Canterbury Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium

Last week I was surprised when the Tigers named Cory Paterson in the centres. I was even more surprised when he ended up playing on the wing. He's there again, and I tip my hat to him for slotting in where the team needs him. The kids at the Tigers are alright but they're flat out coming up with a seventeen man squad at the moment and the long season has taken its toll. The Dogs did enough to sneak home over the Eels last weekend and they should find this a lot easier.

Verdict – Bulldogs by 20

Result - Bulldogs 30 defeated Tiger 10

Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles – Friday night – Pirtek Stadium

Jarryd Hayne isn't shy about challenging the referees, and the Sea Eagles have a rich history of doing same. The officials could be ear-less at the end of proceedings on Friday night. Thank you linesman. Thank you ballboys. Seriously, thank you ballboys. The Eels are still, theoretically, playing for a top eight finish...but it isn't going to happen. I've got them in 11th place after this round and their points differential leaves them out of contention. They'll play this game like there's no tomorrow, but those Sea Eagles want the minor premiership and a final at Brookvale Oval. If the players keep the bickering with officials to a dull roar (which I doubt) this would be one heck of a game.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 4

Result - Eels 22 defeated Sea Eagles 12

Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium

The Knights have strung together some decent showings of late but they find themselves in that weird no-mans land - they can't make the top eight and they have avoided the wooden spoon. After this they have two Sunday afternoon games at home to finish the season - if they are going to have an off game this is likely to be it. The injury to Josh Hoffman is a massive blow for the Broncos, but if any team outside the eight can sneak into the finals this is the team. They certainly have a better chance than the Eels. If the Eels lose on Friday night the Broncos will relish the opportunity to go past them, knowing full well that the Warriors and Cowboys have tough games ahead of them this weekend. A lot of ducks have to line up for it to happen, but I like duck. Maranta has been named at fullback to replace Hoffman but I'm wondering if that will change. Maybe Copley to the centres and Hodges to fullback, or even Hodges to five-eighth and Barba to fullback. I'll duck over the road to Broncos HQ and let them know what I think.

Verdict – Broncos by 10

Result - Broncos 48 defeated Knights 6

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night - ANZ Stadium

Last week I embedded a Greg Inglis try against the Broncos on the site, and I'm doing it again. I'm actually slightly more impressed by this one. That's a big call, but this try captures everything about the man that makes him a future immortal - vision, speed, strength, vision and the temerity to know where the camera is for the post-match celebration (I'm calling it a 'goanna'...not sure if it has a name). And to think he can't get a shot at fullback for his state or country. The Cowboys will be hungry but this is tough. Back to back away games and a short turnaround from a Monday night loss against the form team in the comp. The game of the round...and it's a very good round.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4

Result - Cowboys 22 defeated Rabbitohs 10

New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

The Warriors are clinging to the top eight and the Roosters are clinging to the top four. As a result we get a bellringer of a game. The Chooks have no shortage of Kiwis in their squad so they'll feel right at home, and recent results would indicate they are getting back to their best. That said, this opponent will give them a lot more stick than the Tigers, and I expect the Warriors to stand up at home and remind everyone how good they can be. They are, as they have been for years, a team that can beat every other team in the comp when they're on. I'm hoping they're on. Note the early start for those of us living on the West Island of New Zealand...you'll be glad you plonked yourself down in front of this one.

Verdict – Warriors by 2

Result - Roosters 46 defeated Warriors 12

Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders – Sunday afternoon – Remondis Stadium

Fifteenth plays sixteenth in the dreaded race to the bottom. Not a lot has gone right for either side this season but with the ASADA bans looming I expect the Sharks to grab this game with both hands and shake the life out of it. That woeful performance against the Storm last weekend was hardly unpredictable, but I suspect the Sharks already had their eyes on this clash. A chance for a brief moment of happiness in front of their most loyal of supporters. Paul Gallen will cue the Eminem soundtrack for his boys...Look, if you had one shot. One opportunity. To seize everything you ever wanted. One moment. Would you capture it or just let it slip?  On the surface they look calm and ready.

Verdict – Sharks by 4

Result - Raiders 22 defeated Sharks 12

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday afternoon – WIN Jubilee Oval

Oh Dragons! Will I ever tip you guys successfully this season? I was genuinely tempted to tip against them this weekend. If the Titans keep things simple (like they did against the Sea Eagles) and play this game through their big forward pack they'll go very close again. What held them back last weekend was their inability to turn pressure and position into points, and I fear they'll have much the same problem this week. Back the unders in this game I think, or Dragons by 1-12.

Verdict – Dragons by 4

Result - Dragons 34 defeated Titans 6

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm – Monday night – Centrebet Stadium

The Panthers just keep on winning but keeping on winning is about to get a little bit harder. Penrith often play well against the Storm but they don't often win (one from ten...and that one win was by two points). Melbourne are, realistically, the only side that can break into the top four, so this game takes on extra significance for both sides given their ladder positions (3rd and 5th) right now. Craig Bellamy will actually explode if the Storm don't win on Monday night...and no-one wants to see that (especially the cleaners at Centrebet Stadium). Storm by 1-12 is my get-out bet for the round. Gamble responsibly.

Verdict – Storm by 2

Result - Storm 24 defeated Panthers 10

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

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

• BULLDOGS vs Tigers
• Eels vs SEA EAGLES
• BRONCOS vs Knights
• RABBITOHS vs Cowboys
• Warriors vs ROOSTERS
• SHARKS vs Raiders
• DRAGONS vs Titans
• Panthers vs STORM