Bouncing back ... the Dragons will breathe fire. Mark Evans

Laurie Daley's round 10 preview

Wests Tigers v South Sydney, SCG, Sunday 2pm (EST)

The corresponding game was won on the bell last year and it wouldn’t surprise if this one goes down to the wire. The Tigers are facing four losses on the trot and will be desperate. The loss of Keith Galloway is a huge blow, but that could be outweighed by the return of halfback Robert Lui. Lui’s return ensures Robbie Farah gets the chance to move back to the hooking role, where he’s most potent. South Sydney could be rusty from the bye, but I think the fact the game is being played at the SCG will be motivation enough to have the Bunnies ready to fire. I’m tipping the big South Sydney pack to capitalise on the absence of Galloway and dominate through the middle on their way to victory.

Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans, Suncorp Stadium, Friday 7.35pm (EST)

The Broncos bounced back to form in a big way last week against the Storm. Their young guys handled the pressure well, but it was Test stars Darren Lockyer and Sam Thaiday that were the real heroes. I know plenty of people would disagree, but I’ve been really impressed by Gold Coast Titans this season. They are playing a tougher brand of football than previous years and I think we saw that new-found hunger in their comeback win over the Storm and their defeat of the Knights in Newcastle. I feel the Titans can keep their hot streak alive and bring the Broncos crashing back to earth at Suncorp.

Canterbury-Bankstown v St George Illawarra, ANZ Stadium, Friday 7.35pm (EST)

The Dragons looked very flat last week against the Sea Eagles and will be looking to respond big time. Consistent sides very rarely put in two bad performances in a row and I just can’t see St George Illawarra letting the Dogs sink their teeth in. The Bulldogs will miss the presence of Ben Hannant and his ability to control the go-forward around the middle of the park. I’ve got no doubt the Bulldogs will rise to the challenge, but it will be the Dragons that have all the answers after coming off such a disappointing loss.

Warriors v North Queensland Cowboys, Mt Smart Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm (EST)

The Cowboys will take plenty of heart out of the fact they were able to knock off a disappointing Roosters outfit without the services of captain Johnathan Thurston and Luke O’Donnell. They will be heading over the Tasman with plenty of enthusiasm following the return of hooker Aaron Payne and the news of Thurston’s re-signing. The bye probably came at the perfect time for the Warriors who got the chance to regroup and focus after three straight losses. The return of Simon Mannering and Manu Vatuvei will play a big factor in this one with the well-rested Warriors getting the points at Mt Smart.

Canberra v Melbourne Storm, Canberra Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm (EST)

Melbourne Storm were almost left in disbelief after failing to turn up against the Broncos at AAMI Stadium. It will be interesting to see how they respond. Pride will have to be a motivating factor, especially when you’re talking about a team possessing high profile stars like Slater, Inglis and Cronk. I’m tipping the upset in this one with the Raiders to continue the misery for Melbourne. Canberra always play the conditions so well at home and will be bouncing off the walls after coming off the bye and an impressive win over the Warriors. I just think the Raiders will be well rested and have too much enthusiasm on their way to securing an upset win.

Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights, Bluetongue Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm (EST)

Difficult to get a line through either of these teams who have been so hit and miss. The Roosters have been disappointing over the past fortnight and just can’t seem to find the stripe. I think Newcastle will be up to the challenge given the fact they are battling their old coach. Bluetongue Stadium is arguably a home game for the Knights and that should play a factor with plenty of Newcastle fans to make the trek. The Roosters attack is just not gelling at the moment and I think the Knights will have too many points in them come Saturday night.

Cronulla v Penrith, Toyota Stadium, Sunday 3pm (EST)

Penrith are playing some good football at the moment and should do it easy against a Cronulla outfit struggling for points. Petero Civoniceva’s re-signing will boost the Panthers and I just can’t see the Cronulla defence containing the likes of Michael Jennings and co. for 80 minutes. The Sharks have a bad habit of turning over the ball on numerous occasions and the Panthers are sure to capitalise on that. I can’t see anything but a Penrith victory on Sunday and I think they will do it in style.

Manly v Parramatta, Brookvale Oval, Monday 7pm (EST)

If any team is going to bring the best out of the Eels it will be Manly. The Sea Eagles were very impressive against the Dragons, but it will be interesting to see how their eight representative stars pull up after such a grueling weekend. The nine day turnaround will help their cause and I think all things being equal the Sea Eagles will win this clash. Manly and St George Illawarra are the favourites for the title in my opinion and I really like the tough brand of football the Sea Eagles are bringing to the table at the moment. Home ground advantage will play a role against the Eels and I believe Manly will have too many answers in both attack and defence on Monday night.