Canberra Raiders vs Manly Sea Eagles – Friday night – GIO Stadium

The Raiders are warming up nicely as the season progresses, and are on track for their fourth win in succession in what is a rare game for them under the bright lights on a Friday night. Their victory over the Warriors last week was full of merit – two late withdrawals left the Raiders with just 15 players to work with. It's been nine years since a team have done that in the NRL, and not only did the Raiders win but they were strong at the tail end of that 20-8 victory. They are the real deal. The Sea Eagles were strong at the tail end of their round seven game too, but left their run too late. Martin Taupau returns up front for the visitors and Manly will need every one of their big men performing if they want to match the might of the Raiders pack. That said, the forwards battle won't be where this game is won (and that's unusual). That edge attack from Leilua and Rapana is probably the best in the league, and it's that edge where Manly have conceded most of their points this year. Those looking at try-scoring betting options take note, and for those just looking for a tip....the Raiders are specials.

Verdict – Raiders by 8

Result – Sea Eagles 20 defeated Raiders 18

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – ANZ Stadium

In the last five weeks the Bunnies only victories have been at the expense of the spare tyres at the Panthers (by a solitary point) and the Knights by six. In their three losses they got towelled up by the Chooks, Storm and Bulldogs. I think the Broncos have more in common with the teams that towelled up the Bunnies. Sam Burgess gets to lace on the boots, which makes the Bunnies slightly more competitive but not competitive enough to win. I thought the Raiders were specials, but the Broncos even moreso.

Verdict – Broncos by 14

Result – Broncos 25 defeated Rabbitohs 24

Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday afternoon – ANZ Stadium

While the Eels vs Tigers game on Easter Monday was entertaining to watch, few would have walked away thinking either team would be competing with the better sides in the competition. The Eels looked good late, but the Tigers made them so. Penrith are fast becoming the most disappointing team this season (which isn't easy when you're in the same competition as the Warriors). I suggested many times last season that the Panthers looked very good against the poorer teams but struggled against the very best teams. This theory had me in a running battle with you-know-who...but I was right. This year they've flogged the Tigers and the Knights, but lost to the Dragons, Roosters and Sharks. It looks like nothing has changed. Now I just have to decide if the Eels are a good team or not. I don't think they are, but keep an eye on the team line-ups. If Kenny Edwards starts at fullback (ignore this...I'm an idiot), Gutherson switches to the halves and Takairangi takes on utility duties off the bench I could change my mind. As teams currently stand, I'll tip the Panthers with almost no confidence whatsoever.

Verdict – Panthers by 2

Result – Eels 18 defeated Panthers 12

North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

There's been a playmaker inside John Asiata bursting to show himself and he gets another chance to shine. So too Ponga in the fullback role, against the club he joins next season. Clearly the Cowboys are one or two forwards and one or two Thurstons short of a premiership threat at the minute, but they finished well against the Dragons last week and they should be too strong at home.

Verdict – Cowboys by 10

Result – Cowboys 24 defeated Knights 12

Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday night – Southern Cross Stadium

The extended bench for the Titans creates interest with Hayne, Proctor and Hurrell all named in the 21. Of those, only Hayne is any real chance of playing. If he does, this is quite the task he faces in his return. The Sharks haven't conceded a try in their last two games, and those games were away from home. They're back at their spiritual home with an unchanged line-up, and they'll win this in a canter.

Verdict – Sharks by 22

Result – Titans 16 defeated Sharks 12

Wests Tigers vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – ANZ Stadium

I spoke of the Tigers earlier but I'll say it again. They aren't good enough. Their right edge defence leaked points last week, and I'm sure Des Hasler noticed. Note that one of the weak links on that Tigers edge is out injured this week but they don't exactly have a truckload of first grade centres to call upon. I'd be tempted to throw Chris Lawrence back out there again, if his hamstrings can take the pace. There's not many levers Cleary can pull, and whatever he does come up with is likely to fall short. Note the venue – it's a Tigers home game played at the Bulldogs home ground.

Verdict – Bulldogs by 8

Result – Tigers 18 defeated Bulldogs 12

Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Tuesday afternoon – Allianz Stadium

If you only watch one game this round make sure it's this one, and if you're in Sydney on ANZAC Day you could do worse than stroll down to the Sydney Football Stadium for what is one of the real highlights of the NRL season. My blood flows red, white and blue so perhaps that is colouring my judgement but I'm happy to tip the Chooks here. Their forward pack will be a sterner test for the Dragons than what they faced in round seven. Note that Dylan Napa is some chance of an early return too.  If the Roosters are to be taken seriously as premiership contenders they need a big scalp, and I've a feeling they'll be primed for a breakout performance.

Verdict – Roosters by 4

Result – Roosters 13 defeated Dragons 12

Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors – Tuesday night – AAMI Park

This ANZAC Day clash is often over-shadowed by the afternoon game, but is a worthy spectacle indeed. In fact, the Storm have often shown us their very best on this day, and the Storm at their best are better than everyone. Will Chambers returns to strengthen the backline. The Warriors are yet to win away from Mt Smart this season, and they're backing up from a trip to Canberra with a trip to Melbourne. Do they actually go home in between? A game that often surprises on the upside, as the Warriors do like to remind us that NZ is a very important part of ANZAC. In any case, the Storm will get the points in the end.

Verdict – Storm by 8

Result – Storm 20 defeated Warriors 14

Wally Lewis - round eight selections (in bold)

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

• RAIDERS vs Sea Eagles
• Rabbitohs vs BRONCOS
• Eels vs PANTHERS
• COWBOYS vs Knights
• SHARKS vs Titans
• Tigers vs BULLDOGS
• ROOSTERS vs Dragons
• STORM vs Warriors

Last one on the Couch competition

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