Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – Pepper Stadium

The battle for the hearts and minds of Sydney's Golden West. Parramatta have been close the last two weeks but are still finding a way to lose, while Penrith have named their first choice spine for the first time in forever. Each halves pairing brings a very different style of football to the table. If everything clicks for the Eels they are a joy to watch, but it can fall apart all too easily. I'll stick with the more measured approach of Wallace and Soward, with the gifted Moylan chiming in as needed. He's creating more tries than just about anyone in the NRL this season...at fullback. Penrith should be well rested after a bye last weekend - at times that can be a curse rather than a blessing, but in this case the break lets them get some key personnel back on the paddock.

Verdict – Panthers by 7

Result - Eels 26 defeated Panthers 20

Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday afternoon – CBUS Super Stadium

Both club captains have been named so let's assume they'll be there - although Inglis didn't appear to have his usual punch or zing on Wednesday night. The Bunnies have an imposing record on the glitter strip and they are well-fancied on the weekend. Daytime conditions should bring with it some free-flowing footy and I'd be looking at the total points overs if such bets are of interest to you. Both sides have speed to burn in the backline and John Sutton, better with his hands than his feet, can feed his backline some quality ball. I'm not confident. I'm never confident. Bunnies.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 2

Result - Rabbitohs 22 defeated Titans 16

Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – GIO Stadium

The Broncos, understandably, have named a seven-man bench this weekend. Right here, right now all six Origin representatives have been named, but it's unlikely they'll all be there (surely Hodges gets rested). Regardless the Broncos got the job done last weekend without any of them. Who am I to suggest they can't do it again, particularly given the Raiders couldn't beat an under-strength Bulldogs last weekend? The Raiders are favourites, but we can expect some volatility in that market as team changes filter through. The biggest threat to the Broncos could be the Canberra weather - with a minimum near freezing point expected on Saturday night. If they cope with that they can cope with the Raiders. Wighton and Williams are big inclusions for the home side, but it's the Broncos for mine.

Verdict – Broncos by 7

Result - Broncos 24 defeated Raiders 12

North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

I'm slightly surprised that Cherry-Evans hasn't had a remarkable recovery and been named this weekend - it's the sort of sneakiness the Sea Eagles are famous for. The Cowboys are on their winningest winning streak ever, and providing Tamou, Scott, Thurston and Morgan back up and get through the game they should win again. Thurston in particular is a gem at backing up this time of year. Taumalolo, against this opponent, could produce his rampaging best now that he's had a run under his belt.

Verdict – Cowboys by 14

Result - Cowboys 18 defeated Sea Eagles 14

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

Anyone that watched the second half capitulation by the Knights on Monday night couldn't possibly back them this weekend. The Warriors are well-rested and playing at home. The Knights...terrible. The predicted weather (rain) might keep the scores close, but the final result will never be in doubt.

Verdict – Warriors by 10

Result - Warriors 24 defeated Knights 20

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – WIN Jubilee Oval

Quite a few teams hate each other but the hatred between these two might run the deepest. Both teams are last-start winners, have unchanged line-ups and are fresh from a weekend off. If form and ladder position are a guide the Dragons should prevail at home, but the Sharks won't give this game away lightly. I do like to take on the Sharks in these afternoon games and I'll do so again - a Dragons victory by 1-12 looks likely.

Verdict – Dragons by 4

Result - Dragons 42 defeated Sharks 6

Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm – Monday night – Allianz Stadium

Probably the game of the round - although much depends on who backs up from Wednesday. The Slater shoulder seemed to cope with the demands of Origin and the rest of the purple machine should be fine (although Cameron Smith will sleep well given his demanding defensive workload). The Roosters at home are a tough assignment, but all five players backing up from Origin for the Chooks are backing up from a loss. The Origin quartet from the Storm are backing up from a win. Winning breeds confidence. At $2.45 the Storm are worth a punt. Gamble responsibly, and if Cameron Smith doesn't play $2.45 is very irresponsible.

Verdict – Storm by 2

Result - Roosters 24 defeated Storm 2

Wally Lewis - round twelve selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.

• PANTHERS vs Eels
• Titans vs RABBITOHS
• Raiders vs BRONCOS
• COWBOYS vs Sea Eagles
• WARRIORS vs Knights
• DRAGONS vs Sharks
• ROOSTERS vs Storm