There are some really difficult games to tip this week starting with the Anzac Day clash between the in-form Roosters and Dragons. This weekend also sees the Panthers host the Rabbitohs, the Broncos host the Sharks and the Knights host the Eels with all three home teams more than desperate to turn their seasons around. Can they do it against quality opposition?
Good luck with your tips.
Jump ahead to a particular game.
Roosters vs. Dragons
Storm vs. Warriors
Bulldogs vs.Cowboys
Panthers vs. Rabbitohs
Tigers vs.Titans
Broncos vs. Sharks
Sea Eagles vs. Raiders
Knights vs. Eels
Thursday, April 25
Sydney Roosters vs. St George Illawarra Dragons, SCG, 4:05pm (AEST)
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 4. Joseph Manu 3. Mitchell Aubusson 5. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Latrell Mitchell 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley Reserves: 14. Nat Butcher 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Lachlan Lam 18. Lindsay Collins 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Brock Lamb 21. Sam Verrills
Dragons: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Blake Lawrie Reserves: 14. Jeremy Latimore 15. Zac Lomax 16. Jacob Host 17. Luciano Leilua 18. Mitchell Allgood 19. Jai Field 20. Lachlan Timm 21. Jonus Pearson
Verdict: The Roosters continued their impressive season last week with a rare victory over the Storm in Melbourne. The Dragons were less impressive in their gritty home victory over the Sea Eagles. This clash is always full of emotion as both teams aim up to honour the Anzacs. If the Roosters can continue their red-hot form without Luke Keary, all the grit and emotion in the world won't save the Dragons. .
Tip: Roosters
TAB odds: Roosters $1.33 (-8.5 $1.90) Dragons $3.40 (+8.5 $1.90)
Melbourne Storm vs. New Zealand Warriors, AAMI Park, 7:50pm (AEST)
Storm: 1. Jahrome Hughes 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane Reserves: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Christian Welch 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Marion Seve 18. Patrick Kaufusi 19. Billy Walters 20. Albert Vete 21. Ryan Papenhuyzen
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Gerard Beale 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Blake Green 8. Agnatius Paasi 9. Issac Luke 10. Leeson Ah Mau 11. Adam Blair 12. Tohu Harris 13. Lachlan Burr Reserves: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Isaiah Papalii 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Nathaniel Roache 18. Hayze Perham 20. Leivaha Pulu 21. Patrick Herbert 23. Chris Satae
Verdict: The Storm fell to their first defeat of the year last week against the Roosters, but not before mounting a spirited fightback. The Warriors were once again disappointing in losing to the lowly Cowboys in Auckland. It is impossible to predict a Warriors victory here, which means they are just as likely to spring a major upset.
Tip: Storm
TAB odds: Storm $1.18 (-12.5 $1.80) Warriors $5.00 (+12.5 $2.00)
Friday, April 26
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs. North Queensland Cowboys, ANZ Stadium, 6:00pm (AEST)
Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Kerrod Holland 4. Will Hopoate 5. Reimis Smith 6. Jack Cogger 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Ofahiki Ogden 11. Josh Jackson 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Rhyse Martin Reserves: 14. Michael Lichaa 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Adam Elliot 17. Chris Smith 19. Christian Crichton 20. Marcelo Montoya 21. Fa'amanu Brown 22. Renouf To'omaga
Cowboys: 1. Te Maire Martin, 2. Justin O'Neill, 3. Jordan Kahu, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Ben Hampton, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Michael Morgan, 8. Matt Scott, 9. Jake Granville, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Josh McGuire, 13. John Asiata Reserves 14. Kurt Baptiste, 15. Coen Hess, 16. Scott Bolton, 17. Francis Molo, 18. Corey Jensen, 19. Tom Opacic, 20. Jason Taumalolo, 21. Mitch Dunn
Verdict: The Bulldogs tried to frustrate the Rabbitohs out of their Good Friday clash, but lacked the class to put the points on the board needed for victory. The Cowboys showed some signs of hope in upsetting the Warriors in Auckland, but there is still a long way to go for Paul Green's men. This game will be decided by defensive attitude and the whim of the referees.
Tip: Bulldogs
TAB odds: Bulldogs $1.80 (-1.5 $1.90) Cowboys $2.05 (+1.5 $1.90)
Penrith Panthers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs, Panthers Stadium, 7:55pm (AEST)
Panthers: 1. Caleb Aekins 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 4. Waqa Blake 5. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tim Grant 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Isaah Yeo 13. James Fisher-Harris Reserves: 14. Sione Katoa 15. Liam Martin 16. Moses Leota 17. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 18. Jarome Luai 19. Kaide Ellis 20. Dylan Edwards 21. Tyrell Fuimaono
Rabbitohs: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Corey Allen 3. Kyle Turner 4. Dane Gagai 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Sam Burgess 13. Cameron Murray Reserves: 14. Tevita Tatola 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ethan Lowe 17. Liam Knight 18. Bayley Sironen 19. Connor Tracey 20. Dean Britt 21. Mawene Hiroti
Verdict: The Panthers seem to be going from bad to worse, throwing away a 14-0 lead over the Sea Eagles last week as they search for new ways to lose. The Rabbitohs didn't have it all their way against the struggling Bulldogs and coach Wayne Bennett will be looking for an improved performance here. If the Panthers had shown any sign of life, this would be a prime opportunity to spring an upset, but they just haven't.
Tip: Rabbitohs
TAB odds: Panthers $2.25 (+2.5 $1.90) Rabbitohs $1.67 (-2.5 $1.90)
Saturday, April 27
Wests Tigers vs. Gold Coast Titans, Scully Park Tamworth, 5:30pm (AEST)
Tigers: 1. Moses Mbye, 2. Mahe Fonua, 3. Robert Jennings, 4. Esan Marsters, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Josh Reynolds, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Russell Packer, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. Alex Twal, 11. Ryan Matterson, 12. Luke Garner, 13. Josh Aloiai Reserves: 14. Ben Matulino, 15. Thomas Mikaele, 16. Matt Eisenhuth, 17. Michael Chee Kam, 18. Paul Momirovski, 19. Elijah Taylor, 20. David Nofoaluma, 21. Chris McQueen
Titans: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Anthony Don 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Brian Kelly 5. Dale Copley 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ash Taylor 8. Shannon Boyd 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Jai Arrow Reserves: 14. Phillip Sami 15. Keegan Hipgrave 16. Max King 17. Jai Whitbread 18. Jack Stockwell 19. Will Matthews 20. Jesse Arthars 21. Ryley Jacks
Verdict: The Tigers were nothing short of appalling during the opening game at Parramatta's Bankwest Stadium. Players simply refused to put their bodies on the line in a performance that left coach Michael Maguire fuming. The Titans continued their run of form, dishing out a thumping to the woeful Knights. Maguire is a great coach, but it is hard to see him turning that performance around in five days.
Tip: Titans
TAB odds: Tigers $1.62 (-2.5 $1.90) Titans $2.35 (+2.5 $1.90)
Brisbane Broncos vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, Suncorp Stadium, 7:45pm (AEST)
Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Jack Bird 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Payne Haas 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Tevita Pangai Reserves: 14. Kotoni Staggs 15. David Fifita 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Patty Carrigan 18. Jaydn Su'a 19. Gehamat Shibasaki 20. Tom Dearden 21. Matthew Lodge
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Josh Morris 5. Josh Dugan 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Paul Gallen Reserves: 14. Blayke Brailey 15. Jayson Bukuya 16. Jack Williams 17. Braden Hamlin-uele 18. Ronaldo Mulitalo 19. Kyle Flanagan 20. Sione Katoa 21. Billy Magoulias
Verdict: The Broncos continued their horror start to the season, losing to the Raiders in Canberra, despite a fightback. The Sharks came from 14-0 down against the Panthers to win their clash in the Shire. Broncos coach Anthony Seibold is convinced that his team is not far from turning things around. It has to be this week at home or some serious questions will be heading his way.
Tip: Broncos
TAB odds: Broncos $1.67 (-2.5 $1.90) Sharks $2.25 (+2.5 $1.90)
Sunday, April 28
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Canberra Raiders, Lottoland, 2:00pm (AEST)
Sea Eagles: 1. Brendan Elliott 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Moses Suli 4. Brad Parker 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kane Elgey 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic Reserves: 14. Manase Fainu 15. Jack Gosiewski 16. Corey Waddell 17. Morgan Boyle 18. Kelepi Tanginoa 19. Sam Smith 20. Lachlan Croker 21. Taniela Paseka
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Sam Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. John Bateman, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Ryan Sutton Reserves: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Sia Soliola, 17. Jack Murchie, 18. Aidan Sezer, 19. Bailey Simonsson, 20. JJ Collins, 21. Hudson Young
Verdict: The Sea Eagles were unlucky to lose a tough game against the Dragons in Wollongong last week, while the Raiders continued their good form against the Broncos. Manly will be tough to beat at home in this one, but the Raiders are playing with a load of confidence and should come away from Brookvale with the points.
Tip: Raiders
TAB odds: Sea Eagles $1.92 (+1.5 $1.80) Raiders $1.92 (-1.5 $2.00)
Newcastle Knights vs. Parramatta Eels, McDonald Jones Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Hymel Hunt, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6. Connor Watson, 7. Mitchell Pearce - Brydens Lawyers, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Danny Levi, 10. James Gavet, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Mitch Barnett, 13. Tim Glasby Reserves: 14. Jamie Buhrer, 15. Herman Ese'ese, 16. Daniel Saifiti, 17. Josh King, 18. Mason Lino, 19. Tautau Moga, 20. Sione Mata'utia, 21. Pasami Saulo
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tepai Moeroa Reserves: 14. Peni Terepo 15. Tim Mannah 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Ray Stone 18. Manu Ma'u 19. Kane Evans 20. Josh Hoffman 21. George Jennings
Verdict: The Knights are being placed on the "do not tip" list after last week's dismal effort against the Titans. Coach Nathan Brown seems lost about what to do with his poorly performing side. The Eels were devastating at their news stadium, but were playing a Tigers side which apparently hadn't left their Concord training ground. The turn-around in the Knights fortunes will have to wait at least another week.
Tip: Eels
TAB odds: Knights $2.25 (+2.5 $1.90) Eels $1.67 (-2.5 $1.90)