Matt Bowen will puch his claims for the Queensland number 1 jersey this weekend.

Queensland’s Origin hopefuls will meet at Dairy Farmers in a bash fest for the ages. The capacity crowd will be willing on their stars to take the two NRL competition points, as well as a healthy share of maroon jerseys in a week and a half’s time. For the forwards, there is plenty to play for with the absence of Shane Webcke who has retired from representative football. One of the prop positions is open and could be occupied by a back rower in an attempt to gain pack mobility. Fullback and wing spots also remain contentious and the battle between Karmichael Hunt and Matt Bowen will be fierce.

And on Friday night there are 12 potential origin representatives operating at WIN Stadium. Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Lukes Lewis and Rooney, Trent Barrett, Preston Campbell, Rhys Wesser and Ben Hornby are all on the look out for their state jumper. And that’s just from the back lines. With inclement weather forecast, this could be a forward slog that will give the selector plenty of opportunity to gauge each player’s go forward ability. As the competition becomes closer for the teams, so does it also for the players. Both states have a raft of players in form and ready to play rep football. We can only hope the intensity translates onto the pitch.

Dragons v Panthers
Twelve Origin players make the trip to Wollongong to open round 10, in what should be a hard forward slog. Wet conditions are the great leveller with ball security becoming the most vital ingredient in winning the ball game. Change of direction at the defensive line can get you plenty of extra yards on the slippery turf. The Panthers have become somewhat wet weather specialists with their big men able to get the yards and their nippy back line hitting the right holes and catching the football at the crucial moment. The side stepping ways of Gasnier and Cooper may be nullified if the ground moves underneath them. In the dry, the Dragons probably are the better drilled side, but in the wet? WIN Stadium is a plus for the Dragons but Albert Torrens in the number 7 will make it tough. Prediction: Panthers by 8

Bulldogs v Sea Eagles
With another two stars outed for extended periods, the Bulldogs are looking for salary cap concessions to get over their injured list. Manly on the other hand have all guns blazing and will travel to Telstra with their tails in the air. Manly’s solid and mobile forwards have been setting a rock solid platform and the backline has been getting the job done in the red zone. The Bulldogs have been pushing teams hard, but have lacked the depth to have anything in the tank at the end of the match. It could be a long day for the ‘Dogs without Rennie Maitua and Willie Tonga. Prediction: Sea Eagles by 12

Cowboys v Broncos
As the Queensland contingent does battle for places in maroon jerseys, there is a strong belief that this may finally be the time that the Cowboys can resist being bucked by the Broncos. And while Brisbane has been doing enough to get by, the Cowboys crumpled to Parramatta last weekend after some great recent form. Graham Murray’s men will be fired up to reverse the events that saw 50 points appear against them and rack up a maiden victory against the southern enemy. But the big brother will have plenty to say about the outcome of the match, wanting to avenge their semi-final loss from 2004. Prediction: Cowboys by 4.

Rabbitohs v Storm
South Sydney has returned to their bottom of the table ways and meets the Storm the week after being refreshed from the bye. Joe Williams was dropped by Shaun McRae last week, possibly as a scape goat for the continued poor performances that the Bunnies have been dishing up. Melbourne’s week off will have been tempered by the 20-point home loss at the hands of the Sharks. What better fuel do you need to bounce back to form? This match should be all one way traffic. Prediction: Storm by 38.

Warriors v Roosters
Brett Finch returns for the trip across the Tasman as the Roosters face the Warriors. Fans of these two sides would have expected their heroes to be in a better position at this stage of the competition and both sides require the two points to maintain contact with the finals positions. The Roosters have not been in stunning form, winning only twice in their last seven starts. The Warriors aren’t travelling much better having only three wins to their name this season and only one of those at home. New Zealand have been one of the Roosters’ bogey teams in the last five years, but the return of Finch should be enough to just get Sydney over the line. Prediction: Roosters by 2.

Raiders v Sharks
Two of the league’s unexpected performers meet this weekend in a battle at the top of the table. Both clubs have a stable environment and exude a good feeling of harmony. The Sharks pack has been getting go forward not seen in the Shire in recent years and will need to set the platform for their backs against the uncompromising Raiders defence. The promotion of the football is allowing Kimmorley and Dykes to set up their attacking raids. The Raiders have been doing it a little tough without top liners Simon Woolford, Jason Smith and Clinton Schifcofske, but have still managed to grind out wins. But the Cronulla options at the scrum base should prove the difference again this Sunday. Prediction: Sharks by 8.

Knights v Tigers
Newcastle continues to wear in their new grand stand, this time, hosting the out of sorts Tigers. With the Knights still winless this season and Wests coming off four straight defeats, this weekend could be the straw that breaks the camels back. Wests lost Mark O’Neill during the week, the captain succumbing to an elbow injury which will require surgery and a dozen weeks of recovery. The Knights will be buoyed by the imminent return of Andrew Johns, but this weekend it will be up to the Gidleys and Buderuses to get the Northern most NSW club over the line. Both sides have been guilty of capitulating in the recent past, so if either side gets out to a lead, you can expect them to be chased down by the other. Too close to call, but I don’t get that luxury. Prediction: Knights by 2.

Once again, a round is upcoming that could and up with wins on either side of the scoreboard. There are no certainties … yet again, so good luck with your predictions.

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source: MasterTips