NRL Round 16 Preview

Sea Eagles vs Roosters

Matchup - Matt Ballin vs Jake Friend. Both teams have rather large forward packs and skill in abundance, but these two play a key role scooting out of dummy half and giving their halves quality ball quickly.

The Panel

Standout Performer 

Chief Biggums - Billy Slater. We all know what Billy is capable of, but we haven't really seen much of it this year. However, against the Eels he put on a close to vintage Billy the kid performance with two tries, two my assists and six tackle busts.

NRL Round 15 Preview

Raiders vs Bulldogs 

Matchup - Jarrod Croker vs Tim Lafai. Croker has been a consistent performer while Lafai is one of the best young centres going around. Jack Wighton vs Krisnan Inu will also be a goodun.

Key man - James Graham offers so much but if he's in a creative play making mood, he'll have a field day. Not only are the Bulldogs' forwards bigger and more aggressive but they are also much more skillful ... Graham is the main man.

Keep an eye on - Youngsters on the Raiders bench. I've pointed out Mitch Cornish a few times, but Shannon Boyd and Kyle O'Donnell are also there and could offer the Raiders some hope.

Verdict - Bulldogs >12. 

Warriors vs Broncos

Matchup - Nathan Friend vs Jake Granville. Two hookers who offer a lot in a sneaky way for their respective teams. Both are great runners and with two rather nice forward packs, these two will be entertaining out of dummy half.

Key man - Jacob Lillyman will be the only play to back up from Origin with the Broncos resting their stars. If Lillyman can set the tone, expect the Warriors to follow his bull charging lead.

Keep an eye on - Each position offers some great battles so enjoy the likes of Tomkins/Barba and the four young centres. Francis Molo off the bench for the Broncos is a bit of a beast as well.

Verdict - Warriors <12. 

Sharks vs Sea Eagles

Matchup - Wade Graham vs Jamie Buhrer. High quality edge back rowers with all the skills and toughness.

Key man - The only way the Sharks can win is if Paul Gallen can inspire his troops after Origin so he'll need to find another gear.

Keep an eye on - The Sharks are nearing full strength, whether they can turn things around or not is the key but we'll get a decent look at them.

Verdict - Manly <12

Storm vs Eels

Matchup - Kevin Proctor vs Pauli Pauli. Big boys with skills, gonna be fun.

Key man - Chris Sandow has the tools to be able to break down a determined Storm defence, he's also got the Hayne plane in the hangar.

Keep an eye on - Issac De Gois recently joined the Eels and his veteran grit and determination could be great for the Eels.

Verdict - Storm <12. 

Titans vs Dragons

Matchup - James Roberts vs Josh Dugan. Roberts is someone worthy of a geeze himself, up against Dugan he'll face another great test.

Key man - Maurice Blair has shown that he's got the skills and leadership to guide the Titans around, but whether he can shoulder the majority of the burden or not is the key.

Keep an eye on - Caleb Binge looked like a great young prop in his debut last week. Very aggressive and gives the Titans a bit of an edge.

Verdict - Dragons <12

Knights vs Cowboys

Matchup - Robbie Rochow vs Tariq Sims. Again two top young players going at each other on the edge.

Key man - How Jonathan Thurston responds to Origin will be interesting. He got his knickers in a twist so might be out to dominate or he may be a bit meh.

Keep an eye on - Adam Clydsdale has been coming off the bench for the Knights and doesn't look out of place in first grade.

Verdict - Cowboys <12. 

Burgess Inc

Sam Burgess is a unique chap, there aren't many players who can boast is athletic ability as well as the desire and attitude that he possesses. He is the heart and soul of the Rabbitohs because he always shows up -  the Rabbitohs always show up. 

NRL Round 14 Preview

Rabbitohs vs West Tigers

Matchup - Adam Reynolds vs Luke Brooks. Reynolds is coming back in to some form for the Bunnies and he'll be up against the kid on the come up, gunning for the best young half title.

The Panel

Standout Performer 

Chief Biggums - James Segeyaro had a ball against the Titans. He scored a try after he broke the line by himself, set up another try, and to top it all off he made 51 tackles - 14 clear of the next tackler. Ivan Cleary has some tough decisions to make with resident hooker Kevin Kingston returning from injury this weekend.

State of Origin, the Story - part 4

For eight years, Queensland had a pretty smooth run. They played with a consistent team, the majority of their changes came with role players rotating in and out while the likes of Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Billy Slater near certainties every game.

NRL Round 13 Preview

Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs 

Matchup - Kieran Foran vs Josh Reynolds. Assuming Foran is fit and well, this could be a great match up of two aggressive defensive players who both play important attacking roles as well.

The Panel

Standout performer

Chief Biggums - Sam Burgess - was an absolute beast with and without the ball against the Dragons. Setting a good example for his younger brothers with almost 200 run meters, a try, a bunch of offloads and some smashed 'em bro solo efforts in defense.