South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Newcastle Knights

ANZ Stadium, 6:00pm, Friday June 7

Prediction: It's a shame this game has been ravaged by injury and Origin, with Newcastle holding the longest winning record (five straight), which Souths did hold with seven consecutive victories before they took on Parramatta without their Origin stars. Souths are missing their halves, while Newcastle are without Klemmer or Ponga. Souths won't drop two games in a row, expect some James Roberts magic in his return. Souths by 4.

 

Wests Tigers vs. Canberra Raiders

Bankwest Stadium, 7:50pm, Friday June 7

Prediction: Canberra have regained Jordan Rapana from injury, a much needed boost with Josh Hodgson sidelined. Wests Tigers are super inconsistent this season, but do regain Moses Mbye after the custodian only played eight minutes in his Origin debut. Canberra will be eager to regain their top four spot after Newcastle nabbed it a fortnight ago. After a shocking moment in Origin, Jack Wighton will be eager to make up for THAT pass on Wednesday. Expect Canberra to get the win at Bankwest. Raiders by 10.

 

New Zealand Warriors vs. Melbourne Storm

Mt Smart Stadium, 3:00pm, Saturday June 8

Prediction: This game depends on whether the Storm's Origin stars back-up. Munster is the big one, but if he sits out, then expect Hughes to shift to five-eighth and Papenhuyzen to start at fullback. New Zealand are blessed to have no stars in Origin, and will be better with the week off, but they won't be any match for a Melbourne outfit desperate to keep top spot. Storm by 14.

 

Cronulla Sharks vs. Parramatta Eels

PointsBet Stadium, 5:30pm, Saturday June 8

Prediction: After eight longs months, Wade Graham finally returns from a busted ACL, though Shaun Johnson is still a week away. Parramatta's win over Souths last weekend is somewhat of a placebo, beating a South Sydney missing eight of their top side team. They'll gain confidence, but at Shark Park, Cronulla will win, and win well. Sharks by 16.


North Queensland Cowboys vs. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

1300SMILES Stadium, 7:35pm, Saturday June 8

Prediction: This has the potential to be a great game. Tom Trbojevic returns to play just his third game of the season following back-to-back hamstring injuries, while Michael Morgan is confirmed to back up from Origin. Manly have been a real surprise packet this year, and Des has them flying under the radar as he always does. However, without DCE or Jake Trbojevic this round, and the explosive form of Jason Taumalolo, it's the Cowboys game to lose. Cowboys by 7.

 

Brisbane Broncos vs. Gold Coast Titans

Suncorp Stadium, 2:00pm, Sunday June 9

Prediction: Ash Taylor has been granted leave and won't line up against his former club. Joe Ofahengaue won't play after suffering a deep cut to his knee in Origin. The Titans were horrendous last week, scoring just four points against a lacklustre Cowboys outfit. Brisbane have really worked their way up the ladder with a few wins on the trot, including low-scoring back-to-back wins over the Roosters and Warriors. Without Taylor, Brisbane should roll over the Gold Coast, with Dearden to star. Broncos by 20.

 

Penrith Panthers vs. Sydney Roosters

Panthers Stadium, 4:05pm, Sunday June 9

Prediction: How will Nathan Cleary respond to criticism after the Blues' Game I loss? Cleary wasn't bad, but as a halfback, he really struggled to control the game, and still has zero try-assists in his four game Origin career. His faces a real litmus test coming up against Cooper Cronk, though no Luke Keary, Boyd Cordner or Latrell Mitchell will boost Penrith. Regardless, the Bondi boys have lost two in a row, it won't be three. Roosters by 6.

 

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs. St George Illawarra Dragons

ANZ Stadium, 4:00pm, Monday June 10

Prediction: Canterbury can't catch a break. Injuries have interrupted them at times, while Dean Pay's decision making has cost them as well. The decision to drop CHN last week was baffling to say the least. And now they face a Dragons outfit coming off five straight losses, blessed with a returning Corey Norman. There should be a decent sized crowd on a public holiday at ANZ Stadium, and it will be the Red V faithful that come out to Sydney Olympic Park to see their team win. Dragons by 12.