An understrength Dolphins outfit were trounced in 22-point loss in a courageous effort against the Dolphins with the contest in the balance until the last half-hour when the Kiwis ran away with the game. Their opposition in Manly enjoyed a bye last week but will still be burning from a disappointing last-start loss to Newcastle, albeit in the absence of their Origin stars.

Jeremy Marshall-King has been named to return from a shoulder injury in a huge boost for the Dolphins. Suspensions to Anthony Milford and Jarrod Wallace will see Herman Ese’ese and Kurt Donoghue come onto the bench with Kodi Nikorima shifting to the halves and Maroons star Hamsio Tabuai-Fidow returning at fullback after he was rested last week. Meanwhile, Manly received a huge boost with Tom Trbojevic cleared to play after he was initially ruled out with concussion. Skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, Josh Aloiai and Christian Tuipulotu will also return at halfback, bench and wing respectively in an otherwise unchanged squad.

Manly will enter this contest as firm favourites but should be highly cautious against a Dolphins outfit fielding a near full-strength spine. Tabuai-Fidow and Marshall-King will make a huge difference to the Dolphins composure. This match could go either way but expect Manly to get the points in a tight contest.

Betting Tip: Dolphins +9.5 @ $1.91 (bet365)

Souths saw their early season success blunted by disappointing consecutive losses to the Eels and Raiders but returned to the winner’s circle last week with a big win over the Titans, albeit in a very high-scoring affair. Still placing third on the competition ladder, Souths will face a Dragons squad who were solid in defeat at the hands of Penrith as club bosses close in on their new head-coach.

The representative period has already taken a heavy toll on Souths with Origin stars Latrell Mitchell, Jai Arrow and captain Cameron Murray all absent with injury. Siliva Havili has been named to return on the bench in a welcome boost to an otherwise unchanged squad. For the Dragons, an injury to Jack De Belin will see Zane Musgrove to join the bench with Jack Bird and Blake Lawrie possible late inclusions after they were named in the reserves.

Souths will enter this match as firm favourites but given the quality Jason Demitriou’s squad have on the sideline, his squad should be highly cautious heading into this match. Souths had held equal first-place on the competition ladder earlier in the season and they will be pushing to consolidate their top-four berth during a tough representative period. Souths to get the points.

Betting Tip: Rabbitohs -6.5 @ $1.93 (Picklebet)

Brisbane produced their most complete performance of the season against Cronulla last week, showing an enormous defensive resolve that propelled the club back to equal first on the competition ladder. They will face a Newcastle outfit fresh from a bye after an impressive round-13 win over an admittedly understrength Manly line-up with Adam O’Brien’s troops still in a good position to make the finals, sitting only one win outside the top-eight.

Selwyn Cobbo will return from a hip-injury on the wing for Brisbane after he was the only Origin player not to back-up last week in an otherwise unchanged squad. For the Knights, Tyson Frizell will return in the second-row alongside Kurt Mann on the bench at the expense of Lachlan Miller in an otherwise unchanged squad.

Brisbane will enter this match as firm favourites but should be highly cautious against a Knights squad who looked more comfortable with Kalyn Ponga at fullback. Newcastle have shown enormous courage at times this season and while they have the capacity to push the second-placed Broncos, expect the sheer athleticism and class within this Brisbane line-up to prove the difference. Broncos to get the points.

Betting Tip: Knights +12.5 @ $1.95 (Colossalbet)

Cronulla were courageous in defeat to a red-hot Broncos squad last week but Craig Fitzgibbon’s troops will have the perfect opportunity to prove they can match the competition’s heavyweights coming up against Melbourne. The Storm conceded five tries in a woeful second-half performance against the Cowboys in an uncharacteristically poor defensive performance and veteran coach Craig Bellamy will be expecting a big response from his squad.

Cronulla will welcome Cameron McInnes back from a hand injury on the bench in an otherwise unchanged squad. For Melbourne, the injured Justin Olam will be replaced by Grant Anderson at centre with Tariq Sims also joining the interchange.

Melbourne will enter this contest as clear front-runners given their habit of responding with a big performance after a poor loss. Cronulla were unable to capitalise on their many attacking opportunities against Brisbane last week and they may experience a similar struggle in what will be a physical contest against Melbourne at their home-ground. Storm to get the win.

Betting Tip: Storm -3.5 @ $1.85 (Playup)

Canterbury were left heartbroken once again after failing to convert their on-field courage to a win in a disappointing field-goal loss to the Roosters last week. They will face a Parramatta outfit fresh off a bye but reeling from the suspension of star five-eighth Dylan Brown for an off-field controversy. Parramatta are backing up from impressive consecutive wins over the Rabbitohs and Cowboys and will be determined not to let the controversy distract the team.

Jacob Kiraz has been named to return from an elbow injury on the wing in a big boost to Canterbury’s backline. Despite being named, Reed Mahoney is under an injury cloud after a nasty concussion with Kyle Flanagan his likely replacement. Chris Patolo will also join the bench in an otherwise unchanged 17. Meanwhile, Parramatta’s middle suffered another body-blow with Wiremu Greig’ season over with a foot injury and Joe Ofahengaue also injured. Reagan Campbell-Gillard will make a timely return from a groin-injury at prop, alongside Blues enforcer Junior Paulo. Andrew Davey will join the second-row while Daejarn Asi will likely be Dylan Brown’s replacement at five-eighth.

Despite the off-field drama, Parramatta will enter this match as firm favourites – particularly if Reed Mahoney is ruled out. Canterbury continue to show huge improvement but with Cameron Ciraldo still developing his inexperienced squad, expect the Eels big-game experience in key positions to prove the difference. Parramatta to get the points in a tight contest.

Betting Tip: Bulldogs +7.5 @ $1.93 (Colossalbet)