Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm  – Thursday night – Bankwest Stadium

Two teams that achieved the same outcome in round one, but went about it in very different ways. The Storm jumped the boxes and held what looked like an unassailable 22-0 lead after 30 minutes. They managed to score just two penalty goals after that point but the damage had been done - we all know how smart the Storm are when it comes to protecting a lead. Meanwhile the Eels trailed 16-0 after 30 minutes, but found their mojo in the second half. It helped that their opponent had tired almost to a walk in the latter stages (and have made a habit of leading but losing). If the Eels start this game like they started their round one game this isn't a contest, but that seems unlikely. Their coach will have drilled into them all week the importance of starting well. With that in mind, this could look like a contest for a while, but the defending premiers once again appear to be the NRL benchmark. Their spine has historically been one of the best in the competition and, despite the personnel changes it remains so. Munster and Papenhuyzen could be the best two players in the game right now, and Hughes one of the most under-rated. When Harry Grant returns, the purple machine could potentially lift to another level...frightening. It's the game of the round.

Verdict – Storm by 8

Result – Eels 16 defeated Storm 12

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights – Friday night – Central Coast Stadium

I'm guilty as charged of under-estimating the Warriors and Knights last week, with both teams notching up convincing wins. The Warriors don't win two games in a row very often - particularly not in the first two rounds of the season, and particularly not in Australia. That said, the Central Coast is something of a second home for them now. The Knights will be happy they can catch the bus to this away game (and not a flight) but this won't be easy. Team line-ups are virtually unchanged from last week, although Euan Aitken is out for a few months for the Warriors with an ankle issue. Pompey slots in as replacement. The Warriors have long struggled in the halves ever since Stacey Jones called it a day, but they have a legitimate prospect on their hands with Chanel Harris-Tavita. One day they might name a perfume after him...Chanel No. 7 perhaps.

Verdict – Warriors by 4

Result – Knights 20 defeated Warriors 16

Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – Cbus Super Stadium

The M1 derby returns, and there should be some extra spice on offer with both sides desperate to win their first game of the season. Asiata and Coates have both been named which is something of a surprise, while Matt Lodge will miss 2-3 weeks. His go-forward in the middle will be missed on what will be a very heavy surface on Friday night. Keep an eye on Tevita Pangai Jnr, who is still nuts enough to try and land something on David Fifita and end up in the bin or worse. And while I'm here I need to give a shout out to one of the most under-appreciated blokes in the game. David Mead returned to the NRL last week for the first time in four years. He broke tackles, he broke the line, and he ran for nearly 200 metres in  a losing side. A champion bloke, and for my money still holds the trophy for the freakiest try I've seen in the NRL. Given the weather I'm not sure if they'll pack the joint, but there should be a fair crowd on hand nonetheless. Both teams will want to make a statement here, and this could end up being a very good game of football. 

Verdict – Titans by 2

​​​​​​​Result – Titans 28 defeated Broncos 16

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday afternoon – Bankwest Stadium

The Panthers kept their opponent scoreless in round one, continuing their stellar form from last year where they did everything but win the premiership. The Bulldogs let me down last week, and were beaten statistically on almost every measure by the Knights on a wet track. This will be a wet game too, against a much better opponent. Headaches for the new Bulldogs coach already.

Verdict – Panthers by 16

​​​​​​​Result – Panthers 28 defeated Bulldogs 0

Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday afternoon – Lottoland

Both sides lost in the first round against strong opposition, but there was clearly more to like with the Rabbitohs performance. Seeminly out of the contest, they clawed their way back into the game and defended their tryline for the last 50 minutes. Manly started badly...and finished worse. The one thing going for them on Saturday is the venue, but there's some risk they could be torn to shreds again in this. Tom Burgess is a miraculous inclusion after being stretchered off in a neck brace in round one.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 22

​​​​​​​Result – Rabbitohs 26 defeated Sea Eagles 12

North Queensland Cowboys vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Saturday night – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

I don't know what to make of the performances of either side last week. So instead I will focus on something I do know a little about. The weather in Townsville in March is still pretty hideous...even at 6.30 at night. I expect it will be about 28 degrees when they kick off and the humidity will be sapping. It will sap the Cowboys too, but I'm assuming they're a little more acclimatised. So there you have it, I'm tipping the Cowboys because of the climate. Note that Corey Norman is back for the Dragons after his indiscretion or heroic display depending on who you ask.

Verdict – Cowboys by 4

​​​​​​​Result – Dragons 25 defeated Cowboys 18

Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters – Sunday afternoon – Campbelltown Sports Stadium

A couple of significant outs for the Chooks with Friend and Crichton unavailable. Sam Walker moves ever closer to his much-awaited debut...but not yet. Doueihi returns for the Tigers, shunting Mbye onto the interchange. The Tigers weren't awful against the Raiders in round one, but they were never going to win. I expect a similar outcome here.

Verdict – Roosters by 8

​​​​​​​Result – Roosters 40 defeated Tigers 6

Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders – Sunday night – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

In round one the Sharks played at this venue as the away team. In round two they are the home team. Tis a funny game this one. In any case, the Raiders have a better pack of forwards, a better bench, a better backline and a better coach. They better win.

Verdict – Raiders by 10

​​​​​​​Result – Raiders 12 defeated Sharks 10

Wally Lewis - round two selections (in bold)

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

• Eels vs STORM
• Warriors vs KNIGHTS
• TITANS vs Broncos
• Bulldogs vs PANTHERS
• Sea Eagles vs RABBITOHS
• COWBOYS vs Dragons
• Tigers vs ROOSTERS
• Sharks vs RAIDERS