All the matches this week are incredibly tough to pick (with the exception of the Storm)
Fri 8.30pm (6.30pm AEST): New Zealand Warriors v Parramatta Eels - 27,000
Score: Eels 20 Warriors 16
I didn't see the Eels match last week, but when you rack up 68 points in a game of footy, you must be doing something right. The Warriors were patchy in handing the spoon to the Panthers, and if they play like that this week, they'll get beaten. They are a tough nut to crack at Mt Smart, but I like the Eels in this one.
Sat 6.30pm: North Queensland Cowboys v Canterbury Bulldogs - 26,000
Score: Cowboys 26 Bulldogs 20
The Cowboys made the Dogs look second rate for 60 minutes of the match last week, but as soon as JT went off, they fell apart. The Dogs most likely will be without SBW and that will be a huge loss. The Cowboys at DFS are difficult to beat and with Thurston and Bowen in great form, the Cowboys should get home.
Sat 8.30pm: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs - 22,000
Score: Eagles 24 Rabbits 14
Manly at Brooky, on a Saturday night under lights, there is arguably no tougher task other than Olympic Park first week of the semis. The Rabbits have had a successful season and aren't without their chances in this one. Over the years team seven has had a good record over team two, but I don't think that will continue this week. Manly scraped home against the Dragons last week and have been fumbling their way through the last month. They should win this though.
Sun 3.45pm: Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos - 15,000
Score: Storm 32 Broncos 12
The easiest match of the first week of finals takes us to Olympic Park. The Storm have won 29 of their last 30 here and just won't lose. The Broncos will be competitive for about 60 minutes before the Storm run away with it. The Broncos say goodbye to Petero and the Storm say hello to their second successive preliminary final.
This will mean we say goodbye to Souths and Brisbane. Melbourne and Manly get the second week off and the Cowboys play Parramatta and the Dogs play the Warriors.
