the Dragons with the No.6 the main source of his side's points this season. Look for players like Josh Dugan to shoulder more responsibility.

Why the Storm will win:

For the Storm it’s business as usual. Suliasi Vunivalu has six tries for the year and will be one of their main focuses of attack against the depleted Dragons side.

If the Storm stick to their normal game plan they should get the two points.

Our Tip: Storm by 12