After only correctly tipping the Rabbitohs and Broncos in Round 11, a sprinkling of upsets look tempting in Round 12.
Penrith Panthers versus Parramatta Eels
A refreshed Penrith side welcomes back key players from injury as they battle an unlucky Eels side whose inability to win tight matches has proved costly in the past fortnight.
Penrith have won four of their past five games at Pepper Stadium.
The last time the Battle of the West occurred was also Round 12 in 2014, with Jamie Soward and Tyrone Peachey leading the Panthers to a 38-12 victory.
The outcome of this match depends on the attitude of the Penrith side. If they underestimate Parramatta this clash will prove closer than first expected.
Panthers by 6
Gold Coast Titans versus South Sydney Rabbitohs
After successive victories, the Titans have lost their mojo in the past two weeks while resilience has seen the Rabbitohs claim grinding victories in tough, close fought encounters.
South Sydney have won five of their past six against the Titans.
South Sydney have won three of their past four at CBUS Super Stadium.
The Rabbitohs are one from seven without Adam Reynolds.
This game provides the home side with the best opportunity to upset a Rabbitohs side minus influential stars and the role of underdogs will play perfectly.
Titans by 4
Canberra Raiders versus Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos will head to Canberra full of confidence after proving their dominance with their Origin stars against a Raiders side struggling for form after a blistering start to the year.
The Raiders have won 12 of 29 games at GIO Stadium in the past three years.
The Broncos have won four of their past six against the Raiders including a 28-4 victory last year at GIO Stadium.
This clash hinges on how the Broncos back up from Origin commitments and the form of Raiders halves Sam Williams and Blake Austin, who have been instrumental in their previous form.
Broncos by 8
North Queensland Cowboys versus Manly Sea Eagles
It’s a case of polar opposites in this one. The Cowboys have won eight straight, while the Sea Eagles have managed three victories this season.
Manly have won 15 of 23 against the Cowboys
The Cowboy’s 30-16 victory over the Eagles at 1300Smiles Stadium last year spoiled a possible Minor Premiership for the Brookvale boys.
North Queensland have won 23 of 31 at home in the past three years.
The outcome of this one ledges on the motivation for the home side as they shoot for nine straight. Manly look good here as outsiders and are a vastly improved side. However, in the end I expect the Cowboys to claim a tight victory.
Cowboys by 4
New Zealand Warriors versus Newcastle Knights
The Knights are out of form, having only won one game since their Round 4 victory over Penrith.
They face a Warriors side who have yet again struggled for consistency, but will hope the return of Sam Tomkins will provide much needed stability.
The Warriors have won eight of their past nine at Mt Smart.
The Warriors have also won seven of their past 10 against the Knights.
The Warriors should be winning this easily. However, this often spells trouble for the New Zealand side. So, while it may be fair to predict a 40-point victory, a less comprehensive victory looks likely.
Warriors by 16
St George Illawarra Dragons versus Cronulla Sharks
An intense rivalry continues on Sunday afternoon in what shapes as a low scoring contest.
Since the merger between St George and Illawarra, this rivalry has been tightly fought with the Dragons holding a 17-16-1 advantage.
However, they have won 9 of their past 12 against Cronulla.
The Dragons have averaged conceding 12 points a game, and a grinding 18-4 victory looks likely.
Watch for Jack Bird to attempt to inspire the Sharks against his former club.
Dragons by 14
Sydney Roosters verses Melbourne Storm
This game proves most difficult to gauge, with much depending upon the recovery of the five Roosters Origin players and Storm’s four
The Roosters have won four of their past five against Melbourne at Allianz.
Both sides boast the two best points differential in the league (Storm 64, Roosters 83).
Both teams have averaged conceding 14 points a game.
This game shapes as a flip of the coin prospect with neither team appearing much better than the other.
Roosters by 8
My best bet for this week is the Brisbane Broncos to win by 1-12 @ $3.35
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