Redcliffe Dolphins vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Thursday night – Kayo Stadium

If I could afford to employ David Middleton as my stats man, I would get him to find out if this is the first time a pair of brothers (Jesse and Kenny Bromwich) have played against another pair of brothers (Francis and Michael Molo). It probably isn't a first, but it's pretty cool. We know the Dragons can win this, because they put up a score against the Dolphins in round five. It's the most points the Dragons have scored in a game this season, and it's the most points the Dolphins have conceded this season. It does make me wonder if that result is a statistical anomaly and we should put a line through it as a form reference, but it's hard to forget. What makes this a little different is that both sides will be without their Origin stars - Bun Hunt for the Dragons and Tabuai-Fidow, Gilbert and the suspended Kaufusi for the Dolphins. More players out for the home side but the Dragons could turn into an absolute puddle without Ben Hunt steering the ship. When Hunt isn't around this Dragons outfit can do some funny things - an illegal barbecue comes to mind. The other big difference is the venue - the Dolphins have played 8 games in Queensland this season, but this is just their second game at their (and my) spiritual home in Redcliffe. I'm assuming the joint will be packed despite the ugly timeslot and I do think the Dolphins have an edge in the forwards. Providing their coach reminds the Dolphins to keep it simple I think they can win this simply by being less stupid than their opponents. Dolphins are smart. Dragons are a myth.

Verdict – Dolphins by 4

Result – Dolphins 26 defeated Dragons 12

Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys – Friday night – CommBank Stadium

Every now and then a team gets a score put up against them. It happens, but 66 points doesn't happen very often. In fact, the last time a team scored that many was 30 years ago, so it's unusual. What's even more unusual is when the team scoring that many points is running last on the NRL ladder. I don't need David Middleton to tell me that a result like that is an absolute unicorn. Anyhoo the Cowboys have another game in Sydney, and after getting torn asunder by the team running last they take on the team that racked up a score against the team that was on top of the NRL ladder. Blimey heck, this sounds dire. The Cowboys will also be missing their Origin stars, so no Holmes, Cotter, Deardon or Taulagi. Cripes almighty. Oh, and the Eels will be missing their one Origin player, Junior Paulo, but in slots their new recruit Joe Ofahengaue, who has probably been the Tigers best player for two years. Baby cheeses...this could get ugly. 

Verdict – Eels by 34

Result – Eels 24 defeated Cowboys 16

New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – McLean Park, Napier

We used to call these Origin-depleted Broncos teams the Baby Broncos, but quite a few of their babies are lining up for Queensland this year. They'll be without Walsh, Cobbo, Haas, Carrigan and Flegler, and it's the absence of the last three in that list that worry me the most. That's the core of the Broncos engine room right there, and I'm not sure if those that step into the breach can make up for the quality that's unavailable. No such issues for the Warriors, who often rack up a few wins at this time of the season. Note that this game will be played in Napier. It's not the first NRL game in Napier, but it is the first game in Napier for the Warriors. It's strange, but true. If Addin Fonua-Blake was playing in an Australian-based NRL team he would be on the bench for NSW instead of Tevita Pengai Jnr, but his incredible performances for the Warriors don't get the attention they deserve. He's massive odds to score a try in this game against a depleted Broncos pack. You could do worse, but if you do, do it responsibly.

Verdict – Warriors by 4

​​​​​​​Result – Broncos 26 defeated Warriors 22

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Accor Stadium

I'm no doctor, but I struggle to get my head around the idea that Campbell Graham has a sternum injury that rules him out of first Origin game, but doesn't rule him out of an NRL game taking place four days earlier. I suppose we will all just smile politely and pretend it's not dodgy as. He's one of the two players for the Bunnies I didn't expect to be available, with Damian Cook missing out on NSW selection. With those two available for the Bunnies I will lean that way in what looks like the game of the round.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4

​​​​​​​Result – Raiders 33 defeated Rabbitohs 26

Newcastle Knights vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium

We have brothers playing with each other on Thursday night, and we have brothers playing against each other on Sunday afternoon. For the Knights, Jack Johns replaces Tyson Frizell in the second row, while Cooper Johns replaces Cherry-Evans in the halves for the Sea Eagles. Big shoes to fill for both brothers. A huge game for Josh Schuster here, the Manly playmaker is under plenty of scrutiny. While his fitness continues to be an issue, there is no doubt that the kid can play. He has delivered six try assists for Manly this season, which is the equal of Cleary, Luai, Ilias, Moylan and Keary. Equal on six they may be, but that list of playmakers have played 11 or 12 games this year, and Josh Schuster has done it in four. The kid can play. He's behind a pack that could dominate this contest, and I think the Sea Eagles can pull off what would be a proper upset.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 2

​​​​​​​Result – Knights 28 defeated Sea Eagles 16

Wally Lewis - round thirteen selections (in bold)

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

• Dolphins vs DRAGONS
• EELS vs Cowboys
• WARRIORS vs Broncos
• Rabbitohs vs RAIDERS
• KNIGHTS vs Sea Eagles

Vale Tina Turner