A truncated round 17 of the Telstra Premiership is far from easy for NRL tipsters. NRL.com expert Petero Civoniceva has his say on each of the four matches this weekend and the tipping panel make their predictions on what will happen this weekend.
Storm v Dragons
What a game, this should be a cracker, it's a huge match for both teams. They have each been depleted by Origin but with Cameron Smith being available for the Storm is massive for them and with the match being at AAMI Park they should be too strong even though the Dragons still have Gareth Widdop and James Graham on deck.
Storm by 12
Panthers v Warriors
Last week against Manly was a match that the Panthers should have won. I think their forward pack let them down a little bit so there'll be a big responsibility on their shoulders this Friday. The packs cancel each other out in this game but the Panthers have inexperienced halves – Tyrone May and Jaroma Luai – up against Shaun Johnson and Blake Green and that's where the Warriors have the advantage.
Warriors by 8
Bulldogs v Raiders
After playing such good footy in the first half against the Broncos and letting that result slip, Ricky Stuart will have given his Raiders a serve this week. For the Bulldogs, there's so much speculation about players moving on, it must be so hard for them to focus on matches week to week.
Raiders by 8
Broncos v Titans
Brisbane seem to lift during the State of Origin period and when their young players come in to replace the rep stars, nine times out of 10 they seem to get the job done. There's an opportunity in this game for some of the young Broncos to cement themselves a spot in the team for the rest of the season. No Jai Arrow or Jarrod Wallace will hurt the Titans.
Broncos by 6