With the NRL introducing an 18th man rule from this weekend, we enter a whole new world. Injuries have decimated a few teams heading into Round 5 and there are some clashes made more interesting by the players who will be missing.
The match of the round is clearly the Panthers taking on the Raiders, while the Titans-Knights, Roosters-Sharks and Eels-Dragons all throw up tipping headaches of their own.
Good luck with your tips.
Jump ahead to a particular game.
Rabbitohs vs. Broncos
Warriors vs. Sea Eagles
Panthers vs. Raiders
Titans vs. Knights
Bulldogs vs. Storm
Roosters vs. Sharks
Tigers vs. Cowboys
Eels vs. Dragons
Thursday, April 8
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Brisbane Broncos, Stadium Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Josh Mansour 6. Benji Marshall 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Jacob Host 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Cameron Murray Bench: 14. Dean Hawkins 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Patrick Mago 17. Jai Arrow Reserves: 18. Hame Sele 19. Jaxson Paulo 20. Troy Dargan 21. Steven Marsters
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Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Xavier Coates 3. Richard Kennar 4. Tesi Niu 5. David Mead 6. Anthony Milford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jordan Riki 13. Tevita Pangai Junior Bench: 14. Brodie Croft 15. Thomas Flegler 16. John Asiata 17. Ben Te'o Reserves: 18. Ethan Bullemor 19. Rhys Kennedy 20. Cory Paix
Verdict: The Broncos were blown away in the first half by the Storm, with most breaks coming right up the middle of the park. The Rabbitohs started slowly against the Bulldogs before running away with it after the break. The Rabbitohs will be missing the suspended Cody Walker for this one, but should still have too much class across the park for the struggling Broncos.
Tip: Rabbitohs by 12
TAB odds: Rabbitohs $1.04 (-21.5 $1.90) Broncos $10 (+21.5 $1.90 )
Friday, April 9
New Zealand Warriors vs. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Central Coast Stadium, 6:00pm (AEST)
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu'a 3. Adam Pompey 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O'Sullivan 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tohu Harris 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Jack Murchie 13. Jazz Tevaga Bench: 14. Ben Murdoch-Masila 15. Tom Ale 16. Kane Evans 17. Josh Curran Reserves: 18. Rocco Berry 20. Paul Turner 21. Jackson Frei 22. Taniela Otukolo
Sea Eagles: 1. Dylan Walker 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Josh Schuster 13. Jake Trbojevic Bench: 14. Cade Cust 15. Toafofoa Sipley 16. Sean Keppie 17. Josh Aloiai Reserves: 18. Tevita Funa 19. Zac Saddler 20. Christian Tuipulotu 21. Ben Trbojevic
Verdict: We might be taking it for granted, but it's important to remember that the Warriors players remain isolated in Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions. There were moments during their loss last week to the Roosters where they looked tired. The Sea Eagles are a complete disaster at the moment, with no sign of a victory in their immediate future. The Warriors will still need to be switched on to win this one.
Tip: Warriors by 8
TAB odds: Warriors $1.35 (-7.5 $1.85) Sea Eagles $3.15 (+7.5 $1.95)
Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders, BlueBet Stadium, 7:55pm (AEST)
Panthers: 1. Stephen Crichton 2. Charlie Staines 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Matt Burton 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Tyrone May 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Liam Martin Reserves: 18. Scott Sorensen 19. Robert Jennings 20. J'maine Hopgood 21. Jaeman Salmon
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Siliva Havili 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Ryan James Reserves: 18. Sam Williams 19. Semi Valemi 20. Dunamis Lui 21. Corey Harawira-Naera
Verdict: This is possibly the game of the year to date, with the unbeaten Panthers up against the steadily improving Raiders. The Panthers were ruthless last week against the Sea Eagles, while the Raiders took care of the upstart Titans. Both these teams are set to go deep into the finals this year and this game will provide an early indication of whom might have the edge in the big ones. Should be a thriller, with the Raiders my tip for an upset.
Tip: Raiders by 4
TAB odds: Panthers $1.38 (-7.5 $1.90) Raiders $3 (+7.5 $1.90)
Saturday, April 10
Gold Coast Titans vs. Newcastle Knights, Cbus Super Stadium, 3:00pm (AEST)
Titans: 1. Alexander Brimson 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. Tanah Boyd 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tyrone Peachey Bench: 14. Moeaki Fotuaika 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Erin Clark Reserves: 18. Beau Fermor 19. Herman Ese'ese 20. Sam McIntyre 21. Ashley Taylor
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Starford To'a 3. Enari Tuala 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Connor Watson 7. Blake Green 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Sauaso Sue Bench: 14. Chris Randall 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Josh King 17. Brodie Jones Reserves: 18. Jack Johns 19. Brayden Musgrove 20. Simi Sasagi 21. Garrett Smith
Verdict: The Titans looked good at times against the Raiders last week, but without both starting halves they fell away late in the game. The Knights have similarly been battered by injuries, losing Mitchell Pearce for several months. This will be a battle of the best the two coaches can cobble together. Kalyn Ponga returns for the Knights and could prove to be the difference.
Tip: Knights by 4
TAB odds: Titans $1.27 (-10.5 $1.90) Knights $3.70 (+10.5 $1.90)
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs. Melbourne Storm, Stadium Australia, 5:30pm (AEST)
Bulldogs: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Nick Cotric 3. Will Hopoate 4. Corey Allan 5. Tui Katoa 6. Jake Averillo 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Luke Thompson 9. Sione Katoa 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Adam Elliott 12. Corey Waddell 13. Josh Jackson Bench: 14. Jackson Topine 15. Renouf Atoni 16. Dylan Napa 17. Ofahiki Ogden Reserves: 19. Brandon Wakeham 20. Chris Smith 21. Joe Stimson 22. Dean Britt
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. George Jennings 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona Bench: 14. Chris Lewis 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Nicholas Hynes Reserves: 18. Aaron Pene 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Brenko Lee 21. Harry Grant
Verdict: The Storm overpowered the Broncos last week to end an unusual two-game losing streak, whilst the Bulldogs made some changes, looked good early, but ultimately fell away against the Rabbitohs. It's hard to know exactly what coach Trent Barrett can do to lift his struggling Bulldogs, but a clash with the Storm is exactly what he doesn't need right now.
Tip: Storm by 22
TAB odds: Bulldogs $11 (+27.5 $1.90) Storm $1.03 (-27.5 $1.90)
Sydney Roosters vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, SCG, 7:35pm (AEST)
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Sam Walker 8. Isaac Liu 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley Bench: 14. Ben Marschke 15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 16. Nat Butcher 17. Fletcher Baker Reserves: 18. Daniel Suluka-fifita 19. Egan Butcher 20. Joseph Suaalii 21. Matt Ikuvalu
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Josh Dugan 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Teig Wilton 12. Wade Graham 13. Toby Rudolf Bench: 14. Connor Tracey 15. Aiden Tolman 16. Jack Williams 17. Billy Magoulias Reserves: 18. Braydon Trindall 19. Nene Macdonald 20. Andrew Fifita 21. Franklin Pele
Verdict: The Roosters were too good for the Warriors last week, with young halfback Sam Walker impressing on debut. The Sharks absolutely belted the hapless Cowboys. This should be a good contest with the injury-hit Roosters ripe for the picking by a fired up Sharks side. At the SCG though, I think the Roosters might still be too good.
Tip: Roosters by 8
TAB odds: Roosters $1.38 (-7.5 $1.85) Sharks $3.10 (+7.5 $1.95)
Sunday, April 11
Wests Tigers vs. North Queensland Cowboys, Leichhardt Oval, 4:05pm (AEST)
Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Moses Mbye 5. Tommy Talau 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Zane Musgrove 9. Jacob Liddle 10. James Tamou 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Alex Twal Bench: 14. Michael Chee-Kam 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Stefano Utoikamanu 17. Joe Ofahengaue Reserves: 18. Alex Seyfarth 19. Joseph Leilua 20. Jake Simpkin 21. Tukimihia Simpkins
Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Connelly Lemuelu 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Ben Hampton 8. Francis Molo 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Shane Wright 12. Ben Condon 13. Jason Taumalolo Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Coen Hess 16. Josh Mcguire 17. Lachlan Burr Reserves: 18. Esan Marsters 19. Reuben Cotter 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jake Clifford
Verdict: The Tigers fought back strongly against the Eels last week, but ultimately weren't quite good enough. The Cowboys were humiliated by the Sharks in their latest disinterested effort. This is the Tigers' chance at an easy two competition points. The Cowboys are due to show some pride in their own performance, but probably not at Leichhardt Oval.
Tip: Tigers by 16
TAB odds: Tigers $1.32 (-9.5 $1.90) Cowboys $3.30 (+9.5 $1.90)
Parramatta Eels vs. St George Illawarra Dragons, Bankwest Stadium, 6:15pm (AEDT)
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Marata Niukore 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown Bench: 14. Oregon Kaufusi 15. Isaiah Papali'i 16. Will Smith 17. Bryce Cartwright Reserves: 18. Ray Stone 19. Haze Dunster 20. Keegan Hipgrave 21. Jordan Rankin
Dragons: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Adam Clune 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Kerr 12. Tariq Sims 13. Tyrell Fuimaono Bench: 14. Poasa Faamausili 15. Trent Merrin 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Brayden Wiliame Reserves: 18. Jackson Ford 19. Kaide Ellis 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Max Feagai
Verdict: The Dragons are playing with much more resolve this year under new coach Anthony Griffin, winning three of their first four games. However, they have yet to play a team of the quality of the unbeaten Eels. Parramatta took care of the Tigers last week in a mixed display, and they'll need to be switched on for this clash as Griffin will have a plan to upset them.
Tip: Eels by 12