1: Meet the new Jennings: Robert Jennings will become the third member of the Jennings family to play first grade when he makes his NRL debut for the Panthers against the Titans on Saturday. While Michael is an established representative player at the Roosters, Robert and George are just starting to make their marks in the top grade. George was solid in his two outings earlier this year. Panthers officials hold high hopes for Jennings who is said to have the footwork of Michael and the strength of George.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
2: JT v SJ: It is hard to think that at 31, Johnathan Thurston is in career-best form. But the Cowboys five-eighth has been at his best to lead the Cowboys off the bottom of the premiership ladder. In contrast, Shaun Johnson has had an indifferent start for the Warriors. Fresh from winning last year's Golden Boot, many tipped Johnson to star this year. Thurston has shown that there is still plenty of life left in the old dog, who is not ready to step aside as the game's best playmaker just yet.
3: Melbourne premiership credentials: Melbourne have been going about their business this season with little fanfare. They have been clinical at times but have failed to reach top gear despite sitting second on the premiership ladder. They will get a great test to show their premiership worth when they host a Roosters side smarting from back-to-back defeats. Cameron Munster was outstanding filling in for Billy Slater at fullback and will need to show he can repeat that performance.
4: Farewell Leichhardt? With the Tigers only committing so far to two games at Leichhardt Oval this season, Wests Tigers fans need to pack out the ground when the Raiders play there on Sunday. Tigers players and fans have openly spoken about wanting a future at the oval but it will come down to people power to ensure matches remain at Balmain's home. The Tigers will decide Leichhardt's immediate future at a board meeting on April 30.
5: Knights and Eels, contenders or pretenders? After strong starts to the year, Newcastle and Parramatta have fallen away in recent weeks. The Knights led the competition after a month but have since lost to St George Illawarra and Cronulla. The Knights have struggled in wet conditions. While the Eels have lost their past two since their upset victory against South Sydney. They have battled for wins away from home.
6: Will the Rabbitohs call on Walker, Sutton? South Sydney are desperate for Dylan Walker and John Sutton to make their returns from injury against Cronulla on Monday night. Walker played on with a broken hand earlier this year while Sutton has not played since he, too, played on with a broken jaw. Sutton will return to five-eighth, allowing Glenn Stewart to push back into the back-row.
