NRL Weekly Watch: Previewing Round 20

Warriors travel to GIO for crucial Raiders match-up

The Raiders and Warriors – two sides looking to stay within reach of the Top 8 – meet each other in the Round 20 opener in Canberra on Friday night.

Jamal Fogarty (bicep), Hudson Young (groin), and Zac Hosking (shoulder) all return for the hosts with Sebastian Kris starting in the centres, Ata Mariota reverting to the interchange, and Albert Hopoate and Adam Cook dropping out.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (calf) and Marcelo Montoya (groin) are out for the Wahs with Taine Tuaupiki starting at fullback, Ali Leiataua coming into the centres, ad Roger Tuivasa-Sheck shifting out to the wing.

The Raiders have won only one of their past five against the Warriors although the Warriors have won just three of nine in Australia this year.

Gosford the scene for Bunnies-Wests Tigers clash

The Wests Tigers will be looking to bounce back from a demoralising Round 19 defeat when they make the trip to Gosford to face the Rabbits on Saturday afternoon.

Jai Arrow has finally succumbed to injury for Souths, but Cameron Murray returns from Origin duty in the second row whilst Siliva Havili is also back on the bench in place of Liam Le Blanc.

Apisai Koroisau (calf) is likely out for the Wests Tigers along with Alex Lobb (ankle), Alex Seyfarth (head knock), Heath Mason and Reuben Porter.

Tallyn Da Silva starts at hooker, Luke Laulili’i comes onto the wing, and Alex Twal (head knock), Latu Fainu, and Jordan Miller all joining the bench.

The Rabbitohs have won seven of their past eight against the Wests Tigers who have not won in Gosford since 2011.

Desperate Broncos face Knights in Hunter

Brisbane will be looking to end a six-game losing streak when they head to Newcastle on Saturday evening to face the Knights.

Origin stars Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, and Bradman Best have all been named to return for the Knights along with Jack Hetherington.

Dylan Lucas reverts to the bench with Fletcher Sharpe and Tom Cant dropping to the reserves.

Broncos Origin stars Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan have all been named on an extended bench for Kevvy Walters and may come into the side prior to kick-off.

The Knights have won only two of their past nine against the Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Storm, Roosters meet in AAMI blockbuster

The Storm take on the Roosters on Saturday night in Melbourne in a first-versus-third blockbuster that could have implications on the race for the minor premiership.

Nick Meaney (calf) returns for the hosts with Grant Anderson shifting to the wing and Kane Bradley dropping out whilst Harry Grant has been named to return at hooker in place of Bronson Garlick.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (suspension) drops out for the Chooks but Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i (suspension) returns in place of Michael Jennings with Sandon Smith and Naufahu Whyte coming onto the bench.

The Storm have won nine of their past 10 games against the Roosters and seven from eight at AAMI this season.

Cleary returns as Panthers host Dolphins

Nathan Cleary is back for the defending premier Panthers as they host the Dolphins at BlueBet Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo are being rested but Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, and Liam Martin have been listed among the reserves for the Panthers.

Euan Aitken (pec) is out for the Dolphins but Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi have been named to return with Trai Fuller listed in the No.14 jumper.

The Panthers have won eight of the last nine that Cleary has played in.

Another Sunday Brookvale face-off on menu as Manly host Titans

Manly will look to continue building when they face the Titans at 4 Pines Park on Sunday afternoon.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic have been named for the hosts along with Ben Trbojevic (head knock).

Jamie Humphreys and Caleb Navale drop out with Toafofoa Sipley going to the bench.

Moeaki Fotuaika has been named to back up from Origin whilst Des Hasler has again named Keano Kini at fullback and AJ Brimson at 18th man but likely makes a late change.

The Titans have won six of their past eight at 4 Pines Park.

Cows take on Dogs in Top 8 Sunday night showdown

The No.5 Dogs travel to Townsville to take on the No.8 Cowboys in an anticipated Sunday evening clash.

Murray Taulagi is unavailable for the Cows but Valentine Holmes, Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson have all been named among the reserves.

Max King (wrist) and Jaeman Salmon are out for the Dogs, but Jacob Preston (foot) returns along with Poasa Fa’amausili and Lipoi Hopoi with Josh Curran starting up front.

The Cowboys have won only one of their past five at home although the Bulldogs have lost seven from eight away from home this season.

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