1. Panthers v Warriors

The Panthers' position on the ladder isn't an accurate reflection of the way they have been playing this season. They have the potential to be a top-four team and should easily account for the Warriors in Christchurch on Saturday. Penrith have developed the most exciting crop of youngsters in the competition, but with youthfulness comes the tendency to overplay their hand. The Panthers have been guilty of that in the past, but if the likes of James Fisher-Harris, Bryce Cartwright, Tyrone Peachey, Matt Moylan and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak find the composure to match their skill, they could emerge as genuine contenders.

2. Storm v Cowboys

In the first of the Suncorp Stadium double header, the Melbourne Storm's Origin stars return to take on Maroons teammate Johnathan Thurston. In what will be the first time the respective superstars square off on what is usually home soil, this match sees the top-of-the-table Cowboys – the best attacking team in the competition – take on the third-placed Storm, the best defensive unit in the NRL. Cooper Cronk has had a slow start to the year and will need to rediscover his best football otherwise Michael Morgan and Thurston will ensure the Cowboys remain on top for another week.

3. Sea Eagles v Broncos

The Sea Eagles have taken over Suncorp Stadium and home team advantage in the second game of the double header in Brisbane, but that's going to count for very little when 40,000 plus Broncos fans invade the stands. The Sea Eagles have been dealt a blow with Brett Stewart ruled out, however Tom Trbojevic and Jamie Buhrer are both a chance of returning from injury for Manly. The Broncos will be without Adam Blair after his chicken wing tackle on teammate Sam Thaiday in last Friday night's Test match in Newcastle. Anthony Milford was quiet against the Sharks in the loss last start, which only spells trouble for Manly.

Comeback trail: Jamie Buhrer. Photo: Getty Images

4. Knights v Sharks

With Origin set to rear its head in a fortnight's time, the Sharks have a golden opportunity to cement themselves inside the top four before their skipper, Paul Gallen, and potentially Jack Bird, head off to Blues camp. The Sharks are arguably the form team over the past month and an inexperienced Newcastle side is unlikely to change that when they travel to Hunter Stadium on Sunday afternoon. James Maloney needs a big game to convince Laurie Daley he's ready for an Origin recall, with Newcastle halfback and Blues incumbent Trent Hodkinson well and truly in the mix despite Newcastle's woes.

5. Wests Tigers v Bulldogs

The Wests Tigers halves have been in the spotlight to start the season, but two of the club's best performances this season have come when one of the young playmakers has been absent. In round one, shouldering the responsibility with Luke Brooks on the sidelines, Mitchell Moses produced the best game of his career to steer the Tigers to victory over the Warriors in Campbelltown. Then in round nine, with Moses a late scratching with a hamstring injury, Brooks took over the show to help his team to victory over the Rabbitohs. They can't sit back and wait for the other to come up with the magic play if the Tigers are any chance of playing finals football.

Fulfilling his potential. Mitchell Moses. Photo: Getty Images

6. Titans v Roosters

It's unlikely Nathan Peats will roll out for his new club despite being released from Parramatta earlier in the week, which means this game will be all about Mitchell Pearce and whether he can make it impossible for Blues coach Laurie Daley to overlook him for this year's Origin series. After a brilliant return from suspension last week to lead the Roosters to just their second win of the season, Pearce has shown just how much his team missed him over the opening eight weeks of the season, breathing life into a season that only a few weeks ago seemed all but over. With Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Boyd Corder and Pearce back on deck, there's no room for excuses at the tri-colours.