Raiders v Titans
Blake Austin burst into contention for a State of Origin jumper with a five-star showing in the City-Country clash, but another big performance will well and truly put him on the radar. The former Panthers and Wests Tigers utility scored three tries for City in his senior representative debut at Wagga Wagga last Sunday. Aidan Sezer will line up against the club he will join next season when the Titans travel to Canberra on Saturday. Sezer announced his move south soon after the Titans landed the signature of Manly international Daly Cherry-Evans. Sezer is the key to the Titans' success this season. The Gold Coast are coming off three straight wins and should extend that streak in the nation's capital despite Ricky Stuart's men finding some form in recent weeks.
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Sharks v Warriors
A loss to the Panthers has seen Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan make a slight change to what was a previously successful formula. He has shifted Ben Barba into the fullback role for the first time since joining the Sharks. Barba's move to fullback will see youngster Valentine Holmes push out to the wing, however expect the pair to interchange roles. The Warriors are struggling and their woes are likely to continue against a fast-improving Sharks outfit.
Cowboys v Bulldogs
Without Josh Reynolds, pressure falls squarely on the shoulders of Trent Hodkinson to lead Canterbury to victory. This is shaping up as the game of the round. The Bulldogs will welcome back Josh Morris but not even the inclusion of the international centre will be enough to stop the juggernaut that is Johnathan Thurston. The Cowboys are flying high after four straight wins and will have far too much class at home against a Canterbury team down on confidence and troops.
Sea Eagles v Knights
The condition of the Brookvale Oval surface could have a huge impact on the result of this match, but not as much as the loss of Kieran Foran to a hamstring injury. However Manly are boosted by the return of Feleti Mateo and Josh Starling. The Knights have been struggling in recent weeks despite a strong start to the year, but this is a game they must win if they are to play finals football in 2015. Jarrod Mullen is in doubt with a toe injury but if he plays they have the creativity to overcome Manly.
Eels v Storm
The unpredictability of the Eels at home is what the Storm will be concerned about the most. The Parramatta Eels are a completely different football team at Pirtek Stadium. They have a great record at home and with Semi Radradra returning, they'll be difficult for the Melbourne Storm to overcome. Chris Sandow and Corey Norman have run rampant at home this season, and expect that to continue on Sunday afternoon.
Rabbitohs v Dragons
The Dragons can prove they are genuine title contenders with a victory against last year's champions. There could be a couple of late inclusions into this contest that will add further intrigue into the mouth-watering showdown at ANZ Stadium. Josh Dugan is a chance of playing, while South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds is also a shot at returning from a knee injury. The Dragons are aiming for seven in a row and if they can hold their own against the big South Sydney pack, they'll walk away with the two points.
