There may only be four matches for Round 16 of the NRL season, but with a host of players missing due to State of Origin selection finding winners isn't easy.
Can the Roosters end their run of outs against the Wests Tigers despite the fact they'll be without the likes of James Tedesco and Boyd Cordner? Will the presence of Cameron Smith be enough for the Storm to overcome the loss of their Origin contingent when they take on the Dragons in Wollongong?
Before you enter your tips for Round 16 of the NRL season and the deciding match of the State of Origin series, see who the NRL.com experts are backing and read Brett Kimmorley's previews.
Round 16 and Origin III - previews and tips
Dragons v Storm, Thursday 7.50pm at WIN Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: The good news for the Storm is they have got Cameron Smith playing for them. The Storm were great last week against the Roosters. Ryan Papenhuyzen did really well for them in Adelaide. With the Origin players out, watch for others to step up. As for the Dragons, they are losing key players and I’m not too sure the depth will be there to cover for that. Storm by 6
Match: Dragons v Storm
Round 16 -
home Team
Dragons
12th Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Wests Tigers v Roosters, Friday 7.55pm at Bankwest Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: The Roosters may lose their Origin players but they still have Test players from other nations playing. They’ll rely on Cooper Cronk to steer them around and supply a strong kicking game. Michael Chee-Kam was the star for the Wests Tigers again last week and I think they’ll be glad to be getting the Roosters this week. With some Benji and Robbie magic, I’m going for an upset here. Wests Tigers by 4
Match: Wests Tigers v Roosters
Round 16 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
9th Position
away Team
Roosters
2nd Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Knights v Warriors, Saturday 7.35pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: The Knights are playing a tough brand of football. Jesse Ramien started to show us a little bit of form last week. If the Knights are able to get him some early ball, he will open some space up for them. The Warriors were just not good enough to win a tight match last weekend. I think the Knights will give them another of those this weekend before a huge crowd. Knights by 2
Match: Knights v Warriors
Round 16 -
home Team
Knights
6th Position
away Team
Warriors
11th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Sharks v Broncos, Sunday 4.05pm at PointsBet Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: The Sharks were horrendous last week and the coach wasn’t very happy with them. The Broncos are way out of sorts and now they lose some of their better players to Origin. It is a big moment for Darius Boyd to provide some leadership and give the players who come in the belief that they can win. It is going to take time for the kids at Brisbane to get some experience. Sharks by 12
Match: Sharks v Broncos
Round 16 -
home Team
Sharks
8th Position
away Team
Broncos
14th Position
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
