1. Can the Tigers party like it's 2005? The Tigers will host a reunion for their 2005 premiership-winning side with the likes of Bryce Gibbs, Ben Galea, Liam Fulton, Shane Elford and Todd Payten to be on hand to celebrate when the Tigers play the Cowboys. Premiership winners Pat Richards and Dene Halatau will play, while Robbie Farah is on NSW duty.
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2. No halves no hope: The Cowboys will need to fire without big guns Johnathan Thurston, Michael Morgan, James Tamou and Matt Scott when they play the Tigers on Saturday. They head into the game unsettled on their halves pairing after Morgan was a late inclusion into the Queensland side. Off-contract halfback Rob Lui has an opportunity to push for another NRL contract with a solid performance.
3. The Green Machine: One of the few clubs not to have an Origin representative, the Raiders need to make a push for a finals spot while other sides are decimated. Sam Williams' absence at halfback is a continued blow. The Raiders have had a solid start to the year with five wins with as many losses, but if they are to be a top eight spot they need to collect victories during this time of year.
4. Last men standing: Canterbury are struggling to field a backline. Injuries and Origin representation have left them floundering. They have been dealt massive blows with Chase Stanley and James Graham also ruled out. Canterbury still have a strong forward pack, led by the likes of Tony Williams, Aiden Tolman, Frank Pritchard and Sam Kasiano. If their forward pack get on top, they could still cause the Raiders grief.
5. Welcome back Wayne: Wayne Bennett makes his return to Newcastle for the first time since leaving the club. The veteran mentor takes with him a Brisbane side which is again weakened during Origin. They have the flexibility of being able to call upon experienced players such as David Stagg and Daniel Vidot. They play a Newcastle side who have been well below par in recent weeks.
6. Battle of the halves: While the Broncos may be down on troops, their halves remain intact. Anthony Milford is slowly showing the form which saw him emerge as one of the best attacking players at the Raiders last year, while Ben Hunt will be smarting from his Origin snubbing.
Newcastle need their halves to produce. Kurt Gidley and Tyrone Roberts have failed to leave a dent since joining as a combination in Jarrod Mullen's absence.
