NRL TEAMS | Round 20

TONIGHT BRONCOS V BULLDOGS Suncorp Stadium, 7.50pm

Played 51, Broncos 28, Bulldogs 22, drawn 1

Last met: Bulldogs 10-7, round 5, 2017

Apart from James Graham and Greg Eastwood, the Dogs are at full strength tonight while the Broncos will line up minus Darius Boyd, Corey Oates and tyro prop Herman Ese’ese. But there will no excuses for the loser – this is a huge match, with the Broncos keen to seal a top-four berth and the Bulldogs needing to win five of their next seven to play finals. The return of Origin forwards Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire will tighten the Broncos defence and that should prove the difference.

TIP – Broncos

TOMORROW NIGHT ROOSTERS V KNIGHTS Allianz Stadium, 6pm

Played 49, Roosters 28, Knights 19, drawn 2

Last met: Roosters 24-6, round 7, 2017

If they were playing anyone but the Knights the Roosters might be under pressure, with sharpshooting fullback Michael Gordon and skipper Jake Friend both sidelined. But the Roosters have talented back-up and with a key top-two spot at their beck and call, will not allow their guard to slip against the luckless Knights. Expect big games from Origin failures Boyd Cordner and Mitchell Pearce.

– Roosters

SHARKS V RABBITOHS SCG Stadium, 7.50pm

Played 85, Sharks 44, Rabbitohs 38, drawn 3

Last met: Rabbitohs 12-6, round 24, 2016

What a crazy mixed-up month for the premiers, thrashed by both the Sea Eagles and Titans, but with a bye and a hiding for the Roosters sandwiched in between. But despite that remarkable form swing the Sharks remain premiership hotshots and with their draining Origin campaign over, they will bounce back with a vengeance tomorrow night. Only a miracle can save the Rabbitohs’ season, and another high score is on the cards.

TIP – Sharks

SATURDAY PANTHERS V TITANS Pepper Stadium 3.00pm

Played 14, Panthers 8, Titans 6

Last met: Titans 28-24, round 11, 2016

Two of the most impressive young players in the competition – Nathan Cleary and Ash Taylor – take centre stage in this vital clash which could well end the finals aspirations of the loser. Both halfbacks were superb last weekend but will need more support from their senior teammates, many of whom have been disappointing in 2017. Hailed as potential premiers at season’s start, the Panthers – with Peter Wallace and Matt Moylan back – must hit the “go” button tomorrow or the Titans, who have won three on the trot, will cause another boilover.

TIP – Panthers

RAIDERS V STORM GIO Stadium 5.30pm

Played 38, Storm 27, Raiders 11

Last met: Storm 14-12, prelim final 2016 Having finally won a close one, the Raiders sit just four points out of the top eight but their quest for a finals appearance is not becoming easier. This clash with the unbackable Storm is on again in round 26, with the Sharks, Panthers and Cowboys adding to a formidable roadblock. A win here, as unlikely as it may be, would be a great start but the talented, well-drilled and disciplined Storm would need to totally unravel.

TIP – Storm

COWBOYS V WARRIORS 1300SMILES Stadium 7.30pm

Played 36, Warriors 18, Cowboys 18

Last met: Cowboys 34-6, round 24, 2016 Many will feel the potential season-ending injury to Shaun Johnson to be a travesty for the Warriors, but it may be a blessing in disguise. The Warriors have been pathetic – yet again – in 2017 and Johnson has produced very little. Replacement half Mason Limo will at least bring enthusiasm, something the Warriors lack in spades. But irrespective of who plays, the resurgent Cowboys look to have them covered all over the field.

TIP – Cowboys

SUNDAY DRAGONS V SEA EAGLES WIN Stadium 2pm

Played 25, Dragons 16, Sea Eagles 9

Last met: Dragons 35-10, round 6, 2017 Having lost four of their past five, the Dragons’ flimsy hold on a finals berth will be somewhat resuscitated if they can snare these two points. Not only will a win end their slump, but will give the Red V confidence going into the weeks ahead where they play just one team ahead of them on the ladder. But winning this is easier said than done. The Sea Eagles, with their key men in superb form, have quietly slipped into third position, although livewire dummy half Api Koroisau will be missed.

TIP – Sea Eagles

TIGERS V EELS ANZ Stadium, 4.00pm

Played 34, Eels 19, Tigers 14, drawn 1

Last met: Eels 26-22, round 7, 2017

Back in round seven, when these sides last met, Tigers five-eighth Mitchell Moses was one of the stars. But in what is a totally ludicrous situation, Moses may well now be the player to steer the Eels into the finals after his mid-season switch of clubs and seemingly a change of attitude. With Corey Norman and Clint Gutherson as his allies, Moses has improved the attacking options of the Eels who have won five of their past six and averaged 20 points a game. They should easily account for the Tigers whose season is effectively over.

TIP – Eels