Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers – Thursday night – Commbank Stadium

Just three teams have scored more points than the Eels this season, but they are yet to win a game. They are averaging more than 22 points per game in attack, significantly more than the 14 per game average of their opponent. This tells us defence is the issue to resolve, and hopefully the return of Ryan "budget hacks" Matterson tidies things up in the middle somewhat. Reagan "it's only money" Campbell-Gillard has paid his $3000 fine for a shoulder charge and is free to play. Penrith spent last weekend in the pool under a shady umbrella when temperatures were in the high 30s in Western Sydney. A timely bye while everyone else had to play a game of football in that weather. The grand final rematch is looking more and more like a must-win for the Eels, but this is a tough game to try and break your season drought.

Verdict – Panthers by 4

Result – Eels 17 defeated Panthers 16

Melbourne Storm vs Wests Tigers – Friday night – AAMI Park

The Storm have just the one win thus far, and that was in extra-time against a team that haven't won a game yet. Luckily for them they are playing the only other team that haven't won a game yet, so this might be exactly the opposition they need to get their season tally up and running. Munster is close to a return, and if Hughes doesn't play it's even more likely that Munster does. As for the Tigers, it looked like they would take four years to score a try against a depleted Knights, but last week they scored three tries against the Bulldogs in four minutes. If they can find the magic of those four minutes and hold onto it for a little longer they would win this, but I'll wait until I've seen it before I start believing in it.

Verdict – Storm by 4

Result – Storm 24 defeated Tigers 12

Redcliffe Dolphins vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium

There are actually two Queensland derbies in this round but, not surprisingly, this one is garnering all the attention. Battle of Brisbane mania has swept across the region and the game has already sold out. The NRL couldn't have been any luckier with how this has played out. Meanwhile the AFL (whose CEO announced to all that AFL was on the cusp of being the biggest sport in QLD*) has scheduled the Lions first home game at exactly the same time. Best of luck to anyone living in Brisbane who just wants to get home on Friday after work. Kaufusi will miss four rounds for a suspension that seems a little heavy-handed (Buddy Franklin knocked a bloke unconscious with a shoulder to the head playing that sport the soccer mums prefer because it's safe, and he will miss one round). He's a big loss for the Phins, and there's been some talk that Katoa won't play too. He's been named in the line-up, but Milford has been seen playing in the halves at training and has been named on the reserves. Watch that space just in case. It's a massive game for both clubs, but it's probably even bigger for the Broncos (the away team...technically). There was plenty of on-field gesturing from the Broncos as they ran over the top of the Dragons last week, and it was all aimed at the Dolphins. They're desperate to make a statement about 'their' town and their 'ground'. I think they will, but I hope the Dolphins can stay in the contest deep into the second half. It's the game of the round, particularly for those of us that like their bananas bent.

* It isn't. It's hard to find any valid measure where this would be true, but bending reality to drive an agenda is their bread and butter so here we are.

Verdict – Broncos by 16

​​​​​​​Result – Broncos 18 defeated Dolphins 12

North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday afternoon – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

The other Queensland derby, with the over-performing Titans taking on the under-performing Cowboys up in Townsville. I'm pleased to see Heilum Luki make his long-awaited return off the bench for the home side. He's a freakish talent but may need some game time before he finds his best. Kieran Foran is the sensible old man the Titans have always needed in their spine, adding composure and leadership to a team full of attacking talent. They're the outsider here, but I see no reason why they can't win this.

Verdict – Titans by 4

​​​​​​​Result – Cowboys 24 defeated Titans 12

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday afternoon – Accor Stadium

I was a little concerned about the Rabbitohs forward pack, who are missing a few big boppers on Saturday. I'm less worried now, because whoever pulls on the cardinal red and myrtle green will carry with them the spirit of the late John Sattler. If that can't turn them into Superman nothing will. The Bunnies will wear the 1970 heritage jersey on Saturday, compete with the torn half-bunny emblem on their hearts. Surely they win. Surely. Latrell to replicate the kicking antics of the great Eric Simms and slot the winning field goal.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 1

​​​​​​​Result – Rabbitohs 13 defeated Sea Eagles 12

New Zealand Warriors vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

The Warriors find themselves in the top four, and I suspect it's the first time they've been there since around 2007. I'm not sure how long they can keep this up, but I like it. They're back home this weekend after a rare win in Townsville, and I'm happy to tip them at home. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returns which can only help. The Bulldogs have notched up back to back wins, but the Warriors should be a more difficult assignment than the Tigers, and the Bulldogs haven't won in New Zealand in more than 8 years. Expecting a high-scoring entertaining contest here.

Verdict – Warriors by 4

​​​​​​​Result – Warriors 16 defeated Bulldogs 14

Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders – Sunday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium

Two teams with one win apiece, but the Raiders form looks a little stronger to my eye. Josh Papali'i returns for the Raiders which only makes them stronger.

Verdict – Raiders by 2

​​​​​​​Result – Knights 24 defeated Raiders 14

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

The Dragons are about to go through some sort of baffling recruitment process for a new coach. Any organisation that thinks this is a good idea mid-season has rocks in their head, but good luck to them I suppose. Hook will have to apply for his own job, and I suppose the best thing he can do to impress the selection panel is win some games. Has to be a distraction though, surely. I suspect they are rushing this because they want to secure Jason Ryles before he replaces Bellamy at the Storm, but that's a guess. Who knows what they'll do if Ryles doesn't apply. No such issues for the Sharks who secured their coach for many seasons to come. The reigning Dally M medallist returns for the Sharks this week too. The battle between two of the best number 7s in the game will go a long way to determining the winner here. Sharks...by barely enough.

Verdict – Sharks by 1

Result – Sharks 40 defeated Dragons 8

Wally Lewis - round four selections (in bold)

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

• Eels vs PANTHERS
• STORM vs Tigers
• Dolphins vs BRONCOS
• COWBOYS vs Titans
• Rabbitohs vs SEA EAGLES
• Warriors vs BULLDOGS
• KNIGHTS vs Raiders
• Dragons vs SHARKS

Vale John Sattler