Brisbane Broncos were a little bit disappointing in their loss to Melbourne last Friday night. Darren Lockyer’s hamstring strain - though the captain will play - certainly puts a little bit more pressure on halfback Peter Wallace to steer this side around. The Broncos don't want to limp into the finals without confidence, which is why I expect them to bounce back with a win against Cronulla. The fact that many people have already written off the Broncos' premiership chances is a bit of a surprise to me. Cronulla need to beat Brisbane to keep their season alive but I don't believe they can win when captain Paul Gallen is missing from their side. Tip: Brisbane Broncos
Manly v Wests Tigers, Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, Friday 7.35pm (EST)
This is a huge match for Wests Tigers. They weren't outstanding in beating the Roosters last week but they did enough to keep teams looking over their shoulders. Manly didn't play great in round 20, either, however they were very tough in defence - the characteristic which will decide this year's grand final. With the Stewart brothers in the side they have strike on both sides of the park, which complements their outstanding halves combination. I favour the Sea Eagles in a close one. I hope that the people of Central Coast rally and get out and support what looms as one of the matches of the season. Tip: Manly
Sydney Roosters v Canterbury-Bankstown, Sydney Football Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm (EST)
Canterbury-Bankstown are lucky to have won a couple of matches to start the year. Now on 20 points, I can assure you that their finals aspirations are still alive with six rounds to go. The youthful enthusiasm of Joel Romelo and Josh Reynolds was the kick the Dogs needed last week. A win can do a lot for your confidence, which is why I expect them to make it consecutive wins. Sydney Roosters have been very competitive in recent weeks, but with a lack of rhythm due to the injuries they have had it is hard to see them getting the two points here. Tip: Canterbury-Bankstown
North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith, Dairy Farmers Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm (EST)
North Queensland Cowboys were great in last week's win over Gold Coast Titans. Matt Bowen was outstanding in leading the Cowboys around while the strong forward pack did its job. They may be missing Johnathan Thurston but they are still doing enough to win their home games in my opinion. An injury to five-eighth Travis Burns and the announcement that Petero Civoniceva is leaving at the end of the season will not help Penrith's cause. The Panthers have struggled to win games away from Centrebet Stadium, leading me to tip the Cowboys in a close one. Tip: North Queensland Cowboys
Warriors v Canberra, Mt. Smart Stadium, Sunday 12pm (EST)
The Warriors are among the form sides of the competition. People say they play razzle-dazzle but I think they have great structure in their side. Five-eighth James Maloney has been instrumental in their play, showing a lot of experience to young halfback Shaun Johnson who has gone past injured Brett Seymour as their first-choice No.7.
Canberra were great in Monday Night Football, however, they've been very inconsistent all season. They will pull off a big upset, then disappoint the next week. That makes it hard to tip anything other than a Warriors win on home turf. Tip: Warriors
Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans, Ausgrid Stadium, Sunday 2pm (EST)
I can't tip Gold Coast Titans again this year after seeing them lose a game they should have won when leading the Thurston-less Cowboys at Skilled Park. Beau Henry will return to Newcastle looking to prove to the Knights that they were wrong to trade him mid-season. However, Henry struggled in his debut for Gold Coast who are still unable to score many points and defend their tryline. Newcastle Knights’ strong finals hopes will result in them being too good at Ausgrid Stadium. Tip: Newcastle Knights
St George Illawarra v South Sydney, WIN Stadium, Sunday 3pm (EST)
St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett will be filthy after his side's loss in Monday Night Football. I thought they played alright in Canberra; the Raiders just wanted the win more and got a bit lucky. You'll see a cranky Dragons side this week as they seek to get their season back on track. That's a big problem for South Sydney who were very bad against the Warriors. The Rabbitohs will go to Wollongong determined to play with more character but I suspect they'll be very hard hit and lose by a big scoreline this Sunday. Tip: St George Illawarra
Parramatta v Melbourne Storm, Parramatta Stadium, Monday 7pm (EST)
These two teams have had some great clashes over the years, Jarryd Hayne's duel with Billy Slater often proving an intriguing battle. Melbourne Storm proved their premiership potential last week when they defeated a Brisbane team that I thought would be too powerful. We've seen some huge upsets in Monday Night Football this year but I don't think you'll see one this week. Melbourne's outstanding defensive pattern will be too much for Parramatta to overcome; people say they wrestle but I believe they just control the ruck better than anyone else. I'll stick with the Storm to beat the Eels by a lot of points. Tip: Melbourne Storm
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