Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – Hunter Stadium

I had to think about this one for a while, as the Knights are down on troops in the front row and the Broncos need to have their must-win mindset with them each and every week. The Broncos got there last weekend, and it shouldn't surprise anyone that it was Justin Hodges that got them over the line. He has, for most of this season, looked like one of the few likely attacking options they have going for them. That said, the return of Hoffman to fullback seems to be the right move, and his kick-returns are another reason why the Broncos are not without hope. All those extra yards he can make, combined with what looks like an advantage for the Broncos in the forwards, keeps them in this game. Don't be afraid to tip them if you have a hunch. My only concern remains with there inability to turn opportunities into points, and I won't be convinced until I see them string some wins together in a row. It's not often wingers can be the difference in a footy game, but I worry about those young Bronco wingers. They will be defending against Akuila Uate and James McManus, and those two have scored 27 tries already this season. Knights by 1-12.

Verdict – Knights

Result - Knights 18 drew with Broncos 18

Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters – Friday night – Centrebet Stadium

Here they are folks - my 2013 Premiers. No, it's not the Panthers but the chickens from Bondi that will be lifting that big awkward trophy in September. They are playing at a level above all others as far as I'm concerned. The Bunnies or the Storm at their very best would make a game of it but even then I think the chooks would get the upper hand eventually. The Roosters beat the Knights pretty comfortably last weekend and the weekend before that the Knights blew the Panthers off the paddock. It's not always that simple but there's only one team to tip in this game.

Verdict – Roosters

Result - Roosters 42 defeated Panthers 6

New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday night – Mt Smart Stadium

Since round ten the only side to beat the Warriors was the Rabbitohs. The lads from across the ditch are a side that deserve to make the top eight and boy oh boy they'll provide plenty of headaches for any opponent that faces them in week one of the finals. Mt Smart has become something of a fortress in recent times, and wins over quality opponents (Knights, Sea Eagles, Storm) is proof of such. The Sharks are hanging tight as a group but the ASADA vultures are circling overhead. This reads like one of those games where they may drop their bundle.

Verdict – Warriors

Result - Sharks 18 defeated Warriors 14

Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday night – Parramatta Stadium

These sides met just four rounds ago, and the Sea Eagles won by 50-10. That score sounds about right, and whatever I said four rounds ago is probably still right as well.

Verdict – Sea Eagles

Result - Sea Eagles 40 defeated Eels 6

North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

You've all seen it before - a team underperforming on the paddock suddenly works out how to win following the sacking of the coach. Well the Cowboys actually said goodbye to two coaches this week because Graham Murray, the man replaced by Neil Henry, passed away on Sunday. Few at the Cowboys would have a bad thing to say about Henry, and I doubt that any would have a bad thing to say about Murray. With that in mind, I think the Cowboys will lift on Saturday night and pull out one of their best efforts of the season. Is that enough to beat the Bunnies? Perhap it isn't, but don't forget that Parramatta managed to win after they sacked Stephen Kearney in 2012. This Cowboys side has a lot more talent in it than that Parramatta side. I'm tipping the home side in one of the upsets of the year. Back the Cowboys with the handicap start, and do so with confidence. Gamble responsibly. Gamble responsibly.

Verdict – Cowboys

Result - Cowboys 30 defeated Rabbitohs 12

Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday afternoon – Canberra Stadium

Here's my crazy statistic for this weekend. The away team has won the last five clashes between these two sides. Canberra have won their last three games in Melbourne and the Storm have won their last two in Canberra. In a game where I was struggling to find a winner that seemed a logical enough way to split these two. They may have lost four of their last five but I'll stick with the Storm. I still expect them to peak in the lead up to the finals and we're getting closer every week.

Verdict – Storm

Result - Storm 68 defeated Raiders 4

Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers – Sunday afternoon – Skilled Park

The Titans should win this game, but I can't warm to the backline they've named for Sunday afternoon. They have a forward pack that could win a premiership but without Kelly, Zillman and Idris they just look a little short on for talent in the backs. The Tigers will probably avoid the wooden spoon this season but winning this game will guarantee it. The visitors in an upset.

Verdict – Tigers

Result - Titans 36 defeated Tigers 6

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Monday night – WIN Jubilee Oval

All the Dragons have to play for in season 2013 is pride. Pride won't beat the Bulldogs on Monday night - with or without Ben Barba.

Verdict – Bulldogs

Result - Bulldogs 39 defeated Dragons 20

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

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

• KNIGHTS vs Broncos
• Panthers vs ROOSTERS
• WARRIORS vs Sharks
• Eels vs SEA EAGLES
• Cowboys vs RABBITOHS
• Raiders vs STORM
• TITANS vs Tigers
• Dragons vs BULLDOGS