Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys – Thursday night – Leichhardt Oval

Some wise old heads return for the Tigers in Klemmer and Olam as the Tigers attention focuses on avoiding the wooden spoon. There are really only two team that can run last this season, and they get to play each other in their final game of the season. The Tigers still have a bye up their sleeve, and an easier run home than the Eels, so I think they can haul themselves up to 15th. Their challenge on Thursday has been made a little easier with the injuries to Cotter and Taumalolo, but the Cowboys have beaten two top eight teams in a row and are likely to find this easier, just as they did when they racked up 42 points against the Tigers in round 12.

Verdict – Cowboys by 7

Result – Cowboys 48 defeated Tigers 30

New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – Go Media Stadium

For those that missed the news, not only have the Warriors sold out this game on Friday night, they have already sold out their final home game of the regular season against the Bulldogs in round 25. This is the first time in rugby league history, anywhere on the planet, that a team has sold out every home game in a season. Not bad for a team currently 12th on the ladder, and a clear sign that the popularity of rugby league is on the rise in New Zealand. I haven't given up on the Warriors sneaking into the top eight this season. They have a better points differential than the teams directly above them on the ladder and they still have a bye round ahead of them. That solitary point they collected in round 6 against the Sea Eagles just might get them over the line. Both the Warriors and Eels are trying to manage long injury lists at the minute, but the Warriors welcome back Johnson and Nicoll-Klokstad on Friday. Johnson hasn't had a terrific season, but the Warriors will appreciate his goal-kicking. The Warriors have won 3 of their last 4 at home, and that loss was to the Storm. This is an easier assignment.

Verdict – Warriors by 8

Result – Eels 30 defeated Warriors 20

Redcliffe Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters – Friday night – HBF Park, Perth

My ongoing affection for the Dolphins has proven costly in recent weeks, as they continue to compete but fall just short more often than not. Last week they led 14-0 and looked comfortable against the Titans, but they couldn't trouble the scorers after the 20th minute. Isaiya Katoa, still only 20, bears much of the responsibility for leading this team around, and it's a lot to ask. He's terrific, and he's a star, and in the years ahead he will get better and better at managing games and steering a path to victory. Note the neutral location, in what seems more and more likely to be the home of the next team to join the NRL competition. Also note the return of Joseph Manu for the Roosters - a handy addition to a roster that's already brimming with talent.

Verdict – Roosters by 14

Result – Roosters 40 defeated Dolphins 34

Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday afternoon – CBus Super Stadium

The mathemagicians will tell you the Broncos can still make the top eight this year, but I dislike Maths and I detest Magic...and it's not going to happen. These sides met back in round 12 where the Titans surprised the Broncos with a 36-34 victory. Since then, the Broncos have won just the one game (and lost six). Last week, more than 42,000 fronted up to watch them get utterly humbled. Despite that poor performance, the Broncos have made just one change to the side (dropping Cobbo...which I won't comment on because I don't want to get in trouble). Meanwhile, the Titans have clawed themselves safely away from the clutches of the wooden spoon, racking up wins against the Warriors, Sharks, Eels and Dolphins as they go. They'll be playing at home, and they get to go above the Broncos on the ladder if they beat them again. I think they will.

Verdict – Titans by 4

Result – Titans 46 defeated Broncos 18

Melbourne Storm vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Saturday night – AAMI Park

It's been a quarter of a century since the Dragons beat the Storm in Melbourne, and the Storm have won 17 of their past 18 games at AAMI Park. Last week the Dragons played the team running second and conceded 46 points. A few weeks prior they played the team running third and conceded 42. There may be a reason to tip the Dragons on Saturday night, but I can't find it, and I don't want to spend any more time looking for it.

Verdict – Storm by 16

Result – Dragons 18 defeated Storm 16

Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday night – PointsBet Stadium

Alright, I give up. The Sharks are going to make the top eight this season. They may even make the top four - they have just one game against a top eight team for the rest of the regular season (and that team is 7th). Can they give the finals series a shake? I wouldn't have thought so, but they'll be there, so they get credit for that. They're playing at home on Saturday night against the 15th placed Rabbitohs. The return of Murray will give them a boost, but last week they looked like a side that have resigned to their fate this season. Perhaps they just didn't want to be at Canberra on a cold Sunday night. I don't blame them for that, but they probably don't want to be at Cronulla on a cold Saturday night either.

Verdict – Sharks by 8

Result – Sharks 20 defeated Rabbitohs 6

Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – BlueBet Stadium

I doubt anyone forgot how good Nathan Cleary is, but he's certainly reminded everyone during the last fortnight. He's backed up his extra-time heroics against the Dolphins with a game for the ages against the Dragons - three tries, two try assists, seven conversions (from 8 attempts), 242 metres with the ball tucked under the arm, 232 metres booting the ball down the paddock, and five tackle breaks. He may not be everyone's cup of tea, but he's a nice cup of tea. He's down a few more troops this weekend, with Fisher-Harris and Laurie unavailable, but we all know the Panthers have plenty of depth. The Knights probably need to win this to keep their finals hopes alive, but I doubt that they can. The last time they played they were flogged by the Broncos, and that form is looking a little bit flimsy.

Verdict – Panthers by 13

Result – Panthers 22 defeated Knights 14

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders – Sunday afternoon – Belmore Sports Ground

You can't get a ticket to this game and I'm not surprised. The believers will be out in force at Belmore as the Bulldogs can all but lock in a top eight finish with a win on Sunday. A repeat of their effort last week will get them the points at home. The Raiders have won just 3 of 8 games away from home this season - one of those was way back in round one, and the most recent wins were by narrow margins. This will test them.

Verdict – Bulldogs by 8

Result – Bulldogs 22 defeated Raiders 18

Wally Lewis - round twenty two selections (in bold)

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

• Tigers vs COWBOYS
• WARRIORS vs Eels
• Dolphins vs ROOSTERS
• Titans vs BRONCOS
• STORM vs Dragons
• SHARKS vs Rabbitohs
• PANTHERS vs Knights
• BULLDOGS vs Raiders