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The preview panel for round 18 of the NRL.
PREVIEW OF NRL ROUND 18 MATCHES (all times AEST):
THURSDAY, JULY 18
Brisbane v Canterbury at Suncorp Stadium, 7.50pm
Head to head: Broncos 31, Bulldogs 23, drawn 3
Last clash: Round 21, 2018 - Bulldogs 36 bt Broncos 22 at ANZ Stadium
The Bulldogs have clawed their way off the bottom of the ladder and are chasing three straight wins for the first time this season. The Broncos drew with the Warriors and are already playing for their season with eight games remaining. Brisbane's Matt Lodge meets Canterbury enforcer Dylan Napa in an explosive battle that could decide the contest.
Key: Bulldogs' Will Hopoate had a blinder last week running for 235 metres, making 21 tackles and scoring a try. The young Brisbane pack could struggle to contain him.
Tip: Broncos
FRIDAY, JULY 19
Warriors v Cronulla at Westpac Stadium, 6pm
Head to head: Sharks 22, Warriors 16, drawn 2
Last clash: Round 16, 2018 - Sharks 18 bt Warriors 15 at Mt Smart Stadium
Shaun Johnson's first match against his former Warriors teammates hogs interest, even if it's not at his old Mt Smart stomping ground. Presuming he's cleared fit to play, the Kiwis star will have a big point to prove after his nine years in Auckland ended with some sour exchanges.
Key: Sharks injury list - If Johnson, Matt Moylan and Paul Gallen don't play, the already under-strength Sharks could be staring at five straight losses.
Tip: Warriors
Penrith v St George Illawarra at Panthers Stadium, 7.55pm
Head to head: Dragons 20, Panthers 13, drawn 1
Last clash: Round 12, 2018 - Panthers 28 bt Dragons 2 at Panthers Stadium
NSW star Nathan Cleary returns for a Panthers outfit chasing seven straight wins. He'll join Blues hero James Maloney in the halves against a Dragons side coming off their worst performance of the season. St George Illawarra veteran James Graham (broken leg) returns from a long stint on the sideline.
Key: It's the rematch of the Origin halves with Penrith star James Maloney taking on Corey Norman. Expect the latter to fire after losing on his Maroons debut earlier this month.
Tip: Dragons.
SATURDAY, JULY 20
Sydney Roosters v Newcastle at Sydney Cricket Ground, 3pm
Head to head: Roosters 32, Knights 20, drawn 3
Last clash: Round 11, 2019 - Knights 38 bt Roosters 12 at McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights' superstar Kalyn Ponga's highly-anticipated return couldn't come at a better time following last week's shock loss to the Bulldogs. The Roosters are also coming off an upset to the Cowboys but welcome back NSW stars James Tedesco and Boyd Cordner. The battle of the halves will have tongues wagging with in-form Knights gun Mitchell Pearce facing the man who forced his Roosters exit 18 months ago - Cooper Cronk.
Key: Kalyn Ponga would have had cold feet watching the Knights poor form over the past month and will be determined to steer the proud club back towards finals, expect him to fire.
Tip: Roosters
Canberra v Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium, 5.30pm
Head to head: Wests Tigers 19, Raiders 17, drawn 1
Last clash: Round 13, 2019 - Raiders 28 bt Wests Tigers 0 at Bankwest Stadium
The Raiders will be looking for a big performance in front of more than 100 former players celebrating the 30th anniversary of the club's maiden premiership at Canberra Stadium. The Green Machine will be determined to do the old boys proud but Wests will still be reeling after losing Benji Marshall's 300th game last week. Canberra star Nick Cotric begins his three-game ban while Maroons star Josh Papalii returns to the starting side. Tigers halfback Luke Brooks leads the NRL in taking on the line (134) and must play above his weight again.
Key: Canberra co-captain Josh Hodgson squares off against veteran hooker Robbie Farah in a battle that will likely impact on the outcome.
Tip: Raiders
North Queensland v South Sydney at 1300SMILES Stadium, 7.35pm
Head to head: Cowboys 17, Rabbitohs 17, drawn 2
Last clash: Round 5, 2019 - Titans 30 bt Panthers 24 at Cbus Super Stadium
After toppling the Roosters, North Queensland would dearly love a second straight major upset to revive their finals hopes. Jake Clifford exceeded all expectations behind a pack starting to look ominous. Souths will have been rocked by news they'll be without injured star Sam Burgess due to surgery complications.
Key: Damien Cook - Continued his Origin form in a tight win over Manly and is at the heart of the good things they do.
Tip: Rabbitohs
SUNDAY, JULY 21
Gold Coast v Melbourne at Cbus Super Stadium, 2pm
Head to head: Panthers 12, Titans 7, drawn 1
Last clash: Round 9, 2019 - Rabbitohs 32 bt Cowboys 16 at Suncorp Stadium
Shapes as one-sided unless the Titans can perform a coach-departure bounce back after Garth Brennan was shown the door. Melbourne may struggle in the wake of Cameron Smith's 400th game celebrations and against opponents they're expected to swat aside. Craig Bellamy is banking on those who replace some rested Origin stars to bring enthusiasm.
Key: Tyrone Roberts - Easily the most experienced half from either team and could light things up if the Titans unearth a fighting mindset.
Tip: Storm
Manly v Parramatta at Lottoland, 4.05pm
Head to head: Sea Eagles 90, Eels 56, drawn 6
Last clash: Round 7, 2018 - Eels 44 bt Sea Eagles 10 at ANZ Stadium
Both teams reside two points outside the top four, adding spice to classic old rivalry. Manly won the corresponding fixture 54-0 last year but face an Eels team who are unchanged and starting to hum. Tom Trbojevic is back for the Sea Eagles at fullback and they may fancy their pack to lay a decent platform.
Key: Mitchell Moses - His playmaking showdown with Daly Cherry-Evans is one to savour.
Tip: Sea Eagles
