Round19

Just two competition points separate them right now, with the Storm falling to fourth after their most recent defeat at the hands of the Raiders and South Sydney holding firm in seventh position after picking up their third win in a row on Sunday against the Bulldogs. 

Melbourne have struggled to put it together in attack over the past fortnight and are now without influential fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (knee) for the rest of the year. 

The Bunnies have had no such trouble with ball in hand and are playing with a newfound confidence, led by star fullback Latrell Mitchell. 

With Sitili Tupouniua and Billy Smith gone for the season with knee injuries and Siosiua Taukeiaho out for at least a month with a facial fracture, the Roosters will need every ounce of their renowned fighting qualities to get to the play-offs for a sixth straight year.

The Knights have won just one of five since their round 13 bye and given up 156 points in the process, a worrying sign for Adam O'Brien, although with games against the Bulldogs, Tigers and Titans still to come they could yet get on a late roll.