Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters – Thursday night – Suncorp Stadium

The Roosters may be perched in the upper reaches of the competition ladder, but when one looks at who they've played this season one starts to second guess them a little. They've played just one other team that's going well (the Sea Eagles) and they lost. The only other team they've played in the top eight is Penrith – now Penrith are barely in the top eight and the Chooks were pretty lucky to beat them. Meanwhile the Broncos have beaten the teams that are currently fifth and sixth and went painfully close to beating the teams that are currently first and fourth. Their loss last week to the Bulldogs was disappointing, but conditions on the night certainly didn't help. A return to a dry surface should see an improved performance from the home side. Note also the injury to Dylan Napa for the tricolours. He must have been on the verge of an Origin call-up this season and his absence evens up that forward contest. Potentially the game of the round in front of what should be a big crowd for a Thursday night.

Verdict – Broncos by 4

Result – Broncos 32 defeated Roosters 8

Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – McDonald Jones Stadium

We must give credit where it's due, and the Knights deserve some credit. But for one absolute blow-out they've been competitive week-in and week-out. Given the cattle they have at their disposal it's hard to ask for more than that. If the Bulldogs take this game lightly they'll come unstuck, but I'm leaping to the conclusion that Des will insist that they aren't in form until they are stringing wins together. Two is a string...for the Bulldogs at least.

Verdict – Bulldogs by 8

Result – Bulldogs 22 defeated Knights 12

Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – Pepper Stadium

The Panthers were given a lesson in professionalism by the Melbourne Storm, then three of their players backed up that effort by breaking curfew and getting on the drink. So no Moylan, no Blake and no Hiku this weekend. They'll be sitting alongside the injured Peachey, Cartwright, and Fisher-Harris which leaves one of the most talented rosters in the competition light on for talent. Some young kids get a chance to step up in front of a home crowd. Some will handle it and some won't. There's enough doubts for me and I'm happy to tip the Bunnies in an upset.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 2

Result – Rabbitohs 21 defeated Panthers 20

Manly Sea Eagles vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Saturday afternoon – Lottoland

Not so long ago the Dragons couldn't score in a you-know-where, but right now they're top two and they've scored more points than every other team. How this transformation has occurred is anyone's guess but it's a delight to see. So too the Sea Eagles who looked destined for another ho-hum season. They've now won three on the trot and they're entertaining to boot. They're back at Lottoland and the last time they were here they flogged the Bulldogs 36-0. We'll have nothing like that scoreboard this weekend, but the Dragons are Dugan-less and his absence gives the home side a slight edge. With or without Dugan it's the game of the round.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 4

Result – Dragons 35 defeated Sea Eagles 10

Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Cbus Super Stadium

There's probably a way for the Raiders to lose this game, but there's at least a thousand ways they can win it. I'm happy to take $1.42. Good things.

Verdict – Raiders by 16

Result – Raiders 42 defeated Titans 16

North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

I can see Cleary now that Taylor's gone. A tough road trip for the new coach. The inury to Granville makes it a little easier but there was nothing in that Tigers attack last weekend that should worry the Cowboys too much. A tough road trip and a long quite flight home.

Verdict – Cowboys by 22

Result – Tigers 26 defeated Cowboys 16

New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

In the first two rounds the Eels beat the Sea Eagles and the Dragons, and all of sudden that looks like darn good form. Since then the Eels have been close to woeful. That said, they'll find this contest a lot easier than their last two outings against the Sharks and the Raiders. Given the players lining up for the Warriors on Sunday I can understand why they are a warm favourite on a Sunday at home, but goodess gracious you can't tip them with confidence. I'm leaning their way but barely so, because they've been awful and they fell over the line against an injury-depleted Titans last week. I'm assuming Foran will be better for the run last week, and his combinations with the rest of that Warriors spine should continue to improve. I'm not remotely confident, but the Eels have given me nothing to be confident about either. The home side...by default really.

Verdict – Warriors by 2

Result – Warriors 22 defeated Eels 10

Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – AAMI Park

Call me a romantic old fool, but that was rather cute watching Cooper talking us through his decision to leave the Storm at the end of season 2017. My guess for where he ends up next season – the Dragons. I'm not sure how the Storm will respond to the news but they usually respond to just about everything by winning. I expect Cooper will feel some relief now that the decision is made and he'll be very keen indeed to do all he can to end his career in purple with another premiership. Clearly the Sharks can beat the Storm – they did exactly that in the 2016 grand final, but they've been to AAMI Park seven times previously and they're yet to find a win.

Verdict – Storm by 4

Result – SHarks 11 defeated Storm 2

Wally Lewis - round six selections (in bold)

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

• BRONCOS vs Roosters
• Knights vs BULLDOGS
• PANTHERS vs Rabbitohs
• SEA EAGLES vs Dragons
• Titans vs RAIDERS
• COWBOYS vs Tigers
• WARRIORS vs Eels
• STORM vs Sharks

Last one on the Couch competition

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