Match Preview

PNG v Fiji: Johnston and Kikau headline all star cast

After Samoa and Cook Islanads have the set the scene in the earlier game it's over to PNG and Fiji to light up the stadium with some ferocious defence and flashy attack in their first clash since November, 2019.

On that occasion it was the Bati prevailing 22-20 in a thriller in Christchurch with Viliame Kikau and Tui Kamikamica among the tryscorers and Maika Sivo running for 214 metres.

Bulldogs v Wests Tigers: Morrin set to debut; Doueihi ready to go

With Matt Burton and Josh Addo-Carr running amok out wide and Tevita Pangai jnr on a mission in the middle, the Bulldogs stormed to their third win of the season and gave hope for better things to come in the run home.

Interim coach Mick Potter has had his first taste of success after four games at the helm while his counterpart Brett Kimmorley will look to open his account in his second game at the helm.

Raiders v Knights: Schiller comes onto bench; Clune in for Clifford

Led by the stoic efforts of Joseph Tapine and Jack Wighton, the Raiders can consider themselves a touch unlucky to have fallen by eight to the Eels, six to the Roosters and six to the Broncos over the past three weeks.

Prior to that, Ricky Stuart's men were superb in knocking off the Rabbitohs in Dubbo and the Sharks on the Shire but, at the end of it all, still head into Sunday's clash with just two Premiership points more than the Novocastrians.

Eels v Roosters: Rodwell promoted for Brown; Keary out, Verrills back

Trent Robinson's men got the better of the Eels in Magic Round but have lost three of four since that clash, while Parramatta will be reeling after an ambush at the hands of the Bulldogs on Sunday.

There were plenty of positives for the Roosters out of the loss to Melbourne but another concussion for playmaker Luke Keary put a dampener on the night.

The Eels welcomed back Maika Sivo at Accor Stadium but were outplayed and out-enthused by a Bulldogs side which started fast and never took the foot off the throttle.

Warriors v Panthers: Fonua-Blake returns; Yeo back from break

The Panthers could not have been more impressive in their demolition of Newcastle while the Warriors started well enough against Cronulla but fell away badly in Jones' first game at the helm.

Ivan Cleary's men have lost just one game all season and have positioned themselves perfectly to emulate the Roosters in 2018-19 and collect back-to-back premierships.

If the Warriors are to throw a spanner in the works they will need to get their discipline in check and cut out the simple errors that cost them any chance of victory against the Sharks.

Sharks v Titans: Finucane a late inclusion; Clark cleared to play

Under new coach Craig Fitzgibbon the Sharks are putting together an impressive campaign although a lack of consistency has become something of a concern with their last eight games reading L-W-L-W-L-W-L-W.

The Titans, meanwhile, would happily settle for such a record having dropped nine of their past 10 games and conceded 282 points in the process.

Sea Eagles v Cowboys: DCE back at the helm; Cotter, Nanai return

Todd Payten's men have won five from seven away games in 2022 so a trip to Manly's spiritual home shouldn't faze them, although the loss of young gun Heilum Luki for the season presents a significant challenge after a relatively injury-free run to date.

The Sea Eagles have had their own setbacks with superstar Tom Trbojevic and workhorse Karl Lawton gone for the season but Des Hasler won't be making any excuses if his team misses out on finals for the second time in three years.

PNG Hunters vs Northern Pride Round 12 Preview

Sunday’s clash is an important game for both sides, who currently sit equal on the ladder with three wins apiece so far this season.

With the pointy end of the year approaching, the two points on offer in Round 12 are invaluable as the Hunters and Pride both chase a coveted finals berth.

 

Storm v Broncos: Papenhuyzen out; Ribs sideline Reynolds

After winning just seven games last season and three the year before, Brisbane have already chalked up nine wins this year on the back of Adam Reynolds' poise and the power of Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas, but they'll have to make do without their skipper at AAMI Park after he injured his ribs against Canberra.

The Storm were pushed all the way by the Roosters on Saturday but found a way to win even with three players backing up from Origin and Xavier Coates sidelined by an ankle injury.

Raiders v Roosters: Frawley steps up; Waerea-Hargreaves ruled out

The Raiders have won three of five at home this season and will be smarting after pushing the Eels to the limit on Sunday but ultimately going down by eight points.

These two sides have engaged in some epic battles in recent years dating back to the 2019 grand final, when a fair dash of controversy surrounded the Roosters' victory and Raider Jack Wighton had the rare honour of collecting the Clive Churchill Medal in a beaten side.