Friday, 7.50pm, Pepper Stadium

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

Rabbitohs: 1 Cody Walker 2 Alex Johnston 3 Greg Inglis 4 Aaron Gray 5 Tautalatasi Tasi 6 Luke Keary 7 Adam Reynolds 8 Tom Burgess 9 Cameron McInnes 10 Nathan Brown 11 John Sutton 12 Kyle Turner 13 Sam Burgess 14 Jason Clark 15 Patrice Siolo 16 Jack Gosiewski 17 David Tyrell 18 Damien Cook 19 Ed Murphy

Chris Boulous writes: Defence is priority No.1 for the Rabbitohs having conceded 89 points in their past three losses leaving them four points outside the top eight. Michael Maguire has opted for premiership-winning combination Luke Keary and Adam Reynolds in the halves and Greg Inglis in the centres to spark their season and continue their strong record against the Panthers, having won five out of their past six games. The Panthers have had a fortnight to reflect on their second-half escape against the Sea Eagles and will enter the game unchanged with Nathan Cleary holding the No.7 jumper. The Panthers sit precariously in ninth spot but do have a good run in to the finals with seven out of their last 11 games against teams below them on the ladder.

Key match-ups: Matt Moylan v Cody Walker, Nathan Cleary v Adam Reynolds, Trent Merrin v John Sutton

Did you know: Peter Wallace will play game 200 on Friday night.

Tip: Panthers by 4

UBET: Panthers $1,50, Rabbitohs $2.60

Knights v Dragons

Saturday, 3pm, Hunter Stadium

Will he play: Josh Dugan (elbow) is fighting to be fit for this week. Photo: Sylvia Liber

Knights:  1 Dane Gagai 2 Nathan Ross 3 Sione Mata'utia 4 Peter Mata'utia 5 Brendan Elliot 6 Jack Cogger 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Sam Mataora 9 Danny Levi 10 Korbin Sims 11 Jacob Saifiti 12 Mitchell Barnett 13 Jeremy Smith  14 Tyler Randell 15 Robbie Rochow 16 Daniel Saifiti 17 Mickey Paea 18. Josh King 19 Chanel Mata'utia 24. Pauli Pauli

Dragons:  1 Jason Nightingale 2 Kalifa Faifai Loa 3 Euan Aitken 4 Tim Lafai 5 Kurt Mann 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Russell Packer 11 Jacob Host 12 Joel Thompson 13 Mike Cooper 14 Jack De Belin 15 Will Matthews 16 Dunamis Lui 17 Jake Marketo

Chris Boulous writes: Surely this has to be the game the Dragons break out of their attacking slump. Paul McGregor's team, which notched its second unconvincing win against an Origin-depleted opponent last week, average just under 13 points a game take on the Knights who concede an NRL-worst 35 points per game. If the Dragons have ambitions of playing finals footy they need to win and win well with or without star duo Tyson Frizell (Origin) and Josh Dugan (injury). Pride is on the line for the Knights and coach and former Dragons player Nathan Brown will be eager to get one over his former team.

Key match-ups: Trent Hodkinson v Benji Marshall, Korbin Sims v Russell Packer, Robbie Rochow v Jack De Belin

Did you know: The Dragons have won eight out of their last 10 against the Knights.

Tip: Dragons by 13

UBET: Dragons $1.42, Knights $2.85

Sharks v Warriors

Saturday, 5.30pm, Southern Cross Group Stadium

In form: Can the Warriors make it four in a row in the shire?

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 Matt Prior 17 Jason Bukuya 18 Joseph Paulo

Warriors: 1 Tuimoala Lolohea 2 David Fusitua 3 Blake Ayshford 4 Solomone Kata 5 Ken Maumalo 6 Thomas Leuluai 7 Shaun Johnson 8 Jacob Lillyman 9 Issac Luke 10 Albert Vete 11 Bodene Thompson 12 Ryan Hoffman 13 Simon Mannering 14 Nathaniel Roache 15 Sam Lisone 16 Ben Matulino 17 Charlie Gubb 18 Ata Hingano 20 Toafofoa Sipley

Chris Boulous writes: The league-leading Sharks search for 11 wins in a row against the in-form Warriors who are riding a three-game win streak of their own. Not much more to add to what has already been written about a Sharks team full of confidence and who seem to have the perfect mix of youth an experience. The Blues pain is the Sharks gain with Wade Graham available for selection. The Warriors showed uncharacteristic grit against the Roosters last week but are still yet to land the big fish to announce them as contenders. Is this the week? A fully-fit Shaun Johnson and a  big forward performance are the keys for the visitors causing an upset.

Key match-ups:  Ben Barba v Tuimoala Lolohea, Andrew Fifita v Jacob Lillyman, Chad Townsend v Shaun Johnson

Did you know: The Warriors beat the Sharks at home last year.

Tip: Sharks by 1

UBET: Sharks $1.33, Warriors $3.30

Bulldogs v Broncos

Saturday, 7.30pm, ANZ Stadium

Which Morris: Brett and Josh Morris are racing to be fit for this week. Photo: Getty Images

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 Tony Williams 16 Danny Fualalo 17 Craig Garvey 19 Lloyd Perrett

Broncos:  1 Darius Boyd 2 Corey Oates 3 Tom Opacic 4 James Roberts 5 Greg Eden 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Travis Waddell 10 Jarrod Wallace 11 Sam Thaiday 12 Matt Gillett 13 Corey Parker 14 Jaydn S'ua 15 Tevita Pangai Jr 16 Adam Blair 17 Kodi Nikorima 18 Herman Ese'ese

Chris Boulous writes: The Corey Parker-farewell tour officially begins as the Broncos look to nail down a top-four spot. The Broncos dished out a poor performance after Origin I and it is yet to be seen if Wayne Bennett will rest any of his six Origin stars. Anthony Milford's dip in form has coincided with the Broncos slump and they will be hoping he can bounce back to his best with games against the Bulldogs and Storm in the next two weeks. The Bulldogs find themselves in sixth place despite an inconsistent year where they have won consecutive games only once since round two. The imminent return of both Morris brothers will be a big boost as they target a top-four spot. A win will see them draw level with the Broncos.

Key match-ups: Will Hopoate v Darius Boyd, Josh Reynolds v Anthony Milford, Sam Kasiano v Adam Blair

Did you know: The Broncos have won their past four games against the Bulldogs.

Tip: Bulldogs by 8

UBET: Broncos $1.67, Bulldogs $2.20

Titans v Raiders

Sunday, 2pm, Cbus Super Stadium

Canberra Raiders winger Edrick Lee's hamstring is worse than first thought and he could be out until after their next bye in round 19. Photo: Jay Cronan

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

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

Chris Boulous writes: Two teams that have exceeded expectation square off as they look to hold on to their respective spots in the top eight. Former Titan Aidan Sezer  returns to the Gold Coast playing behind one of the strongest forward rotations in the game with Sia Soliola, Paul Vaughan and Joe Tapine named on the bench. For the Titans it is the same old story: play smart, play tough. Neil Henry has the luxury of a settled squad with Greg Bird (Origin) the only change. Former Eels Nathan Peats and Junior Paulo face-off against each other for the first time in a match-up that usually sees plenty of points scored.

Key match-ups: William Zillman v Jack Wighton, Ashley Taylor  v Aidan Sezer, Zeb Taia v Josh Papalii

Did you know: The Titans defeated the Raiders 24-20  in round four.

Tip: Raiders by 2

UBET: Titans $1.90, Raiders $1.90

Storm v Wests Tigers

Sunday, 4pm, AAMI Park

Welcome return: Cameron Munster has been in sublime form in 2016. Photo: Brett Hemmings

Storm: 1 Cameron Munster 2 Suliasi Vunivalu 3 Cheyse Blair 4 Ryan Morgan 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 Nelson Asofa-Solomona 15 Felise Kaufusi 16 Kenny Bromwich 17 Ben Hampton 18 Matt White 21 Christian Welch 22 Young Tonumaipea

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

Chris Boulous writes: The Storm welcome back the four members of their spine as they look to reclaim top spot on the ladder and improve on their 10-1 home record against the Wests Tigers. Star pair Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk pride themselves on playing good games after Origin and they will be desperate to avoid consecutive losses for the first time this year and maintain their NRL-best defensive record. The Tigers have had a fortnight to prepare for this one after knocking off the Rabbitohs in round 14 and will be sweating on their two Origin stars Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah getting through unscathed. The James Tedesco-Cameron Munster match-up is worth the price of admission alone.

Key match-ups: Cameron Munster v James Tedesco, Cooper Cronk v Luke Brooks, Jesse Bromwich v Aaron Woods

Did you know: The Storm defeated the Wests Tigers in golden point earlier this year.

Tip: Storm by 13

UBET: Storm $1.22, Wests Tigers $4.25

Cowboys v Sea Eagles

Monday, 7pm, 1300 Smiles Stadium

The finisher: Jason Taumalolo. Photo: Ian Hitchcock

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 John Asiata 16 Scott Bolton 17 Ben Hannant

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart 2 Jorge Taufua 3 Tom Trbojevic 4 Brayden Wiliame 5 Matthew Wright 6 Dylan Walker 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Darcy Lussick 9 Apisai Koroisau 10 Martin Taupau 11 Nathan Green 12 Jamie Buhrer 13 Jake Trbojevic 14 Lewis Brown 15 Josh Starling 16 Addin Fonua-Blake 17 Siosaia Vave 18 Blake Leary

Chris Boulous writes: The second leg of the Sea Eagles' Queensland double is just as tough as the first – in fact, probably tougher. It has been 319 days since the Cowboys lost at home and once again are unchanged as they look to bounce back from a last-start loss to the Sharks. It is yet to be seen if Paul Green rests any of his Origin stars with the common theory being it is harder to back up on the longer turnaround. Injuries are the story for Manly in 2016 with Tom Trbojevic virtually playing on one leg till the end of the season. The good news is Daly Cherry-Evans makes an early return from injury and Jake Trbojevic continues to enhance his status as one of the best young forwards in the game.

Key match-ups: Lachlan Coote v Brett Stewart, Jason Taumalolo v Jake Trbojevic, Johnathan Thurston v Daly Cherry-Evans

Did you know: The Cowboys have won four straight against the Sea Eagles.

Tip: Cowboys by 16

UBET: Cowboys $1.17, Sea Eagles $5

Byes: Eels, Roosters