The last four weeks have confirmed one thing: the Bulldogs can't win the competition without James Graham. His return from suspension is the sidebar to what should be a heavyweight battle between the halves with NSW Origin jerseys on the line. In one corner are the out-of-form incumbents, Josh Reyonlds and Trent Hodkinson. In the other corner, the challengers James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce who are starting to hit their straps. Both sets of halves will rely on their forwards to give them room to move; a contest that could easily fill the main event slot with every starting forward having representative experience. In the corresponding fixture last year the Roosters beat the Bulldogs 32-12 and I'm expecting a similar scoreline this time around.

Tip: Roosters by 14

Cowboys v Broncos

No longer big brother against little brother, the latest instalment of the Queensland derby is the match of the round with both teams in the top four. The league-leading Broncos continue to grind out wins as typical Wayne Bennett-coached teams do and will only improve as Darius Boyd gets more game time. Their best 13 still eludes them with the returning Sam Thaiday replacing the suspended Josh McGuire. For the Cowboys, their opening three losses seem a lifetime ago as they notched their sixth straight win last week. Michael Morgan can continue his push for a Maroons jersey with another strong performance.

Tip: Cowboys by 6

Eels v Warriors

The Eels will be hoping the recent trend of home victories continues between the two teams. In the last two years they have thrashed the Warriors at Pirtek Stadium 40-10 and 36-16 – a far cry from when they have played across the ditch where they have lost by a combined 77-16 in their past two starts. It's hard to see that trend continuing with the Eels struggling to put together a consistent 80 minutes which has resulted in Chris Sandow being dropped in favour for Luke Kelly. Stability has been a strong point for the Warriors and for the 10th week in a row they are able to name the same halves and forward pack. The class of Shaun Johnson looms as the deciding factor in this one.

Tip: Warriors by 10

Titans v Sharks

Pride is on the line for the Titans, who leaked 50 points last week against the Raiders. Coach Neil Henry has stuck with the same team and expect a bounce-back performance especially with several players pushing for Origin jerseys. The Sharks were unlucky not to get the two points last week and another loss will give them their third loss in a row for the second time this year. As he almost did last week, Andrew Fifita demonstrated he can carry the Sharks on his back and with a little help from his teammates they are certainly capable of notching an important win before their first bye next week.

Tip: Sharks by 6

Storm v Rabbitohs

In a match of certainty verse uncertainty; always choose certainty – or in this case the Storm. The home team are at full strength and return home seeking an important win before the Origin season starts and have a fully fit Billy Slater at their disposal. The premiers curse has struck the Rabbitohs with injuries impacting their 2015 campaign. Once again Adam Reynolds (thumb) is out for an extended period and it's no fluke his return last week  coincided with Rabbitohs first win in three games. John Sutton (eye) is also in doubt for the trip south.

Tip: Storm by 8

Dragons v Raiders

The Dragons didn't lose any admirers last week and return home looking to cement a spot in the top four. Josh Dugan can confirm the Blues No.1 jersey with another outstanding performance like last week where he scored 75 Ultimate League points without a try or try assist. The Raiders are now officially the surprise packets of 2015 and demolished the Titans on the back of their underrated forward pack led by Paul Vaughan and Iosia Soliola. The loss of Sam Williams will hurt the Green Machine but expect Blake Austin to step up with a potential Origin jersey on the line.

Tip: Raiders by 2

Knights v Wests Tigers

The Knights are the biggest mystery in the NRL this year. Four straight wins, followed by five consecutive losses – are they contenders or pretenders? This next fortnight looms a litmus test with home games against the Wests Tigers and an Origin-depleted Broncos outfit. All eyes will be on the veteran Knights pack to lead their team forward and give their exciting backs room to move. Don't read too much into the Wests Tigers heavy loss last week; the Roosters would have done that to most teams in the competition. Points shouldn't be a problem for the visitors but stopping them and playing in front of a parochial Knights crowd are the major concerns.

Tip: Knights by 2

Sea Eagles v Panthers

According to coach Geoff Toovey the Sea Eagles are officially on a roll after consecutive wins and the news only gets better with Steve Matai returning from suspension. Daly Cherry-Evans is finally starting to find the form that had teams falling over themselves to sign him and their young unassuming forward pack has muscled up to give him the room he needs. In a major boost, the Panthers welcome back James Segeyaro who will link with Jamie Soward for the first time since round two. Matt Moylan was the difference when the two teams played in round six and expect the No.1 to be out for a repeat performance to put his name in line for a NSW jersey.

Tip: Panthers by 1

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