BRISBANE v PARRAMATTA, Suncorp Stadium, Friday 7:35pm

The Story So Far: Brisbane are flying after winning nine of their last 12 with a finals streak that stretches back to 1992 set to continue. They have, however, lost Darren Lockyer to a rib injury this week. Meanwhile, the Hayne Plane has hit turbulence in recent weeks with Parramatta needing to roll the Broncos to keep season 2010 alive.

Why to Watch: This is it for Parramatta. A loss here and the preseason favourites won't even see September. The Eels have everything to play for and should show up for the full 80 minutes this week.

We Think: Brisbane may be without Lockyer but have the ability across the park to roll an Eels team down on confidence and with seemingly little direction. Expect Parramatta to disappoint the faithful once more as Sam Thaiday steamrolls his way through the timid Eels pack.

Brisbane by 4

TAB SPORTSBET: Brisbane $1.75, Parramatta $2.05

CRONULLA v SYDNEY ROOSTERS, Toyota Stadium, Friday 7:35pm

The Story So Far: The Roosters had a five game winning streak ended by the Dragons at the SCG last Sunday but still sit third on the premiership ladder while Cronulla have lost six straight including their first three games under new coach Shane Flanagan.

Why to Watch: There is no player in better form than Roosters five-eighth Todd Carney with the talented number six able to light up a football field like few others. Against a Cronulla team bereft of pace and struggling for motivation, Carney could slice and dice the Sharks to shreds.

We Think: The Roosters haven't beaten Cronulla by more than 10 since 2004 but they should have the backline punch to collect the two points. The match should, however, be closer than many anticipate particularly considering the Roosters come into this off a brutal encounter against the Dragons.

Roosters by 7

TAB SPORTSBET: Cronulla $3.40, Roosters $1.30

GOLD COAST v NORTH QUEENSLAND, Skilled Park, Saturday 5:35pm

The Story So Far: The Titans have become the Super Impose of the NRL over the last three weeks with three straight come-from-behind wins while North Queensland have managed only five wins this season and last week lost Johnathan Thurston for the year.

Why to Watch: Greg Bird returns for the Titans and comes up against Cowboy Luke O'Donnell in what should be a physical and fiery personal confrontation that will prove utterly enthralling.

We Think: The Titans and by plenty. The Cowboys defence is about as threatening as a papier-mache bunny while Scott Prince can set up tries from anywhere. Without Thurston, North Queensland will not get close.

Gold Coast by 20

TAB SPORTSBET: Gold Coast $1.16, North Queensland $5.00

CANTERBURY v CANBERRA, ANZ Stadium, Saturday 7:35pm

The Story So Far: Canberra saved their season with an incredible comeback against Penrith on Monday night while the Bulldogs miserable campaign ended with a hapless loss to Newcastle last Sunday afternoon. Canberra now sit eleventh and need to win all four remaining matches to make the finals.

Why to Watch: The Raiders have a massive pack and x-factor Ben Barba will be looking to take advantage of their tiredness at the backend of both halves. If he catches them on their heels, he will be off to the races before the Canberra big-boppers can blink.

We Think: Canterbury have won eight of their last 11 against Canberra while the Raiders have only walked away victorious in one of their last four road games. The Raiders have more to play for but it is tough to side with them considering their away form this year.

Canterbury by 2

TAB SPORTSBET: Canterbury $1.75, Canberra $2.05

NEW ZEALAND v NEWCASTLE, Mt Smart Stadium, Sunday 12:05pm

The Story So Far: The Warriors sit eighth on the table and preserved their finals position with a big win over Cronulla while Newcastle have won five of their last seven and are miraculously, after all the preseason controversy at the club, still in the hunt for a playoff berth.

Why to Watch: This game will have a major impact on the makeup of the top eight. The Warriors will almost surely drop out with a loss while the Knights season finishes if they don't collect the two points.

We Think: The Warriors have won eight of eleven against Newcastle while the Knights have only won once in their last four road trips and have only won once outside of New South Wales this year.

New Zealand by 10

TAB SPORTSBET: New Zealand $1.45, Newcastle $2.85

MELBOURNE v SOUTH SYDNEY, AAMI Park, Sunday 2:05pm

The Story So Far: South Sydney saved their season last Saturday night with a dramatic last-play win over the Wests Tigers in extra-time while Melbourne this week said goodbye to two of the club's favourite sons in Greg Inglis and Brett White.

Why to Watch: This will be one of the last times the Big Four at the Storm play together with Greg Inglis this week announcing he would be moving to Brisbane in 2011. Their brilliance should be soaked up while it can because the band is breaking up.

We Think: Melbourne have won 13 of 16 against Souths and the Bunnies have never rolled the Storm in Melbourne. With Greg Inglis heading to Brisbane, it is sure to be an emotional match for Melbourne. Expect the Storm to show up. They have won four of their last five at home and with Souths short on troops, Melbourne should have too many points in them.

Melbourne by 4

TAB SPORTSBET: Melbourne $1.45, South Sydney $2.65

WESTS TIGERS v PENRITH, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sunday 3:05pm

The Story So Far: Penrith were the form team throughout the first half of the season but have lost four of their last five and are holding onto second spot on the ladder by their fingernails. The Wests Tigers are in fifth position but have lost two of three and are in very real danger of slipping out of the eight.

Why to Watch: The winner of this match will likely secure a top four spot while the loser could slip right down to the bottom half of the eight with a finals berth far from secure. There is plenty on the line in this match.

We Think: Penrith have won 14 of their 18 matches against the Tigers including their last five. The Panthers own the Tigers and after the Tigers dumb performance against Souths it is impossible to get on board with Benji, Robbie and company. Goal-kicking should also boost Penrith's hopes.

Penrith by 8

TAB SPORTSBET: Wests Tigers $1.95, Penrith $1.85

ST.GEORGE-ILLAWARRA v MANLY, WIN Jubilee Oval, Monday 7:05pm

The Story So Far: The Dragons have solidified their position at the top of the ladder with a big win over the Roosters while the inconsistent Manly smacked arch-rivals Melbourne last Saturday and now sit a solitary win outside the top four.

Why to Watch: The centre battle here looks one for the ages with all four centres having played international footy. Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai have 40 Tests between them and all are capable of a match-winning performance on their night.

We Think: We have to stick with the Monday night underdog considering what a super record they have. The Dragons have won 10 of their last 15 against Manly and Manly haven't rolled the Dragons outside of Brookvale since 2003 but the Dragons may be on a letdown after getting up for their monster clash with the Roosters while Manly have the attacking tools to threaten the Dragons.

Manly by 4

TAB SPORTSBET: St.George-Illawarra $1.45, Manly $2.65