Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers – Thursday night – Cbus Super Stadium

I'm not rugby league stats guru David Middleton, nor is he in my house so I can't ask him if this is true, but I heard that the Titans have, since the start of season 2020, led by 20 or more points on nine separate occasions and lost. One of those nine was last week, where I foolishly didn't return for the second half of their capitulation against the Raiders. Sounds like the Titans need a fitness coach, or a half-time speech from the coach coach reminding them all that the game isn't over. Hopefully he's been drumming that message into them at training all week. If you can believe all the scuttlebutt the coach at the Tigers has a whole lot more drama to contend with. Some of it, perhaps even none of it, may be true. I'm sure all of it isn't true. Anyhoo, if a footy club is in turmoil what better way to sort it out than a road trip away to the Goldie on a Thursday night. The Tigers don't even have to play again until next Sunday, so they could make a proper weekend of it. What could possibly go wrong? The Titans have won one and lost two thus far, but all three games were contests. Through three games they have conceded 74 points, so if they can get their defence in order they are a top eight team. Recent (and temporary) recruit Jamayne Isaako slots straight in at fullback for the injured Jayden Campbell. As for the Tigers, I won't be tipping them until they show me they know how to win. Could be a long season.

Verdict – Titans by 4

Result – Titans 8 defeated Tigers 6

Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights – Friday night – Pointsbet Stadium

It's no secret that the Sharks are my least favourite team. There's a long list of reasons, and I'll admit that a small number of those reasons don't make any sense. My hatred runs deep and goes back decades, and they deserve my wrath. So with that in mind, it tells you how much I like Nicho Hynes as a footballer and as a human that I will happily sit down and watch him steer the Sharkies around the paddock. In a sport that needs playmakers he is an NRL wet dream - eloquent, considered, indigenous and (I'm constantly reminded) gorgeous. His partnership with Moylan is working and, as I'm constantly reminded, they're the best looking pair of playmakers in the NRL. I challenged this claim this morning, showing Ms Thinker a photo of Knights playmakers Clifford and Clune, and she's been dry-reaching in the bathroom ever since. Looks aren't everything, but they'll get the two points on Friday night.

Verdict –  Sharks by 10

Result – Sharks 18 defeated Knights 0

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

I made the mistake (and let's be honest, I make a few) of tipping against the Panthers last week. I had entirely sensible reasons, and the Knights were actually in front until Barnett became the first send off for the year, but in the end the Panthers prevailed, and by a margin. They are a team that knows how to win, and they clearly have plenty of depth and young talent coming through their system. Nathan Cleary returns tonight to captain a team that hasn't lost a game this season without him. Cleary is only 24, so we have to call him a young talent too. The Panthers could keep on winning like this for years. The Bunnies were terrific last week, but it was against their old foe. They need to back that up again and then some. That's possible, because they'll have some confidence after that, but the Panthers hardly lose to anyone, especially at home. It's the grand final rematch, and you don't need me to tell you it's the game of the round.

Verdict – Panthers by 7

Result – Panthers 26 defeated Rabbitohs 12

New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday afternoon – Moreton Daily Stadium

If you are only as good as your last game the Broncos are in trouble here. A team whose defence was a highlight through rounds one and two fell to bits in round three. They need to resolve that quickly because their attack isn't exactly firing - their last four tries have all been scored by the same bloke. The Broncos forwards were dominated and out-enthused by the Cowboys which really surprised me. Reynolds tried to keep them in the game with his boot but he was back-pedalling for much of the afternoon. While I can't tip them confidently after that performance I am going to tip them. The only team the Warriors have beaten this season is the Tigers, and they only just managed to do that.

Verdict – Broncos by 4

Result – Warriors 20 defeated Broncos 6

Manly Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee

I honestly don't know what to do with this. I can't get a read on either team. They both won last start, but neither in a way that impressed me much. They meet on neutral territory here, but I'll assume the Raiders will have more fans at the ground. Manly fans won't travel across Sydney Harbour to watch their team so I doubt they'll be driving to Mudgee (unless they need to restock the wine cellar). Sea Eagles for mine, on the basis that they have a history of slow starts to the season and have (probably) faced stronger opposition thus far. But please, don't let me change your mind on this one.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 1

Result – Sea Eagles 25 defeated Raiders 6

North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters – Saturday night – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Now I'm battling the same demons as the Roosters coach this week, so I could easily be delirious, but the Cowboys are deadset specials here. I had an offer to attend this game but cannot attend (like the Roosters coach), and that just makes the Cowboys even bigger certainties. You see, I've been to five Cowboys games, and they lost every single time. I can't make it, so they'll win. That's just how the universe works. It's bigger than you or I and we just have to accept this reality. Also note that the Cowboys are rank outsiders and I could easily be delirious...but deadset specials.

Verdict – Cowboys by 4

Result – Roosters 28 defeated Cowboys 4

Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – AAMI Park

For two weeks in a row the Storm have given their fans at AAMI Park palpitations on their palpitations with heart-stopping finishes.It's been exciting, but they probably deserve a more comfortable night out. Grant and Coates have been named this week - two handy inclusions it must be said. For years I have been saying the Bulldogs will always put the effort in, and that is still the case. They're a team on the improve, but Melbourne in Melbourne is a step beyond them.

Verdict – Storm by 16

Result – Storm 44 defeated Bulldogs 0

Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – CommBank Stadium

The Eels have won two from three this season, with their one loss a narrow defeat to the Sharks away from home. Note that the Dragons just played the Sharks down in Wollongong and got absolutely trounced. I'm willing to make a pick based on that form line. I'll miss Ray Stone a lot this season...he's my kind of player. Get well sir.

Verdict – Eels by 14

Result – Eels 48 defeated Dragons 14

Wally Lewis - round four selections (in bold)

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

• TITANS vs Tigers
• SHARKS vs Knights
• PANTHERS vs Rabbitohs
• Warriors vs BRONCOS
• SEA EAGLES vs Raiders
• Cowboys vs ROOSTERS
• STORM vs Bulldogs
• EELS vs Dragons