Steve Turner and a host of other NRL.com experts have had their say on what they're expecting in round 12 of the Telstra Premiership. Here is what they've had to say.
Parramatta have been a real disappointment this year and I am struggling to find a case to push their chances against the Broncos. They're down on confidence, their football hasn't been great and they have now lost Beau Scott for the season due to injury. Meanwhile, Brisbane were great last weekend. They have one of the most impressive back-rows in the competition, and with the strike out-wide with the likes of James Roberts and Anthony Milford, they'll be too good for the Eels.
Tip: Brisbane by 10
Manly have been impressive over the past two weeks with great wins against the Broncos and the Storm. A big part of their wins has been the performance of the Trbojevic brothers who have been outstanding. The Raiders head into the fixture off the back of two losses. Their inability to win close game remains a major issue. The responsibility for fixing that falls on the shoulders of their halves. It's a big game for both sides who sit on the same competition points, but Manly will be without Dylan Walker and Api Koroisau (both due to suspension) who are crucial for the visitors and a cold Friday night in Canberra will favour the home side.
Tip: Raiders by 8
The Cowboys were very unlucky not to win last weekend and it wasn't because of a lack of effort. I liked Michael Morgan at fullback, but it is a desperate time of year with Origin just around the corner and with only three wins on the board, Paul Green and his men need to start winning. They have the side and the players to climb the ladder and make an impact. The Storm were terrible last weekend. Their discipline with and without the ball let them down and it was probably one of the worse second halves I have seen from the club. Cameron Smith will return. I know they are a club who have very high standards. They'll bounce back quickly.
Tip: Storm by 6
Errors and missed tackles really hurt the Roosters last weekend in a game that was there to be won. Latrell Mitchell is their strike weapon and the more they keep him involved, the better they will be. Meanwhile, the Titans ended a five-game losing streak with a win over the Knights. Ash Taylor was brilliant along with many of their rookies, but it's consistency which has been an issue for Garth Brennan's team. They need to produce those performances every week and it gets no bigger than this week against the Roosters. The Titans have only won one away game this year and I can't see them doubling that on Saturday afternoon.
Tip: Roosters by 8
The Warriors were impressive last weekend without Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Issac Luke was the star in the gutsy win, but they will need to go to another level this weekend against the Rabbitohs. South Sydney have won four of their last five matches and will be hoping Alex Johnston and Sam Burgess recover in time to head over to New Zealand. Both men picked up injuries in the win over the Cowboys, but there are positive signs for the Bunnies who are playing an entertaining brand of football under Anthony Seibold. Adam Reynolds, Damien Cook and Cody Walker have been superb this year and it will be up to these three men on Saturday night if the Rabbitohs are to register their eighth win of the season.
Tip: Rabbitohs by 4
The game of the round. Penrith are a genuine title contender and the Dragons returned to the winner's circle with a tough win against the Raiders last Sunday. Nathan Cleary adds so much class to the Panthers, their forward pack is impressive and Tyrone Peachy adds the X-factor. Meanwhile, the Dragons forward pack is a big reason why they sit on top of the ladder. Throw in classy halves and a brilliant number one and it's hard to split these two sides. The best defensive teams going to head to head on the eve of State of Origin selection.
Tip: Panthers by 4
Newcastle were unlucky last weekend and will now be looking for a new number seven after Brock Lamb picked up a facial injury. They do have Kalyn Ponga who has been the talk of the town and impresses every time he steps onto the field. The Knights do enjoy playing at home, but their opposition will be tough. The Sharks are flying under the radar. They have won five in a row to remain a genuine title contender in 2018. Andrew Fifita has been outstanding and Shane Flanagan has his side a tough brand of footy. They will make it six in a row this weekend.
Tip: Sharks by 12
The Tigers found it tough against the Panthers last weekend and are showing signs of inconsistency. They will be hoping the inclusion of Josh Reynolds this week sparks them against the Dogs. Canterbury need a win. There has been so much spoken about the Bulldogs, but it’s now time for their football do the talking. Aaron Woods will line-up against his former club and with Origin selection just around the corner, Woods and David Klemmer will be looking for big performances to impress New South Wales selectors.
Tip: Dogs by 4
