The Dragons look like they’re the real deal this season, with Michael Weyman leading an impressive pack and a backline looking like it’s starting to click. In contrast, the Eels have looked completely lost at times this season, with Jarryd Hayne still not settled at five-eighth.

They have managed two wins this season, including a gutsy win against the table-topping Rabbitohs, but form suggests they will be tested here. But the Eels will take comfort in St George Illawarra’s poor record at Parramatta Stadium, with the Dragons winning only once there in seven attempts.

Laurie says: The Eels look to be in all sorts at the moment. Brett Finch has gone and it just seems like a very unhappy place at the moment. The Dragons are going along nicely with Wayne Bennett in charge and their win against Brisbane was first class, so I think they’ll be far too good.


Roosters v Broncos

The traditional Good Friday clash always provides a great spectacle and the Broncos will be confident having won seven of their last eight matches against the Roosters. The hosts will welcome back Willie Mason and Nate Myles and will look to build on last weekend’s comfortable win against Parramatta.

While they dominated the Eels, the win must be put in context, with the Parramatta boys not tipped to be anywhere near September footy this season.

On the other hand, the Broncos suffered a tight loss to the highly-rated Dragons last weekend, but were far from outplayed. Brisbane has lost only one of their last 10 matches at the Sydney Football Stadium and that record will give them plenty of confidence.

Laurie says: I think this will be a tough game. The Broncos certainly weren’t themselves last week and they’d had three hard games to start the season. The Roosters were fantastic against Parramatta, but I think the class of Lockyer, Hodges and Folau will be enough to give the Broncos the points.

Cowboys v Titans

The Titans defied the odds last weekend with an impressive win over Melbourne at Olympic Park. While the loss of stand-in halfback Preston Campbell with a calf injury is a blow, the return of co-captain Scott Prince will be a huge boost for the Titans who sit equal first on the competition ladder.

In an unofficial trial for the Queensland No.7 jersey, Prince’s battle with Jonathan Thurston will be pivotal in this match. Thurston has been far from his best this season which has been reflected in the North Queensland’s un-inspiring start to the season.

The Cowboys looked rusty in their loss to the Raiders on Monday and will need to deal with a short turnaround on Saturday night.

Laurie says: I’m going to go the Titans in this one. The Cowboys have struggled the last couple of weeks and they’re still getting used to the way Neil Henry plays. The Titans have been buoyed by winning two games without Scott Prince, and with him back in the team this week, they’ll be even better.

Sea Eagles v Tigers

Who would have predicted the reigning premiers would still be searching for their first win by round five?

While the Sea Eagles’ woes this season have been well-documented, the Tigers have problems of their own.

While they’ve looked like world-beaters at times this year (think Benji Marshall’s flick pass in round three), they’ve resembled wooden-spooners as well (think 20-point thrashing at Penrith last weekend). They will be without promising young fullback Tim Moltzen this week due to injury as they look to record just their second win at Brookvale.

The Sea Eagles will be boosted by the return of Brett Stewart but their problems run much deeper than just a lack of spark at the back. They’ve been repeatedly outplayed by unfancied opponents this season and will need to turn it around before their season is all but over.

Laurie says: I think Manly in this one. They’re back at Brookvale, and while they haven’t won a game this season, Brett Stewart’s back and the Tigers were very ordinary last week against Penrith. It’s Manly’s time this week.


Knights v Warriors

Both teams have a 2-2 record in 2009, but Newcastle will be the more satisfied after four rounds.

The Knights have surprised many with their bright start to the season and were the better team against the Sea Eagles last week.

Coach Brian Smith says he will continue to rotate his halves, with Scott Dureau, Ben Rogers and Jarrod Mullen giving the Knights plenty of options in attack.

The Warriors were beaten by a brilliant defensive effort by South Sydney in round four and relied too heavily on veteran halfback Stacey Jones in attack. They will again be without captain Steve Price and dangerous utility Lance Hohaia, but the potential return of giant winger Manu Vatuvei will give them a boost as they attempt to get their premiership campaign back on track.

Laurie says: I was very impressed with Newcastle’s performance last weekend. The Warriors have struggled the last couple of weeks and they’ve still got a number of players injured, so I think Knights can get another win.


Storm v Panthers

Whether it’s adapting to life without Israel Folau or some other extraneous circumstance, the Storm just haven’t looked their usual imperious self so far this season.

We thought they had turned the corner by winning in Townsville in round three but they were worryingly outplayed at home by the Titans last weekend. Maybe it was just a glitch but they can’t afford another listless performance against a recharged Panthers outfit.

Penrith have defied common expectation to win their last two games in most impressive fashion. A dour defensive performance against Manly was followed by an attacking extravaganza against the Tigers. They seemingly have a game for all seasons. It should be a mere formality for the Storm but stranger things have happened this season.

Laurie says: I think Penrith are going along nicely and they played well against the Tigers last weekend. But Olympic Park is always a very daunting place and with Melbourne Storm coming off the back of a loss last weekend, I think they’ll be able to win.


Raiders v Sharks

This isn’t going to be pretty!

Canberra, out of necessity, have reigned in their attacking instincts to ensure results come first, while Cronulla, well, they don’t seem to have any attacking instinct at the moment.

The struggling Sharks have gone from top eight guarantees to wooden spoon favourites within four weeks and badly need a win to get back on track. It’s not as though they are getting hammered every week though but a haul of only 48 points in four games is a sad indictment on their attack.

Canberra finally broke the shackles last weekend but it was hard work, and painful to watch. With Terry Campese pulling the strings, they always have the potential for points, but there is always the concern at the other end of the field as well.

This could go either way!

Laurie says: I think the Raiders can win this game given their performance on Monday night. The only thing against them is the short turnaround. The Sharks have shown an inability to score points this season and, while their defence could frustrate the Raiders, if Canberra are patient and they execute well I think they can win.