MATHEW Thompson will again front Fox Sports' live and exclusive coverage of this weekend's Toyota Cup action. Join him as he takes a look at the movers and shakers of the next generation.
BULLDOGS V KNIGHTS
The Bulldogs will welcome back a number of their more experienced players when they host Newcastle at ANZ Stadium.
Andy Patmore's youngsters were humbled 30-14 by Melbourne at Olympic Park last weekend, but not before losing 5 of their listed starting side because of withdrawals in higher grades, and injuries within their own side.
The most notable players to return are prop John Kite, and back rower Daniel Harrison, who were promoted to the NSW CUP last weekend.
Some more starch in the pack will help dynamic half Ben Barba have a bigger impact in the match, after a quiet, and at times unhappy match against the Storm.
Newcastle were beaten comprehensively by the hot and cold Warriors last Saturday night, and coach Trent Robinson has again shuffled his starting side, in search of some winning consistency.
The Knights have lost 3 of their last 4, and their defence has been a real issue - conceding 142 points in their last 4 games.
Newcastle must lift defensively to win this match against a Bulldogs team who can pile on a score if presented with an opportunity.
PENRITH V CRONULLA
This is a genuine David and Goliath battle, with the high-flying, and immensely talented premiership contenders Penrith playing host to possibly the youngest team in the Toyota Cup, the Sharks.
One possible area of concern for the Panthers is the absence of two of their key men,
full-back Lachlan Coote and five-eighth Wade Graham are both absent on New South Wales under 18's commitments.
Graham's absence, coupled with the season-ending injury suffered by Trent Iselin, means Steve Georgallis has named captain, Jamie Theoharous at half-back, despite the fact he's played at lock forward for most of the season.
The Sharks were humbled by nearly 50 points by the Bulldogs two weeks ago, but bounced back last weekend in a narrow, 24-18 loss to the Gold Coast.
Tony Herman's team is slowly getting some players back from injury, and possess a crack centre pairing of Nathan Stapleton, and Karl Filiga. Their showdown with Panthers centres William Isa and Chris Ward shapes as a showcase match-up.
This match could be closer than some people expect, but I am tipping the Panthers to get the cash at home.
Join me from 2.30 EST on Saturday as the action unfolds live and exclusive on Fox Sports 2.
