Sydney Roosters entertain North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL on Saturday, while Wests Tigers take on Cronulla Sharks and Brisbane Broncos host Newcastle Knights on a big day of rugby league action.
Melbourne Storm tightened things up at the top of the ladder on Thursday night with a 16-0 win over the reigning premiers Penrith.
It means the Storm are breathing down the neck of the Cowboys who need to respond with a win over the Roosters if they are to consolidate second spot on the ladder with finals fast approaching.
The Roosters meanwhile sit in eighth spot on the ladder just two points ahead of the Canberra Raiders, who play the Dragons on Sunday.
The Sharks are also in the mix for the top four but face a tricky trip to take on the Wests Tigers who are not the pushovers they once were.
In the final game of the day the Broncos take on the Knights and after losing the last two games on the bounce, Brisbane are in desperate need of a win.
It looks like being an exciting day of NRL action, so let’s take a closer look at all three games.
What: Sydney Roosters v North Queensland Cowboys
Where: SCG. Sydney
When: 15:00 (AEST) Saturday 13th August 2022
How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
Odds: Roosters 17/25, Cowboys 6/5
An absolute cracker of a game to kick off the day. The Roosters have missed out on finals just once under the leadership of Trent Robinson and are battling to avoid a second time.
They can take plenty of heart from their impressive victory over the Brisbane Broncos last week when skipper James Tedesco was again in blistering form.
However their form at the SCG has not been great in 2022. The Roosters have lost four of their seven games there.
The Cowboys on the other hand have been outstanding away from Townsville this season and have suffered just two defeats on the road.
North Queensland have also won the last four games on the bounce and could close the gap on Penrith to just four points if they can pick up the win.
Jordan McLean returns to the Cowboys bench after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Reuben Cotter is set to start.
The Roosters will need Sam Verrills to pass a HIA for him to play after he suffered concussion last week, while Egan Butcher returns from suspension.
What: Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks
Where: Scully Park, Tamworth
When: 17:30 (AEST) Saturday 13th August 2022
How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
Odds: Tigers 7/2, Sharks 21/100
Wests Tigers may sit second from bottom on the NRL ladder but there is a lot more reason to be optimistic for the future following recent results.
They slipped to a 14-10 defeat against the Knights last week but battled to the end and only resolute defending from Newcastle prevented them picking up back-to-back wins.
However they are desperate to avoid picking up the first wooden spoon in their 22-year history and will be going all out to upset the Sharks.
Cronulla are also desperate for the win. If they are to finish in the top four they need to keep winning as the race to get in there is tighter than ever.
The Sharks have a good run-in but they cannot afford for complacency to creep in at this stage of the season.
Cronulla are boosted by the news that the influential Dale Finucane returns from suspension, but Matt Moylan remains on the sidelines with a quad injury.
The Tigers are without Ken Maumalo who has suffered a PCL injury.
What: Brisbane Broncos v Newcastle Knights
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
When: 19:35 (AEST) Saturday 13th August 2022
How to watch: Channel 9, Kayo, Foxtel
Odds: Broncos 11/100, Knights 11/2
The Broncos looked nailed on to make the top four this season but back-to-back defeats have thrown a spanner in the works.
They have slipped to seventh on the ladder and now have a bit of work to do to ensure they make finals. So a win against the Knights is an absolute must.
Slow starts have been hurting the Broncos and with games against Melbourne Storm and Parramatta to come they need to address the issue.
Newcastle had been on a shocking run but after picking up a morale-boosting win over Wests Tigers last week they could be a threat to the Broncos.
Jake Clifford is ruled out for the Knights after suffering a fractured arm so Adam Clune will replace him in the halves. David Klemmer also returns to the fold.
The Broncos are boosted by the return of Te Maire Martin at fullback, while Brenko Lee returns to the centres for the must-win clash.
