Is the Panthers fightback for real? Will the Rabbitohs losing streak continue? Are the in-form Knights really going to go to Melbourne and beat the Storm?
They are just three of the questions facing tipsters heading into round 14. After a late flurry of injuries and players being rested after Origin made finding winners difficult last week, a sense of normality returns.
Newcastle's visit to Melbourne is just one of a series of tight matches expected this weekend. The Raiders-Sharks and Sea Eagles-Dragons matches are also expected to be tense affairs.
Before you enter your tips, see who the NRL.com experts are backing and read Brett Kimmorley's previews.
Round 14 tips and previews
Raiders v Sharks, Thursday 7.50pm at GIO Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Two of the game's best edge forwards are in action here. Wade Graham's return was massive for the Sharks last week, and I think Bronson Xerri is going to be the biggest benefactor of Graham being back in the team, while for Canberra John Bateman has probably been the buy of the season. The Raiders have started the season as the second-best defensive team in the competition which is why they're at the right end of the ladder, but this will be one of their biggest tests. Sharks by 4
Match: Raiders v Sharks
Round 14 -
home Team
Raiders
4th Position
away Team
Sharks
7th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Titans v Warriors, Friday 6pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Tyrone Roberts is a massive key for the Titans. He communicates very well and when the game's on the line he wants the ball. The Warriors had a rest before last week's loss to Melbourne and have a number of players pushing for Test selection now. Warriors by 2
Match: Titans v Warriors
Round 14 -
home Team
Titans
15th Position
away Team
Warriors
12th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Cowboys v Wests Tigers, Friday 7.55pm at 1300Smiles Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Wests Tigers just need to learn how to score points. They're brave defensively, but they need to click in attack. The Cowboys are starting to find their groove. John Asiata has added some stability since moving to five-eighth and Jason Taumalolo is ready to create some havoc here. Cowboys by 10
Match: Cowboys v Wests Tigers
Round 14 -
home Team
Cowboys
10th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
9th Position
Venue: 1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville
Storm v Knights, Saturday 3pm at AAMI Park
Brett Kimmorley says: The Knights are on fire. They're playing a pretty simple brand of football that relies on enthusiasm and taking the ball over the advantage line and playing it square, and if they can do that and create momentum against the Melbourne Storm it'll be a good test to see where they're at. It's a huge night for Mitchell Pearce – if he's able to ice a victory over the Storm he could win his old Blues jersey back. But if anyone can find a way to stop the Knights it'll be a Craig Bellamy-coached side. Storm by 4
Match: Storm v Knights
Round 14 -
home Team
Storm
1st Position
away Team
Knights
6th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Rabbitohs v Panthers, Saturday 5.30pm at ANZ Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Penrith are a team on the improve. Cleary and Maloney were a great combination last week, and Maloney is back in Origin contention. Souths were a bit off against Newcastle last week but Cody Walker is back and we can look forward to a big game from him. Sam Burgess is a big loss but I think they can still beat the Panthers. Rabbitohs by 4
Match: Rabbitohs v Panthers
Round 14 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
2nd Position
away Team
Panthers
11th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Eels v Broncos, Saturday 7.35pm at Bankwest Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: With young Tom Dearden out, Brisbane have now got to find another halfback and create some new combinations. When you get smoked like Parramatta did last week your character gets questioned and your own pride would be hurting. Brad Arthur will be expecting his side to play tough for 80 minutes this week. If the Eels can build some pressure through Mitchell Moses's kicking game they can keep it close. Broncos by 4
Match: Eels v Broncos
Round 14 -
home Team
Eels
8th Position
away Team
Broncos
13th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Sea Eagles v Dragons, Sunday 2pm at Lottoland
Brett Kimmorley says: The Trbojevic brothers are back, Cherry-Evans is there, and Des Hasler has Manly flying. But Corey Norman adds enormous attack for the Dragons. They'd lost five in a row then all of a sudden the return of Norman was a huge boom for them. I think they can cause an upset on the back of a Corey Norman masterclass in this one. Dragons by 8
Match: Sea Eagles v Dragons
Round 14 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
5th Position
away Team
Dragons
14th Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Roosters v Bulldogs, Sunday 4pm at the SCG
Brett Kimmorley says: The Roosters have had a couple of losses and I expect them to bounce back. Latrell Mitchell will be back in the centres and it could be a long day out for the Dogs. Injuries in the halves for Canterbury could make points hard to come by. I'm tipping Cooper Cronk to be the star of the day. Roosters by 12
Match: Roosters v Bulldogs
Round 14 -
home Team
Roosters
3rd Position
away Team
Bulldogs
16th Position
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
