Parramatta Eels V St George Illawarra Dragons
Friday 10 April 2009 19:35 - Parramatta Stadium
Referees: Ashley Klein & Brett Suttor
Sideline Officials: Gavin Reynolds & Steve Carrall
Video Referee: Steve Clark

EELS: 1. Luke Burt 2. Taulima Tautai 3. Ben Smith 4. Krisnan Inu 5. Eric Grothe 6. Jarryd Hayne 7. Brett Finch 8. Nathan Cayless 9. Matthew Keating 10. Fuifui Moimoi 11. Nathan Hindmarsh 12. Todd Lowrie 13. Feleti Mateo
Interchange: 14. Kris Keating 15. Joe Galuvao 16. Tim Mannah 17. Broderick Wright; Reserves: 18. Brendan Oake 19. Weller Huaraki
DRAGONS: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Brett Morris 3. Beau Scott 4. Neville Costigan 5. Wendell Sailor 6. Jamie Soward 7. Ben Hornby (c) 8. Jarrod Saffy 9. Dean Young 10. Michael Weyman 11. Matt Prior 12. Ben Creagh 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Dan Hunt 15. Justin Poore 16. Mathew Head 17. Luke Priddis; Reserves: 19. Jason Nightingale

There is always a good turn out at Parramatta Stadium when the blue and gold army host their red and white counterparts but both teams come into Friday Night football with contrasting form. After a thoroughly listless performance against an under-strength Roosters side, the Eels have had a disruptive week with the release of halfback Brett Finch. Reports are indicating that Anderson will bring in Wentworthville’s Jeff Robson as the halfback, resisting the urge of promoting boom rookie Daniel Mortimer from their NYC side. Taulima Tautai also comes into the side at wing replacing Joel Reddy who is out with a minor calf strain. The Dragons signalled their arrival as contenders last weekend after a dominant display against the Broncos. Led by five-eighth Jamie Soward who had his best showing of the season, the Dragons overwhelmed the premiership favourites in a high quality encounter. Prop Justin Poore has failed in his bid to return to the team re-injuring his hand setting him back another couple of weeks. Kiwi international Jason Nightingale is named on a five man bench upon his return from injury. VM

Vlado - Dragons by 12
Matt - Dragons by 12
Paul - Dragons by 8

Sydney Roosters V Brisbane Broncos
Friday 10 April 2009 19:35 - Sydney Football Stadium
Referees: Gavin Badger & Matt Cecchin
Sideline Officials: Russell Turner & Jeff Younis
Video Referee: Bill Harrigan

ROOSTERS: 1. Sam Perrett 2. Sisa Waqa 3. Mitchell Aubusson 4. Setaimata Sa 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Braith Anasta 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Frank Paul Nuuausala 9. James Aubusson 10. Mark O'Meley 11. Willie Mason 12. Nate Myles 13. Craig Fitzgibbon
Interchange: 14. Lopini Paea 15. Shane Shackleton 16. Ben Jones 17. Martin Kennedy; Reserves: 18. Jake Friend
BRONCOS: 1. Karmichael Hunt 2. Antonio Winterstein 3. Steve Michaels 4. Justin Hodges 5. Israel Folau 6. Darren Lockyer 7. Peter Wallace 8. Nick Kenny 9. Aaron Gorrell 10. Joel Clinton 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Ben Te'o 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Andrew McCullough 15. David Taylor 16. Lagi Setu 17. Alex Glenn; Reserves: 18. Ashton Sims 19. Josh McGuire 20. PJ Marsh

The traditional Good Friday match has not been a successful one for the Roosters of late, losing their past five Good Friday encounters against the Broncos. The Roosters will welcome back representative forwards Nate Myles and Willie Mason, the latter starting on the bench. Both big names return to the side after a stint with Newtown in the NSW Cup resulting from their breach of the team’s alcohol guidelines. In their absence, the Roosters’ pack was highly impressive against the Eels. Brisbane suffered their first loss of the season last weekend at the hands of the Dragons, and how they back up from that loss will go a long way in showing the fans how credible their early favouritism has been. Again, the right side centre-wing combination of Hodges and Folau holds the majority of the Brisbane arsenal and opposing defenders Aubusson and Kenny-Dowall have certainly got their work cut out for them. VM

Vlado - Broncos by 6
Matt - Broncos by 7
Paul - Broncos by 6

Cronulla Sharks V Canberra Raiders
Saturday 11 April 2009 - 5.30pm - Toyota Stadium
Referees: Ben Cummins & Alan Shortall
Sideline: Mohamad Fajajo & Peter Kirby
Video: Russell Smith

SHARKS: 1. Mitch Brown 2. David Simmons 3. Ben Pomeroy 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Luke Covell 6. Trent Barrett 7. Brett Seymour 8. Bryan Norrie 9. Corey Hughes 10. Luke Douglas 11. Reece Williams 12. Anthony Tupou 13. Reni Maitua
Interchange: 14. Johnny Mannah 15. Grant Millington 16. Matthew Wright 17. Terence Seu Seu
RAIDERS: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Adrian Purtell 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joel Monaghan 5. Justin Carney 6. Terry Campese 7. Marc Herbert 8. David Shillington 9. Stuart Flanagan 10. Scott Logan 11. Joe Picker 12. Bronson Harrison 13. Alan Tongue (C)
Interchange: 14. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 15. Trevor Thurling 16. Josh Miller 17. Nigel Plum; Reserves: 18. Shaun Fensom

Super Saturday gets underway in the Shire with the injury-plagued Sharks taking on the Raiders who registered their first win of 2009 last weekend. The Sharks had their usual problems scoring points against the Bulldogs last week, only scoring two tries, but that was after the Dogs' exploded out of the blocks and led 18-0 after 20. The Raiders on the other hand, held out a fast-finishing Cowboys 23-18 in Canberra, with Terry Campese showing glimpses of his 2008 form. Some well-respected judges think his time in a sky-blue jersey may just be around the corner. If Campese and Herbert can combine as well as they did last weekend, in particular Herbert, who showed he has some class as well, you'd think the Raiders would get home here. The Sharks defence needs to be at an all-time best, but even so, the Raiders you would think, have more points in them. PJ

Vlado - Raiders by 4
Matt - Raiders by 4
Paul - Raiders by 10.

North Qld Cowboys V Gold Coast Titans
Saturday 11 April 2009 - 7.30pm - Dairy Farmers Stadium
Referees: Jared Maxwell & Phil Haines
Sideline: Luke Potter & Paul Holland
Video: Tim Mander

COWBOYS: 1. Matt Bowen 2. John Williams 3. Ashley Graham 4. Ty Williams 5. Ben Farrar 6. Travis Burns 7. Johnathan Thurston (c) 8. Shane Tronc 9. Aaron Payne 10. Antonio Kaufusi 11. Carl Webb 12. Ben Harris 13. Luke O’Donnell
Interchange: 14. Clint Amos 15. Scott Bolton 16. Matt Scott 17. Steve Southern; Reserves: 18. Steve Rapira 19. Shannon Hegarty 20. Grant Rovelli
TITANS: 1 William Zillman 2 Kevin Gordon 3 Esi Tonga 4 Brett Delaney 5 Chris Walker 6 Mat Rogers 7 Scott Prince 8 Luke Bailey 9 Nathan Friend 10 Michael Henderson 11 Anthony Laffranchi 12 Mark Minichiello 13 Ashley Harrison
Interchange: 14 Matt White 15 Brad Meyers 16 Luke O'Dwyer 17 Josh Graham; Reserves: 20 Aaron Cannings

Our Super Saturday triple header heads from the Shire to Townsville for the Cowboys and the Titans. The last time the Cowboys were at home, they were off the pace from the start, before going down to the Storm. The Cowboys were again slow out of the blocks last weekend, trailing 14-0 early against the Raiders and never really recovered. The Titans on the other hand, without Scott Prince, came up with arguably their best performance of their short history - inflicting an 18-6 defeat of the Storm in Melbourne. It was the Storm's first night loss at home in some 23 matches. This match marks the return of Scott Prince and if recent form is any indication, the Titans should win this. However, the Cowboys are a bit of an unknown quantity - when they're good, Thurston and Bowen are a joy to watch, but both players appear to be taking time to warm to the task. Whoever wins the battle of the halfbacks will win this. PJ

Vlado - Titans by 4
Matt - Cowboys by 6
Paul - Titans by 2.

Melbourne Storm V Penrith Panthers
Saturday 11 April - 7.30pm - Olympic Park
Referees: Tony Archer & Chris James
Sideline: Adam Reid & David Abood
Video: Phil Cooley

STORM: 1. Billy Slater 2. Steve Turner 3. Will Chambers 4. Joseph Tomane 5. Anthony Quinn 6. Greg Inglis 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jeff Lima 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Adam Blair 11. Wairangi Koopu 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Dallas Johnson
Interchange: 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 15. Kevin Proctor 16. Aiden Tolman 17. Scott Anderson; Reserves: 18. Sika Manu 19. Matt Cross
PANTHERS: 1. Lachlan Coote 2. Michael Gordon 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Tighe 5. Shane Elford 6. Wade Graham 7. Jarrod Sammut 8. Matthew Bell 9. Paul Aiton 10. Petero Civoniceva 11. Trent Waterhouse 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Luke Lewis
Interchange: 14. Masada Iosefa 15. Nathan Smith 16. Gavin Cooper 17. Frank Puletua; Reserves: 18. Tim Grant

Edition 5 of Super Saturday wraps up in Melbourne with the Storm hosting the Panthers. The Panthers have been somewhat of a surprise packet in the first month, registering two wins and two losses. They will be aiming for a third-straight win and would fancy their chances against a Melbourne side who appear to be missing a vital edge. Coach Craig Bellamy appears set to persevere with captain Cameron Smith at five-eighth, which could be at the expense of the team. The Storm have been going through the motions early on and suffered a surprise loss to the Titans last week. The Panthers aren't without their chances here. They've shown in recent times their defence can be as good as any team in the competition and last week's 42-22 demolition of the Tigers shows they have points in them too. Melbourne can't lose two on the trot at home, surely. PJ

Vlado - Storm by 14
Matt - Storm by 14
Paul - Storm by 12.

Newcastle Knights V New Zealand Warriors
Sunday 12 April 2009 14:00 - Energy Australia Stadium
Referees: Gavin Badger & Steve Lyons
Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis & Russell Turner
Video Referee: Chris Ward

KNIGHTS: 1. Kurt Gidley (c) 2. James McManus 3. Junior Sau 4. Adam MacDougall 5. Akuila Uate 6. Ben Rogers 7. Scott Dureau 8. Mark Taufua 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Ben Cross 11. Chris Houston 12. Zeb Taia 13. Matt Hilder
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Mullen 15. Cory Paterson 16. Richard Fa’aoso 17. Danny Wicks
WARRIORS: 1. Wade McKinnon 2. Denan Kemp 3. Patrick Ah Van 4. Jerome Ropati 5. Aidan Kirk 6. Joel Moon 7. Stacey Jones 8. Sam Rapira 9. Ian Henderson 10. Russel Packer 11. Simon Mannering 12. Jacob Lillyman 13. Micheal Luck (c)
Interchange: 14. Nathan Fien 15. Jesse Royal 16. Daniel O’Regan 17. Ukuma Ta’ai

The Knights completely outplayed Manly last week, whereas the Warriors couldn't overcome the Rabbitohs despite a bulk of possession and dozens of sets on the Rabbitoh line. Still no Steve Price for the Warriors as it seems his throat injury is more serious than first expected. The Warriors will have no doubt focused on their options in the opposition 20 during this week's training, and will be looking to be far more potent in the red zone than last week. Expect Kurt Gidley to make a few more try saving tackles, like he does every other week. I honestly shudder to think how bad Newcastle would be if he left. More than likely, this will come down to who is more desperate to win out of Stacey Jones and Kurt Gidley, both of whom are running their teams at the moment. With the home advantage and the morale boosting win last week, it's hard to go past the Knights in this one. MB

Vlado - Warriors by 8
Matt - Knights by 8
Paul - Knights by 4

Manly Sea Eagles V Wests Tigers
Sunday 12 April 2009 15:00 - Brookvale Oval
Referees: Shayne Hayne & Tony De Las Heras
Sideline Officials: Daniel Eastwood & Steve Chiddy
Video Referee: Paul Simpkins

SEA EAGLES: 1. Brett Stewart 2. Michael Robertson 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Michael Bani 6. Chris Bailey 7. Matt Orford (c) 8. Brent Kite 9. Matt Ballin 10. Josh Perry 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Glenn Hall 13. Glenn Stewart
Interchange: 14. Heath L’Estrange 15. Jason King 16. Adam Cuthbertson 17. George Rose; Reserves: 18. Shane Rodney
TIGERS: 1. Rhys Hanbury 2. Taniela Tuaki 3. Dean Collis 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Beau Ryan 6. John Morris 7. Benji Marshall 8. Bryce Gibbs 9. Robbie Farah(c) 10. Keith Galloway 11. Gareth Ellis 12. Chris Heighington 13. Todd Payten
Interhchange: 14. Corey Payne 15. Danny Galea 16. Dene Halatau 17. Shannon McDonnell

The Eagles have their best chance this season to break their duck as the face a Tigers side who were lacklustre at best against Penrith last week. Manly were once again disappointing last week and appear to be in no mood to try and move themselves from the foot of the ladder. It's a mystery as to how a team with that much quality on paper, who won a Grand Final last year are struggling to work as a cohesive unit. The Tigers are probably the most hot and cold team in the NRL, and after watching the Tigers performance from last week Manly will fancy their chances in this one, but it really depends on which Tigers turn up: The ones that thrashed the Roosters two weeks ago, or the ones that were absolutely awful last Saturday. Because we all hate Manly, I hope it's the latter...but I doubt it. MB

Vlado - Sea Eagles by 16
Matt - Sea Eagles by 10
Paul - Sea Eagles by 7

Canterbury Bulldogs V South Sydney Rabbitohs
Monday 13 April 2009 19:00 - ANZ Stadium
Referees: Ashley Klein & Brett Suttor
Sideline Officials: Adam Devcich & Mohamad Fajajo
Video Referee: Sean Hampstead

BULLDOGS: 1. Luke Patten 2. Hazem El Masri 3. Josh Morris 4. Daryl Millard 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Ben Roberts 7. Brett Kimmorley 8. Ben Hannant 9. Mick Ennis 10. Michael Hodgson 11. Gary Warburton 12. Andrew Ryan 13. David Stagg
Interchange: 14. Matt Utai 15. Chris Armit 16. Greg Eastwood 17. Yileen Gordon
RABBITOHS: 1. Luke Capewell 2. Nathan Merritt 3. Colin Best 4. Beau Champion 5. Fetuli Talanoa 6. John Sutton 7. Chris Sandow 8. Luke Stuart 9. Isaac Luke 10. Roy Asotasi 11. Ben Lowe 12. Shannon McPherson 13. David Fa'alogo
Interchange: 14. Craig Wing 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Jaiman Lowe 17. David Kidwell

The competition leading South Sydney Rabbitohs round out the weekend’s matches with an Easter Monday clash against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium. Both sides have had a great start to the year winning three of their four matches, however the Bulldogs were docked two competition points for the interchange debacle against the Panthers. Beau Champion gets a good opportunity to cement the centre position after the injury to Shaune Corrigan whilst Luke Capewell retains the fullback duties for the injured Wesser. The Rabbitohs defence was tested last week against the Warriors but it passed with flying colours and the Bulldog’s creative men won’t find tries easy to come across. For the Bulldogs Daryl Millard has retained his centre position with Idris returning from suspension in the Toyota Cup. Watch out for the battle between the halves with veteran Kimmorley going head to head with young gun Sandow and their respective kicking games will be fundamental to the performances of their sides. VM

Vlado - Bulldogs by 2
Matt - Bulldogs by 10
Paul - Bulldogs by 2

!! Remember to check out LeagueUnlimited's Live Scores for all the detailed League action this weekend !!