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Jul 12, 2010 Sharon Rattray

A guide to round 19 of the 2010 NRL Telstra Premiership, commencing this weekend. View this week's draw and game locations.

As round 19 of the 2010 National Rugby League Telstra Premiership kicks off on Friday, July 16, 2010, only 6 points separate the top six teams in the competition. The St George Dragons continue to hold onto the top spot despite their round 17 loss to the second placed Penrith Panthers.

NRL Games for Friday Night

With only 8 rounds remaining in the current season before the finals get underway, all eyes will be on the home state clash between the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Broncos at Skilled Park on Friday night. The last time the two teams met in round 10, the Broncos were clear winners, beating the Titans by 28-6.

Looking to further their lead on the NRL ladder, the St George Illawarra Dragons take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday night at ANZ Staium. Coming off of a loss to the Panthers in round 17, the Dragons will be hoping to regather their winning form as the final games for the 2010 season approach.

Saturday's NRL Matches

Accross the Pacific Ocean, the New Zealand Warriors come up against the Melbourne Storm at Mt Smart Stadium. The 6th placed Warriors have been in great form, securing wins in their previous four matches. The Storm have continued to struggle following the revelation of the salary cap breach.

Sitting two points from the top of the NRL ladder, the Penrith Panthers play the Parramatta Eels at CUA Stadium. Beaten by the New Zealand Warriors in round 18, the Panthers have been in great form during the 2010 season. The Cronulla Sharks also clash with the Manly Sea Eagles at Toyota Stadium at 7.30pm.

NRL Games for Sunday

After securing 4th place on the NRL ladder, the Sydney Roosters take on the Canterbury Bulldogs at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday, July 18, 2010. After a narrow win against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in round 18, the Roosters will be looking to continue their winning form over the Bulldogs who have won their last three games. The Canberra Raiders also take on the Newcastle Knights at Canberra Stadium at 2pm.

Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys on Monday

After a 1 point win over the Gold Coast Titans in round 18, the Wests Tigers will be keen for a win, to move up the NRL ladder. The Tigers currently sit third on the ladder, two points behind the Panthers.

As tensions mount during the final half of the season, all teams will be out in force to secure Premiership points. With all players now returning to their respective clubs following the 2010 State of Origin series, it is anyone's game.

For related articles, also read State of Origin: Queensland's Series Whitewash, The Legend: Billy Slater and The Legend: Darren Lockyer.

SourceNRL Telstra Premiership Scores (accessed July 12, 2010).