Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – Hunter Stadium

This is the annual 'old boys' game for the Knights and it's always a tough ask for visiting teams. The Knights have an imposing record in this game and will put their heart and soul into winning regardless of their position on the ladder. Despite that, I think the bunnies will get over the line. As first cab off the rank in round 26 they need to win (and preferably win well) to give themselves a shot at a top four finish. I'd be surprised if they won well, but they are a talented and well-drilled side and I expect them to prevail.

Verdict – Rabbitohs

Result - Rabbitohs 18 defeated Knights 6

Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers - Friday night – Suncorp Stadium

I've said plenty of complimentary things about Petero Civoniceva over the years and I stand behind them all. This is his farewell game at Suncorp Stadium and the Broncos won't let him down. In a twist of fate he gets to play the only other team he suited up with during his illustrious career, so he'll have plenty of familiar company on the night. Broncos by plenty, and Petero to kick a conversion in the 78th minute.

Verdict – Broncos

Result - Broncos 19 defeated Panthers 12

Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles - Saturday night – Skilled Park

The Titans don't have a lot to play for, but even if they did I doubt they could hold out the Sea Eagles on Saturday night. I'm not sure if Manly are holding something back but if they play to their full potential for 80 minutes we could see a pretty extraordinary scoreline - against anybody. Ten minutes of blistering attack and 80 minutes of their wall-like defence is more than enough to see them home.

Verdict – Sea Eagles

Result - Sea Eagles 24 defeated Titans 16

Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm – Saturday night – Leichhardt Oval

The Storm appear to be back to somewhere near the best in recent weeks, and that should be good enough to keep their noses in front of one of the real under-performers in season 2012. On potential the Tigers could win this and win it well, but if I said that about the Tigers every week (and I could) I'd be wrong more than I'd be right. I'd prefer to be right.

Verdict – Storm

Result - Storm 26 defeated Tigers 6

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Sydney Roosters – Saturday night – ANZ Stadium

Des Hasler may have played his hand cold when the Bulldogs lost to the Raiders. While the loss wasn't beyond belief the manner in which they lost had me scratching my head a little bit. It's possible the Bulldogs have come back to the field a little, and I do think opposition teams are starting to get a handle on how to shut down their attack. They are still in this competition up to their ears and are in the box seat to go all the way. They most certainly are good enough to knock over the Roosters and do a lap of honour at home as minor premiers with the JJ Giltinan Shield.

Verdict – Bulldogs

Result - Bulldogs 42 defeated Roosters 10

Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys – Sunday afternoon – Toyota Stadium

I'm liking the way the Cowboys are quietly going about their business. Since the end of the State of Origin period they have won 7 of their 9 games, and their only losses were narrow ones to the Bulldogs and the Sea Eagles. That is top four form in my opinion, and although the Sharks are a very good side I think the Cowboys have better balance across the park. Providing the Cowboys forwards can hold their own (and they should) that Cowboys backline looks to have more try-scoring potential than the Sharks. If nothing else the kicking boot of Jonathan Thurston might get them over the line.

Verdict – Cowboys

Result - Cowboys 36 defeated Sharks 22

New Zealand Warriors vs Canberra Raiders – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

I've seen Police Academy films that were less disappointing than the Warriors this season. I'm not sure what the franchise can take out of this year (the Warriors I mean, not the Police Academy franchise) but I do hope the off-season involves standing around in a room full of mirrors. The NRL is a better competition when the Warriors are doing well, and I genuinely hope they bounce back in 2013. In theory the Warriors could pull out a blinder in front of their home crowd, but in practice they are far more likely to lose by 30. Raiders...by 30.

Verdict – Raiders

Result - Raiders 42 defeated Warriors 22

Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday night – ANZ Stadium

In round 25 the Dragons got an opportunity to give two of their club stalwarts a proper send-off, and in round 26 the Eels get their turn to do same. It would be impolite of the Dragons to do anything but lose on Sunday, and I'm sure they'll do the right thing. Two of my favourite players in Nathan Hindmarsh and Luke Burt call it a day, and it's a fine way to call an end to the 2012 regular season.

Verdict – Eels

Result - Dragons 29 defeated Eels 8

Wally Lewis - round twenty-six selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published as soon as possible (usually on Thursday night or early Friday morning).

• Knights vs RABBITOHS
• BRONCOS vs Panthers
• Titans vs SEA EAGLES
• Tigers vs STORM
• BULLDOGS vs Roosters
• SHARKS vs Cowboys
• Warriors vs RAIDERS
• EELS vs Dragons