Thursday, 7.50pm, ANZ Stadium

Rabbitohs: 1 Greg Inglis 2 Dane Nielsen 3 Kirisome Auva'a 4 Bryson Goodwin 5 Aaron Gray 6 Luke Keary 7 Adam Reynolds 8 Tom Burgess 9 Damien Cook 10 David Tyrrell 11 Christopher Grevsmuhl 12 Kyle Turner 13 Sam Burgess. 14 Cameron McInnes 15 Jason Clark 16 Nathan Brown 17 George Burgess

Wests Tigers: 1 James Tedesco 2 David Nofoaluma 3 Tim Simona 4 Kevin Naiqama 5 Jordan Rankin 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Ava Seumanufagai 9 Robbie Farah 10 Tim Grant 11 Curtis Sironen 12 Chris Lawrence 13 Sauaso Sue.  14 Josh Aloiai 15 Dene Halatau 16 Kyle Lovett 17 JJ Felise

Chris Boulous writes: Six weeks ago these two teams were sitting at the top of the ladder. Since then they have combined for only one win and in the process lost confidence, cohesion and direction.The Rabbitohs showed signs of life against the Broncos with a spirited second-half display that will have them confident of continuing their good record against the Wests Tigers. In contrast, Jason Taylor's team was lifeless last week in conceding 60 points and slumping to its sixth loss in a row. In a game where finding an in-form player is a task in its own, James Tedesco stands out like a beacon and he will be eager to shine against Greg Inglis who will be keen to make a point after he was overlooked for the Kangaroos No.1 jumper.

Key match-ups: Greg Inglis v James Tedesco, Adam Reynolds v  Luke Brooks, Damien Cook v Robbie Farah

Did you know: Aaron Woods is expected back after the representative round.

Tip: Rabbitohs by 2

UBET: Rabbitohs $1.40, Wests Tigers $3

Eels v Bulldogs

Friday, 7.50pm, ANZ Stadium

Tough man: Can Bulldogs skipper James Graham tame the Eels?

Eels: 1 Michael Gordon 2 Semi Radradra 3 Michael Jennings 4 Brad Takairangi 5 Clinton Gutherson 6 Corey Norman 7 Kieran Foran (c) 8 Junior Paulo, 9 Nathan Peats 10 Daniel Alvaro 11 Manu Ma'u 12 Beau Scott 13 Tepai Moeroa  14 Isaac De Gois 15 Peni Terepo 16 Danny Wicks 17 Kenny Edwards

Bulldogs: 1 Will Hopoate 2 Curtis Rona 3 Josh Morris 4 Kerrod Holland 5 Sam Perrett 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Moses Mbye 8 Aiden Tolman 9 Michael Lichaa 10 James Graham (c) 11 Josh Jackson 12 Tony Williams 13 Greg Eastwood. 14 Sam Kasiano 15 Tim Browne 16 David Klemmer 17 Craig Garvey 19 Lloyd Perrett 22 Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Chris Boulous writes: The Eels won't be the last team to travel to Townsville and leave without the two points but they did get some respect in coming from behind to challenge one of the heavyweights of the competition. In contrast to the uncertainty off the field, Brad Arthur's team can be counted on for two things: strong defence and a willingness to compete. It's what the 80's rivalry between the Eels and Bulldogs was built on and expect another tough battle on Friday night. The Bulldogs continue to baffle NRL pundits with their fluctuating form and need to find a way to fix their predictable attack which the Eels shut down in round three.

Key match-ups: Michael Jennings v Josh Morris, Junior Paulo v James Graham, Corey Norman v Josh Reynolds

Did you know: Former Warrior Raymond Faitala-Mariner has been named on an extended bench and is a chance to debut for the Bulldogs.

Tip: Eels by 4

UBET: Eels $1.78, Bulldogs $2.05

Panthers v Raiders

Saturday, 3pm, Carrington Park

All smiles: Josh Papalii trains with the Canberra Raiders on Tuesday after being named in the Australian Kangaroos team. Photo: Graham Tidy

Panthers: 1 Matt Moylan (c) 2 Josh Mansour 3 Dean Whare 4 Peta Hiku 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Jamie Soward 7 Peter Wallace 8 Leilani Latu 9 James Segeyaro 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11 Bryce Cartwright 12 Isaah Yeo 13 Trent Merrin.  14 Tyrone Peachey 15 Jeremy Latimore 16 Suaia Matagi 17 James Fisher-Harris 20 Sam McKendry

Raiders:  1 Jack Wighton 2 Edrick Lee 3 Jarrod Croker 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Sam Williams 7 Aidan Sezer 8 Shannon Boyd 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Paul Vaughan 11 Josh Papalii 12 Elliot Whitehead 13 Shaun Fensom.14 Kurt Baptiste 15 Luke Bateman 16 Clay Priest 17 Joseph Tapine 18 Frank-Paul Nuuausala

Chris Boulous writes: For those who make the trek out to Bathurst this weekend you can be safe in knowing you will probably find some gold - whether it be on the goldfields or with this cracking NRL game. Two teams that probably defy where they sit on the ladder head west to hopefully move north on the ladder. The Panthers welcome back James Segayaro and Dean Whare at a opportunistic time to cover for the loss of Te Marie Martin as they prepare to face the green machine who are firing on all cylinders. The Raiders have won their last three against the Panthers and have the form player of the NRL, Josh Hodgson, leading the way. The clash of under-rated props Paul Vaughan and Reagan Campbell-Gillard is one to look out for.

Key match-ups: Matt Moylan v Jack Wighton, James Segeyaro v Josh Hodgson, Bryce Cartwright  v Josh Papalii

Did you know: The Panthers are 1-1 in Bathurst as part of their five-year deal with the town.

Tip: Raiders by 6

UBET: Panthers $1.68, Raiders $2.20

Roosters v Knights

Saturday, 5.30pm, Allianz Stadium

The return: Mitchell Pearce returns for the Roosters this week. Photo: Mark Kolbe

Roosters: 1 Latrell Mitchell 2 Joe Burgess 3 Mitchell Aubusson 4 Blake Ferguson 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6 Jackson Hastings 7 Mitchell Pearce 8 Sam Moa 9 Jake Friend (c) 10 Dylan Napa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Aidan Guerra 13 Isaac Liu. 14 Kane Evans 15 Eloni Vunakece 16 Ryan Matterson 17 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 18 Connor Watson

Knights: 1 Dane Gagai 2 Nathan Ross 3 Sione Mata'utia 4 Pat Mata'utia 5 Akuila Uate 6 Will Pearsall 7 Trent Hodkinson (c) 8 Sam Mataora 9 Danny Levi 10 Daniel Saifiti 11 Tariq Sims (c) 12 Korbin Sims 13 Jeremy Smith (c)  14 Tyler Randell 15 David Bhana 16 Jacob Saifiti 17 Pauli Pauli 18 Brock Lamb 19 Jack Stockwell 20 Mickey Paea

Chris Boulous writes: Mitchell Pearce is back. So is Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. The big question is can the Roosters make it back to the finals? The tri colours are starting well behind the eight ball after failing to close out several close games this year and will be hoping the return of the big three (Boyd Cordner came back last week) can turn their season around. If they are expecting the Knights to be onlookers at the return party, they can think again. They have enough talent to play the role of spoiler especially if the Sims brothers and Jeremy Smith rattle the cages of the young Roosters.

Key match-ups: Mitchell Pearce v Trent Hodkinson, Boyd Cordner v Tariq Sims, Latrell Mitchell v Dane Gagai

Did you know: Sam Mataora needs to beat a dangerous contact charge to play this week.

Tip: Roosters by 16

UBET: Roosters $1.18, Knights $5

Sea Eagles v Cowboys

Saturday, 7.30pm, Brookvale Oval

Key man: Cowboys fullback Lachlan Coote has been in top form in 2016. Photo: Cameron Spencer

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart 2 Brayden Wiliame 3 Jamie Lyon 4 Steve Matai 5 Tom Trbojevic 6 Dylan Walker 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Darcy Lussick 9 Apisai Koroisau 10 Nate Myles 11 Tom Symonds 12 Martin Taupau 13 Jake Trbojevic. 14 Lewis Brown 15 Addin Fonua-Blake 16 Brenton Lawrence 17 Siosia Vave 19 Matt Parcell

Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote 2 Kyle Feldt 3 Justin O'Neill 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Michael Morgan 7 Johnathan Thurston 8 Matt Scott 9 Jake Granville 10 James Tamou 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Ethan Lowe 13 Jason Taumalolo. 14 Rory Kostjasyn 15 Patrick Kaufusi 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant 18 John Asiata

Chris Boulous writes: The Cowboys battle plan to leave Fortress Brookvale with a win is pretty faultless: a solid front line led by Matt Scott, James Tamou and Jason Taumalolo, followed by a wave of attack from Johnathan Thurston, Michael Morgan and Lachlan Coote. The Sea Eagles welcomed back their general in Daly Cherry-Evans last week but they will need to find 16 Jake Trbojevic clones if they are to match it with the Cowboys for the full 80 minutes. Making things worse is they are likely to have a disrupted preparation with injuries to several key players, while the Cowboys will once again be unchanged.

Key match-ups: Dylan Walker v Michael Morgan, Daly Cherry-Evans v Johnathan Thurston, Jake Trbojevic v Jason Taumalolo

Did you know: Brett Stewart and Tom Trbojevic have been named but are highly unlikely to play.

Tip: Cowboys by 13

UBET: Cowboys $1.35, Sea Eagles $3.25

Warriors v Dragons

Sunday, Noon, Mt Smart Stadium

Try-time: Gareth Widdop's kicking game will be crucial against the Warriors. Photo: Mark Metcalfe

Warriors: 1 David Fusitua 2 Jonathan Wright 3 Blake Ayshford 4 Solomone Kata 5 Manu Vatuvei 6 Thomas Leuluai 7 Shaun Johnson 8 Jacob Lillyman 9 Issac Luke 10 Ben Matulino 11 Bodene Thompson 12 Ryan Hoffman 13 Charlie Gubb. 14 Jazz Tevaga 15 Sam Lisone 16 Albert Vete 17 Shaun Lane 18 James Gavet

Dragons: 1 Josh Dugan 2 Kalifa Faifai Loa 3 Euan Aitken 4 Timoteo Lafai 5 Jason Nightingale 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Josh McCrone 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Mike Cooper 11 Tyson Frizell 12 Joel Thompson 13 Jack de Belin.  14 Russell Packer 15 Will Matthews 16 Dunamis Lui 17 Siliva Havili 18 Taane Milne

Chris Boulous writes: The Dragons take an eight-year winning streak against the Warriors into this one and will have good memories of their 36-0 win in New Zealand last year. The Dragons could be boosted further by the return of a Kiwi in Benji Marshall who is racing the clock to be fit to play. The Warriors are using their third fullback in as many weeks after losing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Tuimoala Lolohea to injury. The bigger blow is Simon Mannering (face cut) who will miss his first game after 73 consecutive games. The Dragons have managed four wins this year despite scoring only 79 points.

Key match-ups: Shaun Johnson v Josh McCrone, Ryan Hoffman v Joel Thompson, Issac Luke v  Mitch Rein

Did you know: The Dragons have won 19 of their 23 clashes with the Warriors..

Tip: Dragons by 2

UBET: Warriors $1.53, Dragons $2.50

Titans v Storm

Sunday, 2pm, Cbus Super Stadium

Best prop in the world? Jesse Bromwich has led the way for the Storm this year. Photo: Getty Images

Titans:  1 William Zillman 2 Anthony Don 3 Josh Hoffman 4 Nene Macdonald 5 David Mead 6. Tyrone Roberts 7 Cameron Cullen 8 David Shillington 9 Nathan Friend 10 Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird  14 Luke Douglas 15 Leivaha Pulu 16 Agnatius Paasi 17 Kierran Moseley 18 Lachlan Burr

Storm: 1 Cameron Munster 2 Suliasi Vunivalu 3 Richard Kennar 4 Young Tonumaipea 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Dale Finucane. 14 Kenny Bromwich 15 Tim Glasby 16 Felise Kaufusi 17 Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18 Ben Hampton

Chris Boulous writes: The Storm finally broke out of their attacking funk and put on a score against the Warriors courtesy of their new big three: Cameron Smith, Jesse Bromwich and Cameron Munster. No doubt Craig Bellamy would have had this game circled as a win before the season with the tough representative schedule about to hit his team. However, it will be no party on the Gold Coast with the Titans quickly becoming second-half specialists. Greg Bird, Ryan James and Zeb Taia form part of an unheralded forward pack that compete on every play.

Key match-ups: William Zillman v Cameron Munster, David Shillington v Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Cullen v Cooper Cronk

Did you know: Titans half Ash Taylor (stomach) will be monitored in the coming days but is a chance to return after missing last week's game.

Tip: Storm by 7

UBET: Storm $1.50, Titans $2.60

Sharks v Broncos

Sunday, 4pm, Southern Cross Group Stadium

Man on a mission: Who will Michael Ennis target this week? Photo: Matt King

Sharks:  1 Ben Barba 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Jack Bird 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Valentine Holmes 6 James Maloney 7 Chad Townsend 8 Andrew Fifita 9 Michael Ennis 10 Sam Tagataese 11 Jayson Bukuya 12 Wade Graham 13 Paul Gallen. 14 Gerard Beale 15 Chris Heighington 16 Matt Prior 17 Luke Lewis

Broncos: 1 Darius Boyd 2 Corey Oates 3 Jack Reed 4 James Roberts 5 Jordan Kahu 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Kodi Nikorima 10 Adam Blair 11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett 13 Corey Parker (c)  14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Sam Thaiday 16 Joe Ofahengaue 17 Travis Waddell

Chris Boulous writes: Two top four teams do battle in the game of the round where the two points is secondary to gaining the mental edge for games later in the year. The Broncos have rolled nicely to a 7-1 record and could have up to eight players in next week's Test as a reward. The Sharks have put together five wins in a row themselves and look a different team when Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita lay a platform for their outside backs to weave their magic. The loss of Andrew McCullough could prove pivotal, with Sharks No.9 Michael Ennis in career best form.

Key match-ups: Ben Barba v Darius Boyd, Andrew Fifita v Josh McGuire, Paul Gallen v Corey Parker

Did you know: The Broncos have five players in the Australian squad.

Tip: Broncos by 1

UBET: Broncos $1.82, Sharks $2