Dolphins (4) v Rabbitohs (10)
Thursday, 8pm, Suncorp Stadium
Jai Arrow is a huge in for the Rabbitohs and essentially replaces injured front-rower Junior Tatola (knee). There was so much to like about the Bunnies’ big win on Good Friday. They looked sharp in attack, but their old coach Wayne Bennett has always loved the challenge of coming up against his old sides. The Dolphins continue to surprise every rival fan. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been excellent, as has rookie playmaker Isaiya Katoa, but as good as they were last week, the Cowboys were equally disappointing. Rabbitohs by 8.
Christian Nicolussi
Sharks (11) v Roosters (7)
Friday, 6pm, PointsBet Stadium
The return of suspended forward Wade Graham is a huge boost for the home side, but it’s nothing compared to James Tedesco (concussion) being named in the No. 1 again for the Sydney Roosters. The Roosters looked so good against the Eels but then so bad against Melbourne. They have too much quality across the park to be dreadful two weeks in a row. Joey Manu back in the centres ahead of Mr Reliable Drew Hutchison will give the Chooks that X-factor. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will strip fitter again now he has been back a month. Roosters by 6.
Christian Nicolussi
Sea Eagles (9) v Storm (3)
Friday, 8pm, 4 Pines Park
Injuries in both playmaking spine spices this one up a bit as Cameron Munster returns to fullback in place of Nick Meaney and Josh Schuster remains under a fitness cloud for Manly.
Cameron Munster lines up at No.1 for Melbourne this week.Credit: Getty
It won’t matter one bit, though, if the Sea Eagles can’t aim up in defence. The impressive hitting of the first few weeks has been nowhere to be seen of late. Eliesa Katoa continues to look good on Melbourne’s right edge while Haumole Olakau’atu remains a serious threat for the home side. Manly should aim up at Brookvale but the Storm look to be in ominous touch after downing the Rabbitohs and Roosters in back-to-back weeks. Storm by 8.
Dan Walsh
Warriors (5) v Cowboys (15)
Warriors coach Andrew Webster.Credit: Getty
Saturday, 3pm, Mt Smart Stadium
Todd Payten’s stocks have risen since he left the Warriors, but his former club has certainly had the better of it so far this season. Sitting in 15th spot with just two wins, North Queensland are in danger of falling out of contention with another loss here. Jeremiah Nanai and Murray Taulagi make welcome returns against a Warriors side who were flying until a disappointing loss to the depleted Knights. Warriors coach Andrew Webster won’t have spine players Wayde Egan and Te Maire Martin available this week and has opted to shift Dylan Walker into five-eighth to cover for the latter. Another loss here and the Cowboys can all but write off their season, which is why they should get the job done, just. Cowboys by 2.
Adrian Proszenko
Knights (8) v Panthers (2)
Saturday, 5.30pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Adam O’Brien came into the season under immense pressure, but you have to be impressed with what he’s been able to achieve to date.
Kalyn Ponga is still a week away for Newcastle.Credit: Getty Images
Currently, his side sits in the top eight above the more fancied Rabbitohs, Eels, Sharks and Cowboys, but it’s going to be hard to stay there after another untimely addition to the casualty ward. Skipper Jayden Brailey is out for the year with an ACL injury, a cruel blow to a side that won’t welcome Kalyn Ponga back until round eight. A spare-parts Knights team come up against a Penrith outfit returning to top form; their opening half against Manly was as clinical as anything produced in 2023. Newcastle have been brave but this is asking too much. Panthers by 12.
Adrian Proszenko
Titans (6) v Broncos (1)
Saturday, 7.35pm, Cbus Super Stadium
The first signs of complacency that so cruelled Brisbane last year crept in against the Raiders last week, with passes pushed and their intensity waning for the first time this year.
Broncos wrecking ball Payne Haas.Credit: Getty
Surely lessons have been learnt after their spectacular crash and burn in 2022. Payne Haas remains an absolute force to be reckoned with up front but Tom Flegler’s head knock left him one-out at times. The Titans pose a decent threat, particularly on the flanks where Phillip Sami and Alofiana Khan-Pereira have speed to burn. Kieran Foran’s return in the halves is key to David Fifita finding his best form as well, but by rights Brisbane should have them covered. Broncos by 12.
Dan Walsh
Raiders (16) v Dragons (12)
Sunday, 2pm, GIO Stadium
The Raiders were the team of the week in round six, toppling the Broncos with a mammoth effort from Jordan Rapana.
Ben Hunt and the Dragons on Sunday.Credit: Getty
He’s out with a head injury this week, but Canberra will be on a high, and they get Jack Wighton and Joseph Tapine back in the side. It was a tough loss for the Dragons last week on the Gold Coast, but skipper Ben Hunt can’t do it all. They lose prop Francis Molo (suspension) and Mikaele Ravalawa on the wing (injury), but if St George Illawarra can clean up their careless mistakes, they’ll be in this contest for the full 80 minutes. Raiders by 4.
Billie Eder
Eels (14) v Bulldogs (13)
Sunday, 4.05pm, CommBank Stadium
It’s always a close contest between these two teams and both are sitting at the bottom end of the ladder, desperate for points. Mitch Moses was spectacular for the Eels on Easter Monday, and his kicking game, combined with skipper Clint Gutherson and playmaker Dylan Brown, will challenge the Bulldogs. Canterbury are up against it at the moment, and star winger Josh Addo-Carr has been added to the club’s injury list, but they’re also getting a chunk of star power back. Reed Mahoney will want to one-up his former club, but Junior Paulo will be the difference in this game. Eels by 2.
Billie Eder
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