Round 12 Preview

After narrow defeats to the Raiders and Panthers in the last two weeks, the Bulldogs are close to securing another victory and will be disappointed if they can’t defeat the Dragons at home.

In his last audition for Michael Maguire and to keep the NSW Blues jersey, winger Josh Addo-Carr will be hoping to produce a starring performance on Thursday evening.

After scoring a double against the Rabbitohs in his club debut last weekend, Burns is a great shout to select as the first tryscorer of the match on Friday evening.

The Wests Tigers have struggled to get going this season and haven’t looked like winning for a long time. They will also produce one of the youngest backlines in recent years, with only three players having over 25 games to their record.

Return from injury this week quicker than expected, winger and speedster Jason Saab has found the try line with ease this season and this week will be no different.

After a few weeks of close losses in recent weeks, the Storm regain playmaker Jahrome Hughes for this round and will be attempting to turn around their fortunes.

The Roosters have not missed a beat in recent weeks and although they lost to the first placed Cronulla Sharks, another victory should be on the horizon for them on the weekend.

Back from concussion protocols, centre Joseph Manu will be looking to make an immediate impact on the scoresheet.

While either team may walk away as the winner of the match, a close encounter is expected between the two sides.

The Sharks will host the three-time premiers Penrith Panthers in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately for the Panthers, they are still without the likes of Nathan Cleary and Taylan May.

The Rabbitohs may have received some players back for this season but the majority of their squad are yet to make their return from injury and the Eels will be expected to pounce on this as the pressure will mount on stars Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Jack Wighton.

A win for the Eels will put their horrendous week behind them after the sacking of head coach Brad Arthur earlier in the week on Monday.

The Broncos and Titans enter the clash in different types of forms. The Broncos always deliver against their inner-state rivals, while the Titans have struggled against elite teams this season.

While the Titans may not walk out of the game as winners, David Fifita is still one of the most imposing forwards in the NRL. Fifita has been on a rampage recently and his attacking prowess is amazing at the moment.

Taine Tuaupiki had one of the better performances at Magic Round, scoring the try that gifted the Warriors the two points against Penrith. The rookie fullback was a standout performer and will aim to continue his form as he fights to cement a regular spot in the team.

The Warriors produced one of the most surprising victories in Magic Round against the Panthers and will be looking to continue their strong form as the return home to New Zealand.