Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers – Thursday night – CommBank Stadium

Technically a home game for both teams, these sides have already met at CommBank earlier this season, where the Panthers prevailed 48-20. All season the Eels have struggled against top eight teams, with their only win over same was a 3-point victory over the 8th placed Cowboys. They do welcome back Moses on Thursday, and he's a big inclusion, but their recent record against the Panthers is poor. The Panthers have been wobbly in recent weeks with just one win for their last four. Through this period their strangehold on the minor premiership has loosened, with just a two-point lead over the Warriors and Roosters. They won't want to risk falling out of the top two, and while the Eels will give them a contest I'll tip the Panthers by a whisker.

Verdict - Panthers by 1

Result - Panthers 24 defeated Eels 18

Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters – Friday night – McDonald Jones Stadium

A couple of narrow losses and the Knights have tumbled from top four candidates to potentially missing the top eight altogether, such is the tightness of the competition this season. Those narrow losses were both to sides in the top eight (Rabbitohs and Sharks) and might give an indication of their level. There's a fair chance the Roosters are a level above those two teams too. Typically I'd argue that home ground advantage gives the Knights an edge, but the Roosters haven't lost a game in Newcastle this decade. They've also beaten the Knights in 9 of the last 10 outings. Furthering the case for the away team, they welcome back two of their best on Friday night in Tedesco and Toia. While everything I've said here would indicate a Roosters victory, I doubt the Knights will lose by much in what could be the game of the round. Last round Ponga converted 1 from 4 while Walker converted 1 from 3. Goalkicking may prove the difference.

Verdict - Roosters by 2

Result - Roosters 23 defeated Knights 22

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm – Friday night – Accor Stadium

The Storm survive for another week, but just about every game is do or die from here. A season-ending injury means Warbrick has played his last ever game for the Storm. Given the casualties they've carried this season, the Storm have done fairly well to remain in the running. Hughes returns this week, which can only help. The Rabbits position is not quite as precarious but they're not in the clear. Currently in 7t position, but the two teams above them and below them on the ladder all still have a bye up there sleeve. Three big omissions for the home side too, with Murray and Duncan injured and Fifita suspended. With those changes in mind, you'd be tempted to tip the Storm, as am I, but the round 8 result between these sides (where the Bunnies won 48-6 in Melbourne) is hard to get out of my head.

Verdict - Rabbitohs by 4

Result - Rabbitohs 28 defeated Storm 26

Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers – Saturday afternoon – GIO Stadium

The Raiders have shown in recent weeks the kind of form I expected from them all season - they'ver certainly left their run very late, and probably too late. They'll miss Pattie this week, who has been a catalyst for better things out of dummy half, and they'll miss Young even more, whose achilles injury sees him out for the year. Hosking moves to the second row, and he's been very good in recent weeks. The Tigers are apparently still in finals contention, but I can't see it. They did knock off the Raiders at Leichhardt earlier this season, but the Raiders appear to have found some genuine form and should get the job done at home. Will be fun to see if the Raiders fans borrow from the Norwegian soccer fans at the world cup. Probably will.

Verdict - Raiders by 8

Result - Raiders 56 defeated Tigers 10

Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday night – Accor Stadium

The Bulldogs have strung together a series of wins and find themselves on the cusp of the eight. Most (if not all) of their recent games have been against the lesser sides, so there's still a question mark over their form. This is a proper test. Importantly, Kikau and Crichton return, which can only improve their prospects. No changes for the Warriors after their narrow win last week, but worth noting that Metcalf isn't far away. Traditionally, the Warriors are an easier opponent when they cross the ditch but that hasn't been case this season. Last start in Sydney they were comfortable winners over the Tigers. This is harder (note the Bulldogs had no trouble with the Tigers last week), but I think the Warriors have the class and the attack in them to get the points.

Verdict - Warriors by 4

Result - Bulldogs 18 defeated Warriors 6

North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

The Broncos overcame hurdle one with their narrow victory over the Panthers last week. There are plenty more hurdles ahead of them, but knocking off the Panthers in Sydney is a great start. Unfortunately they have to back that up with a trip to Townsville to take on a side looking to secure a top eight finish. They have however had three more days to prepare for this game, which has to help. These sides did meet in Round 6 in Brisbane, where the Cowboys prevailed 35-31. That Broncos side didn't include Walsh or Reynolds, while the Cowboys were without Nanai. Nanai makes a habit of scoring tries against the Broncos, and if he can keep slightly dodgy shoulder intact, is the sort of player that can make the difference. The Broncos have won six of the last seven meetings with their northern cousins, and I suspect they can do it again. Essential viewing for those north of the Tweed.

Verdict - Broncos by 1

Result - Cowboys 18 defeated Broncos 10

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday afternoon – St George Venues Jubilee Stadium

The Dragons are probably going to finish last, but if they are to avoid such a fate this is the logical game to win. With that in mind, expect them to throw everything at this game, especially at home. This won't be easy though. The Titans are in fair form and, should results fall their way, can jump from 16th to 12th with a win on Sunday. The Titans beat the Dragons in round four and I think they can beat them again. 

Verdict - Titans by 4

Result - Titans 38 defeated Dragons 18

Manly Sea Eagles vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – 4 Pines Park

Clearly the injury to Tom Trbojevic hurts, but Manly have had plenty of practice over the years getting on with things while Trbojevic is unavailable. It's compounded somewhat this time with Faulalo also out with a hanstring issue. Hopoate takes on the fullback role for now. The Sharks just keep chipping away and look set for another finals appearance in 2026. I doubt they can win the premiership, and I'm not convinced the Sharks think they can win the premiership, but there's no doubting their consistency. I'm pretty confident they get this done while the finals prospects for the Sea Eagles take another negative turn.

Verdict - Sharks by 8

Result - Sharks 48 defeated Sea Eagles 12

Wally Lewis - round twenty-one selections (in bold)

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

• Eels vs PANTHERS
• Knights vs ROOSTERS
• Rabbitohs vs STORM
• RAIDERS vs Tigers
• Bulldogs vs WARRIORS
• Cowboys vs BRONCOS
• Dragons vs TITANS
• Sea Eagles vs SHARKS