NRL Round 25 previews: Finals spots, tipping comps on line as play-offs arrive early

Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm, 7.50pm Thursday, CommBank Stadium
Parramatta and Melbourne have everything to play for this week. So often round 25 games can be reduced to a battle of the also-rans, but the winner here books a place in the top four and gets a second chance in the finals series.

The Eels have named an unchanged side and will fancy their chances of knocking over the Storm for the fourth time in succession, which would see them finish in the top four and ultimately set up a date with the Penrith Panthers come week one of the finals. Cameron Munster has a huge role to play for Melbourne, who could finish as high as third depending on the result of the Cowboys-Panthers game. Eels by 6.
Caden Helmers

Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles, 6pm Friday, Accor Stadium
How much clock-watching in this one? Two teams long out of finals contention will draw the curtain of underwhelming seasons in the cavernous Accor Stadium, and both need significant improvement over summer to return to former glories. Tevita Pangai jnr is in line for a Bulldogs recall after playing NSW Cup last week, while Luke Thompson (COVID-19) is named among the reserves. Des Hasler has moved Kaeo Weekes to fullback and shifted Tolutau Koula to the centres after last week’s mauling at the hands of the Raiders, their sixth straight loss. Andrew Davey and Dylan Walker have also been promoted to the starting pack. Manly have terrorised the Bulldogs in recent years, winning their last seven clashes dating back to 2018. Is it Bali time yet? Bulldogs by 8.
Adam Pengilly

Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7.55pm Friday, Allianz Stadium
The Roosters are humming but how will they bounce back after that bruising epic against Melbourne. They have so much star power, but the loss of Victor Radley will hurt them, especially given the form he has been in. No Daniel Tupou because of injury could sting even more given the number of metres he makes and how often he puts the Chooks in good field position to start their attacking sets. Souths were flat in attack last week and will need to lift. A three-day spell for Latrell Mitchell will have him fresh. Their right edge is a concern, especially with centre Campbell Graham ruled out. Given Souths need to bounce back and the Roosters could be flat. The Bunnies might emerge in a thriller. Souths by 1.
Christian Nicolussi

New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans, 3pm Saturday, Mt Smart Stadium
The Gold Coast have shown a modicum of improvement in recent weeks, enough to put some distance between themselves and the wooden spoon. They have still been one of the biggest disappointments of the year, even though they can climb as high as 12th if they win this one. The Warriors also need a reset after being on the road for almost three seasons and this is a chance to give their long-suffering home fans some joy. Shaun Johnson has been named despite a calf injury and his side should be too strong in Auckland. Warriors by 8.
Adrian Proszenko

St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos, 5.30pm Saturday, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Christian Nicolussi
Adam Reynolds has overcome a head knock to play for Brisbane, but the return of Pat Carrigan is enough to feel confident about the Broncos. They have been dreadful the past fortnight, but Carrigan will give them plenty of go-forward. A refreshed Selwyn Cobbo will also prove a handful for the home side. The Dragons took an eternity to beat the Wests Tigers, and beat up on fellow strugglers the Gold Coast a week earlier. They will farewell a few players, including Tariq Sims, but meet a team who need to win this more. Broncos by 8.

North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith Panthers, 7.35pm Saturday, Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Do Penrith have enough depth to beat a fellow contender with it’s “B” team? We are about to find out. The Panthers, with the minor premiership all sewn up, are now shifting their focus to the major one. That’s why they are resting a dozen top-liners ahead of the finals. Apisai Koroisau, Brian To’o, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Izack Tago, James Fisher-Harris, Jarome Luai, Moses Leota, Spencer Leniu, Stephen Crichton, Taylan May and Viliame Kikau have been given the night off against a North Queensland side that is looking to stabilise after dropping two of their last three games. Tom Dearden has been named on an extended bench and could be back after suffering a ruptured testicle. The Cowboys should get it done at home. Cowboys by 18.
Adrian Proszenko

Newcastle Knights v Cronulla Sharks, 2pm Sunday, McDonald Jones Stadium
Should be little more than a tune-up for Cronulla – the two campaigns couldn’t be farther apart. Selection headaches loom for Craig Fitzgibbon ahead of the finals though as Dale Finucane returns to the squad this week with Toby Rudolf and Will Kennedy to follow in the next. Tough call coming for departing veterans Aiden Tolman and Andrew Fifita. Just 80 more minutes for the Knights before an off-season of serious navel-gazing from the front office, coaching staff and players. They’re still averaging almost 17,000 fans a game at home though – they deserve a decent showing. Sharks by 14.
Dan Walsh