Thursday, 7.50pm, Allianz Stadium

Roosters: 1 Latrell Mitchell 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Blake Ferguson 4 Dale Copley 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6 Jackson Hastings 7 Mitchell Pearce 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9 Jake Friend  10 Dylan Napa 11 Aidan Guerra 12 Mitchell Aubusson 13 Sio Siua Taukeiaho 14 Sam Moa 15 Isaac Liu 16 Kane Evans 17 Conor Watson 18 Ryan Matterson

Bulldogs:  1 Will Hopoate 2 Brett Morris 3 Curtis Rona 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 Greg Eastwood 13 David Klemmer 14 Sam Kasiano 15 Tony Williams 16 Danny Fualalo 17 Craig Garvey 19 Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20 Asipeli Fine

Chris Boulous writes: The Bulldogs found their bark with their big win based on their biggest asset – their big forwards. Consistency has been their big problem in 2016 and yet a win against the Roosters could see them in the top four by the end of the round. The Roosters welcome back Mitchell Pearce into a team which resembles something like what Trent Robinson thought he might have at the start of the year – especially considering Boyd Cordner is an outside chance to return. No doubt the Bulldogs will target the middle third of the field like they did in their round 11 win over the Chooks. Both teams have received boosts in recent weeks with their most dangerous outside backs in Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Brett Morris making successful returns from injury.

Key match-ups: Latrell Mitchell v Will Hopoate, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves v James Graham, Kane Evans v Sam Kasiano

Did you know: Sam Perrett will play his 250th NRL game against his former club.

Tip: Roosters by 4

UBET: Bulldogs $1.48, Roosters $2.70

Broncos v Storm

Friday, 7.50pm, Suncorp Stadium

The battle: Anthony Milford v Cameron Smith.

Broncos:  1 Darius Boyd 2 Corey Oates 3 Kodi Nikorima 4 James Roberts 5 Lachlan Maranta 6 Anthony Milford 7 Ben Hunt 8 Josh McGuire 9 Andrew McCullough 10 Adam Blair 11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett 13 Corey Parker 14 Jarrod Wallace 15 Tevita Pangai Jr 16 Jaydn S'ua 17 Travis Waddell

Storm: 1 Young Tonumaipea 2 Suliasi Vunivalu 3 Cheyse Blair 4 Ryan Morgan 5 Marika Koroibete 6 Tohu Harris 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith 10 Jordan McLean 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Kenneath Bromwich 13 Dale Finucane 14 Felise Kaufusi 15 Christian Welch 16 Matt White 17 Ben Hampton 18 Curtis Scott 23 Slade Griffin

Chris Boulous writes: The Origin period has hurt the Broncos, losing four out of their last five and moving out of the top four. Two key men return this week in Andrew McCullough and Alex Glenn, which should take some pressure off their six Origin stars and freshen up what looked a tired team last week. The Storm continue to grind out wins despite missing key players Cameron Munster and Blake Green. Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith's ability to control games is something Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt need to learn if Brisbane are going to contend this year. The Storm's record against the Broncos is impressive, winning 20 out of their last 23 meetings including nine out of 10 at Suncorp.

Key match-ups: Ben Hunt v  Cooper Cronk, Josh McGuire v Jesse Bromwich, Adam Blair v Jordan McLean

Did you know: The Storm are the only team to concede less than 200 points this year.

Tip: Storm by 1

UBET: Broncos $1.68, Storm $2.20

Warriors v Titans

Saturday, 3pm, Mt Smart Stadium

Milestone man: Former Warriors captain Simon Mannering. Photo: Hannah Peters

Warriors:  1 David Fusitu'a 2 Tuimoala Lolohea 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

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

Chris Boulous writes: Two teams with identical records square off across the ditch with a place in the top eight potentially the prize for the winner. The Warriors fell agonisingly short of four consecutive wins against the Sharks and a repeat performance will have them confident of extending their good record against the Titans, as they have won nine out of their last 10 clashes. But the Titans have been proving critics wrong all year and former Warrior Nathan Friend, who will retire at the end of the season, will be primed for a big clash playing behind the form player in the NRL in Ryan James. Injuries are a concern for the Titans with Nathan Davis the latest to be ruled out for the season.

Key match-ups: Shaun Johnson v Ash Taylor, Jacob Lillyman v Ryan James, Bodene Thompson v Zeb Taia

Did you know: Simon Mannering and Mount Smart Stadium will play/host their 250th NRL games this week.

Tip: Warriors by 8

UBET: Warriors $1.40, Titans $2.90

Wests Tigers v Panthers

Saturday, 5.30pm, ANZ Stadium

Game-breaker: James Tedesco starred in the Tigers' loss to the Storm. Photo: Getty Images

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 JJ Felise

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 James Fisher-Harris 20 Sam McKendry

Chris Boulous writes: The James Tedesco and Matt Moylan showdown will dominate headlines in this game as the fight for the NSW No.1 jumper heats up. The Panthers have put patchy wins either side of their second bye to move into eighth spot as they search for a complete 80-minute performance. The irresistible form of Bryce Cartwright has been driving the Panthers but he has had a good support crew led by veterans Trent Merrin and Peter Wallace. The Tigers could have easily put the cue in the rack last week but showed some fight in the second half to push one of the competition heavyweights. Limiting the offloads for both teams will go a long way to victory.

Key match-ups:  James Tedesco v Matt Moylan, Aaron Woods v Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Luke Brooks v Nathan Cleary

Did you know: The Panthers have defeated the Tigers by a combined score of 61-22 the last two times they have played.

Tip: Panthers by 4

UBET: Panthers $1.56, Wests Tigers $2.45

Sharks v Eels

Saturday, 7.30pm, Southern Cross Group Stadium

Uncertain future: Semi Radradra has been named to play but hasn't landed in the country. Photo: Getty Images

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

Eels:  1 Michael Gordon 2 Semi Radradra 3 Michael Jennings 4 Clint Gutherson 5 Bevan French 6 Kenny Edwards 7 Corey Norman 8 Daniel Alvaro 9 Isaac De Gois 10 Danny Wicks 11 Manu Ma'u 12 Beau Scott 13 Tepai Moeroa 14 Cody Nelson 15 Peni Terepo 16 David Gower 17 Rory O'Brien

Chris Boulous writes: The Sharks' winning streak has reached 11 and shows no sign of stopping as each week someone different steps up to deliver the goods. Andrew Fifita has been the focal point of the Sharks go-forward this year and another strong performance could elevate him to a starting role for NSW. What next for the Eels? Off-field drama aside, their form has been outstanding and they sit in fourth place. Manu Ma'u and Danny Wicks have been pillars of strength for the blue and gold, who fresh off the bye will fancy their chances of causing an upset especially if Semi Radradra takes his place in the team.

Key match-ups: Ben Barba v Michael Gordon, Andrew Fifita v Danny Wicks, Wade Graham v Manu Ma'u

Did you know: Only five Eels players remain from the last time these teams met last year.

Tip: Sharks by 2

UBET: Sharks $1.28, Eels $3.75

Raiders v Knights

Sunday, 2pm, GIO Stadium

Big year: Queensland and Raiders back-rower Josh Papalii. Photo: Getty Images

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 Joe Tapine

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 Mitch Barnett 13 Jeremy Smith 14 Tyler Randell 15 Robbie Rochow 16 Daniel Saifiti 17 Mickey Paea 22 Josh King

Chris Boulous writes: The Raiders by how many? That's the only question that needs to be asked as the green machine plan their charge towards a top-four spot with six games against teams below them on the ladder (and a match against the Origin-depleted Cowboys next week) to finish the year. No doubt the Raiders will be seething after they drew against the Knights earlier this year and with their attacking weapons will be hoping for a big boost to their points differential. The Knights continue to struggle and look destined for their second consecutive wooden spoon. Former Raider Mitch Barnett has showed promise in his first two games for the Knights and in a positive Nathan Brown has been able to name the same 17 for the first time this year.

Key match-ups: Jack Wighton v Dane Gagai, Aidan Sezer v  Trent Hodkinson, Josh Papalii  v Mitchell Barnett

Did you know: The Knights are the first team to concede 500 points this year.

Tip: Raiders by 24

UBET: Raiders $1.08, Knights $8

Rabbitohs v Cowboys

Sunday, 4pm, Barlow Park

Contenders: Are the Cowboys on track for consecutive titles?

Rabbitohs:  1 Cody Walker 2 Alex Johnston 3 Greg Inglis 4 Aaron Gray 5 Joe Burgess 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 Tautatasi Tasi 15 Jason Clark 16 Jack Gosiewski 17 David Tyrell 18 Damien Cook 19 Ed Murphy

Cowboys: 1 Lachlan Coote 2 Kyle Feldt 3 Justin O'Neill 4 Kane Linnett 5 Antonio Winterstein 6 Ray Thompson 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

Chris Boulous writes: Finding a way to stop Jason Taumalolo is priority No.1 for a Souths team that is down on confidence and six points outside the top eight. The early return of Adam Reynolds is a boost for a team that showed glimpses of form against the Panthers as they look to avoid five straight losses. The Cowboys will welcome a warm Cairns away game to improve their road record which stands at 2-5. The Rabbitohs have a 2-1 record in Cairns, but have lost five out of their last six to the defending premiers.

Key match-ups: Cody Walker v Lachlan Coote, Adam Reynolds v Johnathan Thurston, Sam Burgess v Jason Taumalolo

Did you know: John Sutton becomes the first player in the Rabbitohs' history to play 250 games.

Tip: Cowboys by 7

UBET: Cowboys $1.35, Rabbitohs $3.25

Sea Eagles v Dragons

Monday, 7pm, Brookvale Oval

Magic touch: Benji Marshall scores during his star turn for the Dragons against Newcastle at Hunter Stadium. Photo: Getty Images

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart 2 Jorge Taufua 3 Tom Trbojevic 4 Dylan Walker 5 Brayden Wiliame 6 Jamie Lyon 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 Matthew Wright

Dragons:  1 Josh Dugan 2 Kalifa Faifai Loa 3 Euan Aitken 4 Tim Lafai 5 Jason Nightingale 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Leeson Ah Mau 9 Mitch Rein 10 Russell Packer 11 Tyson Frizell 12 Joel Thompson 13 Jack de Belin 14 Tariq Sims 15 Jacob Host 16 Dunamis Lui 17 Jake Marketo 18 Will Matthews

Chris Boulous writes: The Sea Eagles' best performance of the year coincided with having their best team on the field with only Nate Myles missing from their first-choice team. Tom Trbojevic continues to press his Origin claims and together with a fit Daly Cherry-Evans could make Manly a difficult team down the stretch. The Dragons scored 30 points for the first time this year against the Knights and the challenge now is to reproduce that on a regular basis. Benji Marshall returning to his attacking best will help the cause behind a forward pack that can trouble the best in the competition.

Key match-ups: Brett Stewart v Josh Dugan, Daly Cherry-Evans v Benji Marshall, Apisai Koroisau v Mitch Rein

Did you know: The Sea Eagles have scored 60 more points than the Dragons but have four fewer wins.

Tip: Sea Eagles by 4

UBET: Sea Eagles $1.60, Dragons $2.35