Roosters v Bulldogs

Friday, Allianz Stadium, 7.55pm

Roosters: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2 Daniel Tupou, 3 Michael Jennings, 4 Blake Ferguson, 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6 James Maloney, 7 Mitchell Pearce (c), 8 Sam Moa, 9 Jake Friend (c), 10 Dylan Napa, 11 Boyd Cordner, 12 Aidan Guerra, 13 Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 14 Jackson Hastings, 15 Isaac Liu, 16 Kane Evans, 17 Mitchell Aubusson, 18 Suaia Matagi.

Bulldogs: 1 Brett Morris.2 Curtis Rona, 3 Josh Morris, 4 Tim Lafai, 5 Sam Perrett, 6 Josh Reynolds, 7 Moses Mbye, 8 Aiden Tolman, 9 Damien Cook, 10 James Graham (c), 11 Josh Jackson, 12 Frank Pritchard, 13 Greg Eastwood, 14 Sam Kasiano, 15 Shaun Lane, 16 David Klemmer, 17 Tim Browne, 19 Lloyd Perrett.

Chris Boulous writes: It's not surprising the two times these clubs played this season 100 points were scored. Between them they led the majority of attacking statistics for the regular season. NRL.com stats show the Roosters were first in tackle breaks, try assists and equal first with the Bulldogs in line breaks. The Bulldogs led the league in line-break assists, hit-up runs and metres. The Roosters' defence could be the deciding factor; they have conceded 7.5 points less per game than the Bulldogs this year. Both teams will be bolstered by the inclusions of key players, with Mitchell Pearce and Frank Pritchard cleared to play. The game shapes as a distinct contrast in styles. The boys from Belmore will use their big forward rotation to roll through the middle with the likes of Brett Morris and Damien Cook looking to get some room off a quick play the ball. The Tricolours will shift to the edges on every opportunity and try to spot the Bulldogs halves against back-rowers Boyd Cordner and Aidan Guerra. Their back three also lead the league in kick return metres. The kicking game of both teams looms as a pivotal point with the spotlight firmly on Moses Mbye and Josh Reynolds in the absence of Trent Hodkinson. The Roosters have won five out of their past six games against the Dogs.

Last meeting: Roosters 38 Bulldogs 28 (round 21)

Key match-ups: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck v Brett Morris, Mitchell Pearce v Moses Mbye, James Graham v Dylan Napa, Josh Jackson v Boyd Cordner

Tip: Roosters by 8

Ladbrokes: Roosters $1.38, Bulldogs $3.15

Cowboys v Sharks

Saturday, 1300SMILES Stadium, 7.40pm

Gutted: Can JT lift his Cowboys at home in Townsville? Photo: Getty Images

Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote, 2 Kyle Feldt, 3 Justin O'Neill, 4 Kane Linnett, 5 Antonio Winterstein, 6 Michael Morgan, 7 Johnathan Thurston (c), 8 Matthew Scott (c), 9 Jake Granville, 10 James Tamou, 11 Gavin Cooper, 12 Ethan Lowe, 13 Jason Taumalolo, 14 Rory Kostjasyn, 15 John Asiata, 16 Scott Bolton, 17 Ben Hannant, 19 Ray Thompson

Sharks: 1 Michael Gordon, 2 Sosaia Feki , 3 Gerard Beale, 4 Ricky Leutele, 5 Valentine Holmes, 6 Jack Bird, 7 Jeff Robson, 8 Chris Heighington, 9 Michael Ennis, 10 Sam Tagataese, 11 Luke Lewis, 12 Wade Graham, 13 Paul Gallen (c), 14 Ben Barba, 15 Anthony Tupou, 16 Andrew Fifita, 17 Jayson Bukuya, 18 Matt Prior

Chris Boulous writes: Earlier this year the Sharks broke the Cowboys' 11-game winning streak in Townsville. This Saturday they will be looking to break their hearts in an elimination final where both teams could lay legitimate claims to winning. The Sharks case is based around three key pillars: experience, toughness and a style of footy that has upset the home team both time they have played them. Throw in the unpredictability of young guns Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes and a bench that has X-factor written all over it and the visitors will be quietly confident of advancing to week three of the finals. Standing in their way is Cowboys team who have scored the most tries of any team this year and boast the game's best player in Johnathan Thurston. They also have the added advantage of playing at home (where they are unbeaten in five finals matches) and have the benefit of a full seven-day turnaround. It's hard to judge the form line of both teams. Since the Sharks defeated the Cowboys in round 22, their only wins have come against the lowly Tigers and Eels and the out-of-form Rabbitohs last week. The Cowboys have been just as inconsistent but arguably were the second most impressive team last week despite losing. Michael Morgan's successful return from injury can only be a positive.

Last meeting: Sharks 30 Cowboys 18 (round 22)

Key match-ups: Paul Gallen v Jason Taumalolo , Michael Morgan v Jack Bird, Jack Granville v Michael Ennis, Chris Heighington v Matthew Scott

Tip: Cowboys by 13

Ladbrokes: Cowboys $1.38, Sharks $3.15

*Odds supplied by commercial partner Ladbrokes