Canterbury Bulldogs vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium

The Bulldogs used to make a habit of letting their forward pack run rampant and plough straight over the top of those poor little Bunnies, but that was in the pre-Burgess era. Baby George is back on Thursday night with three of his brethren for company. Nobody, and I mean nobody, can plough straight over the top of those four not-so-little Bunnies. That said, the most likely person to bash the Poms is another Pom. Watching James Graham take it up to four enormous opponents is all the entertainment I need, and everything else is tasty icing. Thursday nights are complicated, Australians are hiding their wallets and the weather in Sydney has been hit and miss for a while, but a crowd under 35k would be disappointing. Reynolds has been named, but I doubt he'll get there. I think they'll win anyway.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4

Result - Rabbitohs 21 defeated Bulldogs 14

Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium

A real danger game for the home side, as the Dragons have scored many a victory at Suncorp over the years. Tipping so early in the week is tricky (I cite the changes to the Sharks lineup last weekend as evidence) and I note the seven man bench for the Dragons. There has to be some doubt over Marshall and Dugan, and the omission of either makes considerable difference. The Broncos are unchanged and still in the finals hunt, and Hodges didn't disappoint at fullback last weekend. And I did bump up into a bunch of these Broncos at my local cafe yesterday morning - that might be an omen.

Verdict – Broncos by 4

Result - Broncos 30 defeated Dragons 22

Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels – Saturday afternoon – Hunter Stadium

I highlighted last week that the Knights are now in that zone where they don't have a lot to play for...and they played accordingly. The ASADA suspensions to two key forwards sealed their fate and you couldn't put enough money on the Broncos before kick-off (note: all three teams with suspended ASADA players lost...and lost badly). Even with the Knights at home I'm prepared to back the Eels with confidence this weekend. They'll bring plenty of self-belief with them after running down the Sea Eagles. Amazingly the Eels have the top two try-scorers in the NRL this season - not bad for a team clinging to the top eight with a negative differential. If the Knights do have another win this year it will in round 26 - the Old Boys game, but we'll talk about that then.

Verdict – Eels by 10

Result - Knights 42 defeated Eels 12

Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night - GIO Stadium

It might be the most even competition in the world but there are two games on Saturday night and I'm glad we get this game out of the way first. Genuine respect to anyone lacing up boots in first grade but this is probably the worst looking game all season. That said, it might be entertaining. On paper it looks like a Holden Cup game so we might get a Holden Cup scoreline (38-36). Back the overs, unless its snowing.

Verdict – Raiders by 2

Result - Raiders 27 defeated Tigers 12

Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm – Saturday night – Allianz Stadium

That Raiders/Tigers entree (cream of brocolli soup) was pretty disappointing but the main looks like a Western Australian lobster served on a bed of Tasmanian lobsters. I thought the Warriors were a big hope last weekend but no - the Roosters turned up and played like it was 2013. Are the Chooks on song? Did the Warriors switch off? We'll know on Saturday night. I'm with the tri-colours - this is their best line-up all season and their back five has an edge on the purple machine. It's the game (and the meal) of the round.

Verdict – Roosters by 2

Result - 24 defeated Storm 12

New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

The Titans are in the same boat as the Knights and sadly that boat has landed in Auckland Harbour this weekend. Nate Myles and Dave Taylor are out and I can't imagine how the Titans will cope with all that size running at them. Even the Warriors backs will wear them out. It's the Warriors last home game of the season and I expect a carnival atmosphere. Back Konrad Hurrell to score a try this game into the Warriors by 13+ - it's my bet of the season....but gamble responsibly.

Verdict – Warriors by 14

Result - Warriors 42 defeated Titans 0

Manly Sea Eagles vs Penrith Panthers – Sunday afternoon – Brookvale Oval

Crowds are down in Penrith town and it's not about the team - rather a broadcasting schedule that leaves children unable to attend footy matches kicking off at 2am on Tuesday mornings, just so Fox Sports can fill some gaps in their gaping schedule. The Panthers would kill for some afternoon games and they've finally got one...at Brookie. By the time the Penrith players have reacquainted themselves with sunlight the Sea Eagles will have this one in the bag.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 10

Result - Sea Eagles 26 defeated Panthers 25

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks – Monday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

Those of you that backed the Sharks to win the spoon this season at 1000-1 (on the back of my ridiculous season predictions) can get in touch with me and I'll let you know what I'd like for Christmas. The Sharks wouldn't have a lot of money in the kitty for the end of season trip so a weekend in North Queensland may have to do. If for some reason my bet of the season doesn't win you can back the Cowboys to keep the Sharks scoreless. Yes...you heard me...scoreless. If that gets up we can all have a big Christmas.

Verdict – Cowboys by 38

Result - Cowboys 20 defeated Sharks 19

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

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

• Bulldogs vs RABBITOHS
• BRONCOS vs Dragons
• Knights vs EELS
• RAIDERS vs Tigers
• ROOSTERS vs Storm
• WARRIORS vs Titans
• SEA EAGLES vs Panthers
• COWBOYS vs Sharks