Origin is over, but its legacy continues with players still being rested following the arduous campaign - a factor NRL tipsters need to consider.
The Storm are resting a host of stars this weekend while the Dragons haven't named star No.7 Ben Hunt.
That hasn't stopped all but one of the NRL.com expert panel from backing Melbourne to continue on their winning ways.
Before you enter your tips for Round 18, see who the experts are backing and read Brett Kimmorley's previews.
As per the rules of the NRL.com Tipping competition, all tipsters were given one point following last weekend's 90-minute draw between the Broncos and Warriors.
Round 18 tips and previews
Broncos v Bulldogs, Thursday 7.50pm at Suncorp Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Canterbury have found some form. Defensively they have been very good lately. They have only scored 20 points four times this year and they have won each time. Can they do that again? There has been a form turnaround from Brisbane lately, their young forwards are looking good. Broncos by 4
Match: Broncos v Bulldogs
Round 18 -
home Team
Broncos
10th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
15th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Warriors v Sharks, Friday 6pm at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Brett Kimmorley says: Not the usual home venue for the Warriors, but a great showpiece for the game in Wellington. I a looking forward to seeing Kodi Nikorima take on Shaun Johnson. It is a great challenge for both players. Cronulla are in a massive hole and this will be a tough road trip. Warriors by 2
Match: Warriors v Sharks
Round 18 -
home Team
Warriors
9th Position
away Team
Sharks
11th Position
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Panthers v Dragons, Friday 7.55pm at Panthers Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: The Dragons are leaking a lot of points of late. Origin can expose any weakness you have in your roster and I think that is what we are seeing with them. As for the Panthers, Ivan Cleary has the team he wants and I expect them to keep going with the roll they are on. Panthers by 8
Match: Panthers v Dragons
Round 18 -
home Team
Panthers
7th Position
away Team
Dragons
14th Position
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Roosters v Knights, Saturday 3pm at SCG
Brett Kimmorley says: It was a shock loss for the Roosters last week but coach Trent Robinson will get them back on track. I expect them to respond with an enormous performance. The high-energy performances the Knights had been turning in are starting to slip a bit. No Mitch Barnett and no Lachlan Fitzgibbon really hurts. Roosters by 10
Match: Roosters v Knights
Round 18 -
home Team
Roosters
3rd Position
away Team
Knights
8th Position
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Raiders v Tigers, Saturday 5.30pm at GIO Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Wests Tigers are playing tough but their attack is very dependent on what Marshall can come up with. The Raiders looked a lot better on Sunday night, they were amazing against the Dragons. With that performance, they showed they're one of the teams that can win the competition. Raiders by 12
Match: Raiders v Wests Tigers
Round 18 -
home Team
Raiders
4th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
12th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Broncos v Bulldogs - Round 18
Cowboys v Rabbitohs, Saturday 7.35pm at 1300Smiles Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: An interesting one here. The Rabbitohs got back to a high completion rate and well-structured football for about 40 minutes of the game on Saturday. With there still being no Sam Burgess they will rely a lot on Reynolds, Walker and Cook. The Cowboys are staying in the finals race. Gavin Cooper's 300th provided a massive lift last week, but can they repeat that effort without a major milestone to lift them? Souths by 4
Match: Cowboys v Rabbitohs
Round 18 -
home Team
Cowboys
13th Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
2nd Position
Venue: 1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville
Titans v Storm, Sunday 2pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: After everything they've been through I expect the Titans to have a tough outing against the Storm, a team that gives you nothing. I've been a bit critical of Brodie Croft but last week was probably his best game this year. Cameron Smith runs the game for Melbourne so hopefully Croft can become a very good running half-back. Storm by 14
Match: Titans v Storm
Round 18 -
home Team
Titans
16th Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Warriors v Sharks - Round 18
Sea Eagles v Eels, Sunday 4.05pm at Lottoland
Brett Kimmorley says: Both teams are in form. Manly were still good last weekend despite losing to South Sydney. Who wins halfback battle between DCE and Mitchell Moses? It will also be interesting with Clint Gutherson going back to Brookvale where he cut his teeth. Manly did enough to beat Souths, if they can learn from that they can beat Parra. I think this will be the game of the round. Manly by 4
Match: Sea Eagles v Eels
Round 18 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
5th Position
away Team
Eels
6th Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
