Friday, 7.50pm, GIO Stadium

Raiders: 1 Jack Wighton 2 Brenko Lee 3 Jarrod Croker 4 Joey Leilua 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Blake Austin 7 Aidan Sezer 8 Shannon Boyd 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Joe Tapine 11 Josh Papalii 12 Elliott Whitehead 13 Luke Bateman 14 Kurt Baptiste 15 Iosia Soliola 16 Clay Priest 17 Paul Vaughan 18 Junior Paulo

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart 2 Brayden Wiliame, 3 Dylan Walker, 4 Steve Matai, 5 Tom Trbojevic, 6 Jamie Lyon, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans, 8 Darcy Lussick, 9 Matt Parcell, 10 Nate Myles, 11 Lewis Brown, 12 Jamie Buhrer, 13 Jake Trbojevic 14 Apisai Koroisau, 15 Josh Starling 16 Brenton Lawrence, 17 Siosaia Vave, 18 Blake Leary

Chris Boulous writes: The Sea Eagles head south to chilly Canberra to heat up their NRL campaign which has been ravaged by injury and suspension. The return of Steve Matai gives Trent Barrett a resemblance of the team he would have imagined when he took over on the northern beaches and Jamie Lyon's move to the No. 6 jumper could be the tonic to cure their slow start to the year. The Green Machine was well-oiled for about 20 minutes last week and still managed to get the two points and this week have the luxury of resting Shaun Fensom with new recruit Junior Paulo named to make his debut. Searching for three straight wins, the Raiders have a chance to set up their season with games against the Knights and Titans and the Origin-affected Broncos and Cowboys in the next month.

Key match-ups: Jack Wighton v Brett Stewart, Jarrod Croker v Dylan Walker, Aidan Sezer v Daly Cherry-Evans

Did you know: The Sea Eagles lead the overall head-to-head record against the Raiders 30-18

Tip: Raiders by 16

UBET: Raiders $1.55, Sea Eagles $2.50

Warriors v Broncos

Saturday, 3pm, Mt Smart Stadium 

Key man: The hunt is on for Ben's best form. Photo: Ian Hitchcock

Warriors: 1 Tuimoala Lolohea 2 David Fusitu'a 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 Simon Mannering 14 Nathaniel Roache 15 Sam Lisone 16 Albert Vete 17 Charlie Gubb 18 Ligi Sao.

Broncos: 1 Darius Boyd 2 Lachlan Marant 3 Jack Reed 4 James Roberts 5 Jordan Kahu 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Travis Waddell 10 Adam Blair 11 Alex Glenn 12 Sam Thaiday 13 Corey Parker.14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Tevita Pangai Jr 16 Joe Ofahengaue 17 Kodi Nikorima 18 Herman Ese'ese 19 Jai Arrow

Chris Boulous writes: The Warriors have made six changes to their line-up but the biggest change needs to be their attitude after consecutive big losses in their own backyard. Their record in Auckland is good against Brisbane winning seven of 10 matches against last year's grand finalists since 2005 and they welcome back their main attacking weapon from suspension in Solomone Kata. Win, lose or draw on Wednesday night, the Broncos will rest Matt Gillett and Corey Oates after Origin duties as they look to bounce back after losing three out of their last four games. Wayne Bennett will be hoping Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt's form dip is temporary after consecutive one-point losses has seen Brisbane on the verge of dropping out of the top four. Fullback Darius Boyd and forwards Corey Parker, Josh McGuire and Sam Thaiday have been named to back up from Queensland duty and will face a stern test against a Warriors outfit that contains a fired-up Queenslander in Jacob Lillyman, who will be keen to press his claims for game two after being overlooked for the Origin opener.

Key match-ups: Tuimoala Lolohea v Darius Boyd, Thomas Leuluai v Anthony Milford, Simon Mannering v Corey Parker

Did you know: The Broncos defeated the Warriors 25-10 in round 2.

Tip: Warriors by 1

UBET: Broncos $1.55, Warriors $2.50

Cowboys v Knights

Saturday, 5.30pm, 1300 Smiles Stadium

James Tamou is one of five Cowboys named to back-up after Origin I. Photo: Mike Egerton

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

Knights: 1 Dane Gagai 2 Corey Denniss 3 Sione Mata'utia 4 Nathan Ross 5 Jake Mamo 6 Jaelen Feeney 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Sam Mataora 9 Danny Levi 10 Daniel Saifiti 11 Tariq Sims 12 Pauli Pauli 13 Jeremy Smith 14 Tyler Randell 15 Lachlan Fitzgibbon 16 Josh King 17 Mickey Paea 20 David Bhana 23 Pat Mata'utia

Chris Boulous writes: Guts. Determination. Heart. Three words to describe Newcastle's effort last week against the Eels that showed enough to suggest they could win a few games in the second half of the year. This is not one of them. The Cowboys are undefeated at home in 2016 and will be desperate to stay in reach of top spot after last week's loss. Paul Green has named his five Origin stars to back-up from Wednesday night but it wouldn't surprise if one or two sat the fixture out. For Nathan Brown, he will be looking for a repeat of last week's effort and to see how some of his young stars like Daniel Saifiti match it with the premiers.

Key match-ups:  Johnathan Thurston v Trent Hodkinson, Jason Taumalolo v Jeremy Smith, Lachlan Coote  v Dane Gagai

Did you know: The Knights' defeated the Cowboys in Townsville last year.

Tip: Cowboys by 18

UBET: Cowboys $1.07, Knights $8.50

Storm v Panthers

Saturday, 7.30pm, AAMI Park

Will he or won't he? Cameron Smith hasn't been named for the Melbourne Storm. Photo: Mark Kolbe

Storm: 1 Cameron Munster 2 Suliasi Vunivalu 3 Cheyse Blair 4 Ryan Morgan 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Blake Green 7 Tohu Harris 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Kenneath Bromwich 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tim Glasby 13 Dale Finucane 14 Nelson Asofa-Solomona 15 Felise Kaufusi 16 Christian Welch Nichol 17 Young Tonumaipea 18 Matt White 19 Dean Britt

Panthers: 1 Matt Moylan 2 Josh Mansour 3 Waqa Blake 4 Isaah Yeo 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Tyrone Peachey 7 Jamie Soward 8 Sam McKendry 9 Peter Wallace 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11 Bryce Cartwright 12 Trent Merrin 13 Leilani Latu 14 Suaia Matagi 15 Jeremy Latimore 16 Chris Grevsmuhl 17 Sitaleki Akauola 20. Moses Leota

Chris Boulous writes: The Storm, who currently hold a 9-2 record, will be looking for their sixth straight win when they take on Penrith, who they have defeated in 14 out of their last 15 games including a 52-10 thumping in Melbourne last year. Origin duo Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk have not been named and their absence swings the game towards Penrith, who will be sweating on their own Origin stars Matt Moylan and Josh Mansour making it through Wednesday night. Overlooked Blues forwards Bryce Cartwright and Trent Merrin will be keen to make a statement against a Storm forward pack that makes up for its lack of big names with old-fashioned hard work and commitment. The Storm have lost their last 11 games without Cameron Smith.

Key match-ups: Cameron Munster v Matt Moylan, Jesse Bromwich v Sam McKendry, Dale Finucane v Leilani Latu

Did you know: Penrith have won only two from their 16 visits to Melbourne.

Tip: Panthers by 4

UBET: Storm $1.60, Panthers $2.35

Roosters v Wests Tigers

Sunday, 4pm, Allianz Stadium

Teddy-rific: James Tedesco is back for the Wests Tigers. Photo: Matt Blyth

Roosters: 1 Latrell Mitchell 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Mitchell Aubusson 4 Dale Copley 5 Blake Ferguson 6 Ryan Matterson 7 Mitchell Pearce 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9 Jake Friend (c) 10 Dylan Napa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Aidan Guerra 13 Sio Siua Taukeiaho 14 Isaac Liu 15 Sam Moa 16 Kane Evans 17 Connor Watson 18 Eloni Vunakece

Wests Tigers: 1 James Tedesco 2 David Nofoaluma 3 Tim Simona 4 Kevin Naiqama 5 Josh Addo-Carr 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Luke Brooks 8 Aaron Woods 9 Robbie Farah 10 Ava Seumanufagai 11 Josh Aloiai 12 Chris Lawrence 13 Elijah Taylor 14 Sauaso Sue 15 Matt Ballin 16 Tim Grant 17 Dene Halatau 18 Kyle Lovett 19 JJ Felise

Chris Boulous writes: It's red, white and bye, bye finals if the Roosters lose this one. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves makes his first start of the year in a bid to maintain their impressive record against the Wests Tigers which has seen them win seven consecutive games. The Tigers are searching for three straight wins and welcome back superstar James Tedesco to set up a mouth-watering fullback duel with Roosters young gun Latrell Mitchell. Elijah Taylor has been a revelation for Jason Taylor's team and his ball playing has allowed Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks room to work their magic. Traditionally, the Roosters have tried to go through the middle of the Tigers, placing more importance on Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah to get through Origin unscathed.

Key match-ups: Latrell Mitchell v James Tedesco, Sio Siua Taukeiaho v Elijah Taylor, Jake Friend v Robbie Farah

Did you know: The Roosters have won 11 out of their last 12 games against the Wests Tigers.

Tip: Roosters by 2

UBET: Roosters $1.45, Wests Tigers $2.80

Rabbitohs v Titans

Sunday, 6.30pm, nib Stadium

Six appeal: Greg Inglis looked good in the No. 6 jumper last week. Photo: Cameron Spencer

Rabbitohs: 1 Cody Walker 2 Alex Johnston 3 Kirisome Auva'a 4 Bryson Goodwin 5 Dane Nielsen 6 Greg Inglis 7 Adam Reynolds 8 Tom Burgess 9 Cameron McInnes 10 Nathan Brown 11 Paul Carter 12 Kyle Turner 13 Sam Burgess 14 Luke Keary 15 Jason Clark 16 Jack Gosiewski 17 David Tyrell

Titans: 1 William Zillman 2 Anthony Don 3 Josh Hoffman 4 Nathan Davis 5 Nene McDonald 6 Tyrone Roberts 7 Ashley Taylor 8 David Shillington 9 Nathan Friend 10 Ryan James 11 Zeb Taia 12 Chris McQueen 13 Greg Bird  14 Nathan Peats 15 Leivaha Pulu 16 Agnatius Paasi 17 Luke Douglas 18 Konrad Hurrell

Chris Boulous writes: The Titans face the NRL's toughest road trip with games in Perth and Darwin in the next fortnight. It won't faze a Titans team full of experience with Sunday's match marking Luke Douglas' 250th in the NRL. The NRL surprise packets have the same record as the Rabbitohs who enter the game off consecutive wins against the Eels and Dragons. Sam Burgess is starting to find his best form and his combination with new halves pairing Greg Inglis Adam Reynolds has sparked the Rabbitohs' offence. Fresh off the bye, both teams will be hoping their Origin stars are fit to make trip out west with a spot in the top eight up for grabs.

Key match-ups: Cody Walker v William Zillman, Tom Burgess v David Shillington, Adam Reynolds v Ashley Taylor

Did you know: The Rabbitohs are taking a home game to nib Stadium in Perth for the eighth consecutive season this year.

Tip: Rabbitohs by 7

UBET: Rabbitohs $1.52, Titans $2.55

Bulldogs v Sharks

Monday, 7pm, ANZ Stadium

Eye on the prize: Jack Bird has been a big part of the Sharks' march to first place.

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 11 Josh Jackson 12 Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13 David Klemmer 14 Sam Kasiano 15 Adam Elliott 16 Tim Browne 17 Craig Garvey

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

Chris Boulous writes: The Sharks have gone up, up to first place. The challenge is to stay there. Former Bulldogs Ben Barba and Michael Ennis have been key men for a Sharks team that is looking for nine wins in a row and a chance to improve their away record which stands at 3-2. The Bulldogs returned last week with another poor display following a victory. Granted he gets through Origin, Josh Jackson will play game 100 (and two games at ANZ Stadium in five days) but he will be missing his back row partner with Greg Eastwood (knee) out for a month. In a losing cause last week James Graham and Aiden Tolman were outstanding combining for 51 runs and 83 tackles.

Key match-ups: Will Hopoate v Ben Barba, Josh Reynolds v James Maloney, Aiden Tolman v Andrew Fifita

Did you know: The Bulldogs have won eight of their past 10 games against the Sharks

Tip: Sharks by 4

UBET: Sharks $1.87, Bulldogs $1.95

Byes: Eels, Dragons