Storm (6) v Roosters (3)
Thursday, 7.50pm, AAMI Park
It’s a shame Nelson Asofa-Solomona is out injured and won’t be able to exchange pleasantries with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves again. But Brandon Smith facing his former Storm teammates should get pulses racing, while Jahrome Hughes’ return for the home side is a massive inclusion. Back-rowers Eliesa Katoa and Trent Loiero become especially dangerous running outside Hughes and Cameron Munster. The Roosters are missing James Tedesco but replace him with Joey Manu. Tough life in the east. Back the Roosters, with too much firepower, to get home late. Roosters by 6.
Dan Walsh
Bulldogs (8) v Rabbitohs (13)
Friday, 4.05pm, Accor Stadium
The Dogs might need coach Cameron Ciraldo and Phil Gould to pull on the boots if the injuries keep up. Canterbury will be humming after a golden point win, but the loss of personnel, on the back of a short turnaround and against a genuine title contender looking to bounce back, will make it a tough afternoon. Junior Tatola is a big “in” if he plays, while Souths are refreshed after a sluggish start against Melbourne. The Rabbits’ first five weeks were against stiff competition. This could become a statement game for them. Souths by 14.
Christian Nicolussi
Cowboys (14) v Dolphins (7)
Friday, 8pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Both teams are coming off losses, and they’ll both be hungry when they return to the Sunshine State. Scott Drinkwater and Reuben Cotter returning is a big win for the Cowboys. The duo will inject some much-needed zest into the team. The Dolphins also get some key players back, with the return of Edrick Lee and Kodi Nikorima, but they’re still missing Felise Kaufusi and the extra grit he would have brought to get them over the line. The Cowboys’ start to the season has been derailed by injury and suspension, but they can use this game to get back on track. Cowboys by 14.
Billie Eder
Brandon Smith, Josh Schuster, Scott Drinkwater and Shaun Lane.Credit:NRL Photos
Panthers (5) v Sea Eagles (4)
Saturday, 5.30pm, BlueBet Stadium
This should be a ripper. Canberra played Penrith back into form last week, and this will be the biggest test of Manly’s credentials under Anthony Seibold. The Sea Eagles have a couple of big “ins” in the form of Jason Saab and Josh Schuster, who will provide plenty of options in attack. After a lukewarm start to their campaign to go back-to-back-to-back, the Panthers are warming to the task. Parramatta had to be almost perfect to beat them. Ivan Cleary’s men then flexed their muscles against the Raiders. The loss of James Fisher-Harris (knee) is significant, but the Panthers should still prevail in a close one at home. Panthers by 4.
Adrian Proszenko
Payne Haas has been in superb form for the Broncos.Credit:Getty Images
Broncos (1) v Raiders (16)
Saturday, 7.35pm, Suncorp Stadium
Who would have thought Brisbane would be up there all alone as the only undefeated side at this stage of the season? It’s a far cry from the way the side finished last year to fall out of finals contention. They are humming under Kevin Walters. The undefeated streak should extend to six this weekend. Payne Haas could become the first prop to win the Dally M Medal if he keeps this up. Canberra, meanwhile, are in a world of hurt. Luckless centre Jarrod Croker has been called up for his first game since round nine of last year, while half Brad Schneider gets his first crack at the NRL this season. If this is a preview of life without Jack Wighton, then Raiders officials need to add another zero to his contract extension. Broncos by 14.
Adrian Proszenko
Titans (9) v Dragons (10)
Sunday, 4.05pm, Cbus Super Stadium
The Titans will be rested from their bye last week, but the Dragons will be on a high from a win against the Dolphins. The losses of AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran is a huge blow for the Gold Coast, with a returning Toby Sexton pulling on the No.6 jersey, and Jayden Campbell coming off the bench to play at fullback. The Dragons will come out firing, and they get to front up with the same 13 that won in Wollongong. Ben Hunt and his team will be too much for the Titans, and Mikaele Ravalawa will put their edge under pressure. Dragons by 12.
Billie Eder
Knights (11) v Warriors (2)
Sunday, 6.15pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Tyson Gamble, who has been a ball of energy, is out for Newcastle. The Knights beat up on an out-of-form Canberra, but showed plenty of spirit against the Sea Eagles. Lachie Miller continues to get better at the back, while Greg Marzhew and Dom Young will prove a handful in attack. But can they seriously back up after 90 minutes of football? And teams much higher up the ladder will struggle to stop the momentum the Warriors have right now. Warriors by 10.
Christian Nicolussi
Tigers (17) v Eels (15)
Monday, 4pm, Accor Stadium
Just one win between these two sides heading into Easter Monday. A resurrection is long overdue. Tim Sheens has once again shuffled his spine to have Adam Doueihi back in the halves and Charlie Staines at fullback. The latter can expect a thorough examination from the boot of Mitchell Moses. Parramatta have Shaun Lane returning from a broken jaw. His influence on Dylan Brown cannot be overstated. They’re still missing Junior Paulo (suspension) in the middle but have this Tigers side well and truly covered. Eels by 18.
Dan Walsh
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