A host of stars will return for what shapes as an exciting week of football with plenty of close matches to take place.
It all kicks off on Thursday night when the Cowboys’ Origin heroes return to take on the Bulldogs in a battle to claim third place.
Meanwhile, the Broncos and Panthers will lock horns after breaking their respective form slumps last week.
Saturday sees the Raiders and Warriors square off in the nation’s capital before the Titans and Eels round out the first half of Round 20.
All eight teams’ hopes of playing September footy are still alive and will be hoping to secure their spot in the finals.
North Queensland Cowboys versus Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Thursday, 21 July, 7:50pm (AEST) at 1300Smiles Stadium
The North Queensland Cowboys and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will duke it out in a top four battle that shapes as the match of the round.
It is the perfect way to get the ball rolling in Round 20 with the Cowboys to welcome back their big names for the integral clash.
Paul Green’s Origin quintet will return alongside Michael Morgan who comes back from a knee injury. The suspended Kyle Feldt has been excluded, with Javid Bowen taking his place on the wing.
Des Hasler has also named his Origin stars to return with Josh Jackson and David Klemmer named in the back row.
Both teams will be fresh after coming off the bye with an explosive battle set to take place in the middle of the park.
Two of the most formidable forward packs will lock horns with the better pack likely to take home the two points.
James Tamou and Ethan Lowe will be hoping to rip into their opposition once again with the pair averaging 14 hit-ups a game each. Meanwhile, Jason Taumalolo tallies 15 hit-ups a game alongside his total of six line-breaks for the season.
James Graham has been the driving force in the Bulldogs’ pack so far in 2016, if Des Hasler’s troops are to win however the rest of the forward pack will need to chip in and help.
If the blue and white can carry an equal workload, it will certainly boost their premiership credentials as they hunt down their ninth premiership.
The Cowboys and Bulldogs have played each other on 28 occasions since 1998. Of those, Canterbury have won 17 matches.
Last time they met came back in Round 9 last year when North Queensland recorded a 23-16 victory, their eleventh win over the ‘Dogs in the NRL era.
Prediction
The reigning premiers will sneak him in an extremely tight battle between two premiership contenders.
Cowboys by 6
What you need to know
Kickoff: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: 1300Smiles Stadium
TV: Live, Nine Network and Fox Sports
Last meeting: Cowboys defeated Bulldogs 23-16 (Round 9, 2015)
Head-to-head: 28 played – Cowboys 11, Bulldogs 17
Cowboys last three games: 12-26 versus Raiders, 20-0 versus Rabbitohs, 30-26 versus Sea Eagles
Bulldogs last three games: 32-22 versus Wests Tigers, 24-20 versus Roosters, 40-14 versus BroncosNorth Queensland Cowboys
1. Lachlan Coote, 2. Javid Bowen, 3. Justin O’Neill, 4. Kane Linnett, 5. Antonio Winterstein, 6. Michael Morgan, 7. Johnathan Thurston (c), 8. Matthew Scott (c), 9. Jake Granville, 10. James Tamou, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Ethan Lowe, 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn, 15. John Asiata, 16. Scott Bolton, 17. Ben HannantCanterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
1. William Hopoate, 2. Brett Morris, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Curtis Rona, 5. Sam Perrett, 6. Josh Reynolds, 7. Moses Mbye, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Michael Lichaa, 10. James Graham (c), 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Greg Eastwood, 13. David Klemmer
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano, 15. Tony Williams, 16. Tim Browne, 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 19. Danny Fualalo, 20. Craig Garvey
Jason Taumalolo will look to lead the Cowboys to victory in Far North Queensland. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
Brisbane Broncos versus Penrith Panthers
Friday, 22 July, 7:50pm (AEST) at Suncorp Stadium
Both the Broncos and Panthers have hit a bad patch of form in recent weeks and will be looking to get a strong boost as September footy approaches.
Brisbane are coming off a 30-10 win over the Rabbitohs after heavy drubbings at the hands of the Storm and Bulldogs in previous weeks.
It comes at a critical time with the Broncos sitting in sixth and needing to hold their position in order to receive the home ground advantage during the finals.
Skipper Corey Parker will return at lock with Joe Ofahengaue pushed onto an extended bench while Tom Opacic returns from injury in place of Jordan Kahu.
The Panthers on the other hand are unchanged after a comeback win over the Eels last Sunday.
Coach Anthony Griffin has however named young forwards Moses Leota and Viliame Kikau on an extended bench.
The chocolate soldiers must improve on last week’s performance after Bryce Cartwright struggled to engage his forwards, resulting in a flat Penrith attack.
Cartwright could shift to his preferred back row if Te Maire Martin returns from shoulder injury.
The young Kiwi made a splash in his debut way back in Round 3, producing a man of the match performance as the Panthers caused a massive upset with a 23-22 victory over Brisbane.
It was their eleventh victory from 31 outings since 1998, the Broncos taking 19 of those while one has been drawn.
The Panthers have a poor record at Suncorp Stadium with only three wins to their name in ten matches at the cauldron.
Prediction
Penrith will put in a serious fight but it won’t be enough to stop the rampaging Broncos.
Broncos by 12.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
TV: Live, Nine Network and Fox Sports
Last meeting: Panthers defeated Broncos 23-22 (Round 3, 2016)
Head-to-head: 31 played – Broncos 19, Panthers 11, 1 Drawn
Broncos last three games: 30-10 versus Rabbitohs, 6-48 versus Storm, 14-40 versus Bulldogs
Panthers last three games: 22-18 versus Eels, 10-26 versus Sharks, 26-34 versus Wests TigersBrisbane Broncos
1. Darius Boyd, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. James Roberts, 5. Lachlan Maranta, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Josh McGuire, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Adam Blair, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Sam Thaiday, 13. Corey Parker (c)
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace, 15. Tevita Pangai Junior, 16. Jai Arrow, 17. Herman Ese’ese, 18. Joe OfahengauePenrith Panthers
1. Matt Moylan (c), 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Tyrone Peachey, 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 6. Bryce Cartwright, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Leilani Latu, 9. Peter Wallace, 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 11. Isaah Yeo, 12. James Fisher-Harris, 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Suaia Matagi, 15. Sitaleki Akauola, 16. Chris Grevsmuhl, 17. Zak Hardaker, 20. Moses Leota, 23. Viliame Kikau
Canberra Raiders versus New Zealand Warriors
Saturday, 23 July, 3pm (AEST) at GIO Stadium
The Raiders will have plenty to play for with a top-four spot up for grabs as well as the security of qualifying for the finals.
A win over the Warriors will secure the club’s first finals appearance since 2012, the first since Ricky Stuart took the helm in 2014 following the shock sacking of David Furner.
The green machine’s rise to premiership contention has come off the back of a monstrous forward pack who haven’t slowed down in a bid to return the club to their glory days of the 1990s.
Canberra have won three games in a row with victories over the Cowboys, Knights and Titans, and will be looking to add to their tally after the bye last week.
Josh Papalii and Luke Bateman will add plenty of starch up front with the pair making their much anticipated returns at the expense of Clay Priest and Kurt Baptiste.
Papalii will play a major role with the Raiders needing to win the battle in the middle and assert their dominance over the Warriors.
Their halves pairing of Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer will also need to lift with the pair having failed to live up to expectations so far in 2016.
They come up against livewire Shaun Johnson and veteran Thomas Leuluai with the Kiwis having recovered from a poor start to the season.
The Warriors currently sit in eighth position despite going down to the Sea Eagles 15-14 in Perth last week.
They will be without key big man Charlie Gubb who faces a lengthy seven game suspension following a shoulder charge on Darcy Lussick.
He is replaced by Jacob Lillyman while the newest cult hero at the club Iulio “Bunty” Afoa will make his second appearance after scoring two tries on debut.
The big-haired Jafa will line-up in the back row alongside Ryan Hoffman and Simon Mannering, having been touted as the next big thing.
The two teams squared off in Round 11 when New Plymouth hosted its first ever NRL match seeing the Raiders come away 38-12 victors.
It was the 31st meeting between the two clubs with the Warriors winning 16 of those, Canberra sitting just one win behind.
Prediction
Canberra will move into the top four with a win over the Warriors at home.
Raiders by 10.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 3pm (AEST)
Venue: GIO Stadium
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Raiders defeated Warriors 38-12 (Round 11, 2016)
Head-to-head: 31 played – Raiders 15, Warriors 16
Raiders last three games: 26-12 versus Cowboys, 29-25 versus Knights, 30-22 versus Titans
Warriors last three games: 14-15 versus Sea Eagles, 27-18 versus Titans, 18-19 versus SharksCanberra Raiders
1. Jack Wighton, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Joseph Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapan, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Junior Paulo, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Iosia Soliola, 15. Luke Bateman, 16. Paul Vaughan, 17. Joseph TapineNew Zealand Warriors
1. David Fusitu’a, 2. Ken Maumalo, 3. Blake Ayshford, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. Manu Vatuvei, 6. Thomas Leuluai, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Jacob Lillyman, 9. Issac Luke, 10. James Gavet, 11. Iulio Afoa, 12. Ryan Hoffman (c), 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Tuimoala Lolohea, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Ben Matulino, 17. Jazz Tevaga
Canberra will be hoping to take advantage of an under-strength North Queensland side.
(Photo: NRL images)
Gold Coast Titans versus Parramatta Eels
Saturday, 23 July, 5:30pm (AEST) at Cbus Super Stadium
The Eels’ finals hopes are hanging by a thread making Saturday night’s journey to the Gold Coast their most important game of the season.
They face a tough task with the Titans having put in a great effort last week against the Dragons, recording a 32-12 victory at Kogarah.
Tyrone Roberts led the way for the Gold Coast in an inspired performance while Zeb Taia also stood out.
Agnatius Paasi only played 30 minutes however, the Tongan made a massive impact and moves into the starting side with Greg Bird suspended.
Paasi will command bigger minutes, which given his workload will help to boost Neil Henry’s side against a tough Eels forward pack.
Parramatta are looking thin in the backline with Michael Jennings sustaining a hamstring injury, joining Semi Radradra in the casualty ward. Brad Takairangi will return at centre after being a late exclusion in last week’s loss to the Panthers.
Their loss came after a sensational performance from Clinton Gutherson, the fullback and winger adding a new dimension to the Eels’ attack.
If he commands a similar performance against the Titans, it could spell danger especially considering the blue and gold will be hungry now that they have to win all of their remaining seven games.
In 14 meetings the Titans have won nine matches to the Eels’ five victories.
Last time these two teams met, the Eels came away with a 22-12 win in Darwin during Round 14.
Prediction
The Gold Coast will come home with a close win to boost their chances of qualifying for the finals and write off the Eels’ premiership hopes.
Titans by 6.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 5:30pm (AEST)
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Eels defeated Titans 22-12 (Round 14, 2016)
Head-to-head: 14 played – Titans 9, Eels 5
Titans last three games: 32-12 versus Dragons, 18-27 versus Warriors, 22-30 versus Raiders
Eels last three games: 18-22 versus Panthers, 22-18 versus Roosters, 24-34 versus SharksGold Coast Titans
1. David Mead, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Josh Hoffman, 4. Konrad Hurrell, 5. Nene Macdonald, 6. Tyrone Roberts, 7. Ashley Taylor, 8. Luke Douglas, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Ryan James, 11. Zeb Taia, 12. Chris McQueen, 13. Agnatius Paasi
Interchange: 14. Eddy Pettybourne, 15. Leivaha Pulu, 16. Nathaniel Peteru, 17. Nathan Friend (c)Parramatta Eels
1. Michael Gordon, 2. Bureta Faraimo, 3. Manu Ma’u, 4. Brad Takairangi, 5. Bevan French, 6. Clinton Gutherson, 7. Jeff Robson, 8. Danny Wicks, 9. Isaac De Gois, 10. Tim Mannah (c), 11. Kenny Edwards, 12. Tepai Moeroa, 13. Beau Scott
Interchange: 14. Rory O’Brien, 15. Peni Terepo, 16. David Gower, 17. Daniel Alvaro
Roarers, who are you tipping in Round 20?
Stay tuned tomorrow as I preview the second half of Round 20.
You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
He was trying to slow the play the ball from Brian Kelly - and the look on his face showed he knew what he…
Manly have snuck home against the Titans in a wild game on the Gold Coast, running out 34-30 winners on a night in which,…
Gold Coast fought their way back into the contest in the first half, and it was on the back of moments like this.
The Gold Coast captain was adamant he was interfered with as Manly cut the deficit to two right on halftime.
The Manly centre was convinced that he knocked the ball backwards.
It was a bad defensive read and eventually, the bunker agreed with the commentators.
