Tipsters will be hoping a host of returning stars and no Origin-enforced absences results in a sense of normalcy returning in Round 15.
With at least four of the matches looking like toss-of-the-coin affairs, those involved in NRL tipping competitions may be in need of a little help.
So, before you enter your tips, read Brett Kimmorley's previews and see who the NRL.com experts are backing.
With the NRL making stops in Adelaide and Darwin this weekend, there is plenty to think about.
Round 15 tips and previews
Tigers v Rabbitohs, Thursday 7.50pm at Bankwest Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: A couple of big returns if Adam Reynolds and Braidon Burns are back. Apart from Sam Burgess, this is probably one of the better sides they'll have had for a number of weeks. The Wests Tigers are a grinding side but they have that inability to score a lot of points. The excitement for Tigers fans is they should have a very happy, and confident, Benji Marshall. Rabbitohs by 4
Match: Wests Tigers v Rabbitohs
Round 15 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
9th Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
2nd Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Dragons v Cowboys, Friday 6pm at WIN Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Corey Norman was in Perth for part of the Maroons preparation. A big game from him would help his chances of getting selected for game three of the Origin series. I thought the Cowboys were ready to go on a winning streak – then they lost their last match. This will be a grind-it-out affair where both teams will be trying not to lose rather than trying to win. Dragons by 2
Match: Dragons v Cowboys
Round 15 -
home Team
Dragons
11th Position
away Team
Cowboys
12th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Roosters v Storm, Friday 7.55pm at Adelaide Oval
Brett Kimmorley says: They've had some great clashes there in the past. The Roosters will get Cronk back and Latrell Mitchell will have a point to prove after missing out on Origin. The Storm were amazing in their last outing against the Knights. They put out the warning that they are the benchmark in this competition. A fresh Cameron Smith is a huge boost. Storm by 4
Match: Roosters v Storm
Round 15 -
home Team
Roosters
3rd Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Titans v Manly, Saturday 3pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Des Hasler is doing wonderful things at Manly. They'll get rep players back. The Trbojevic brothers were wonderful in Origin II. The Titans are unsure where they're at. They haven't shown me enough to convince me they'll challenge one of the red-hot teams. Sea Eagles by 10
Match: Titans v Sea Eagles
Round 15 -
home Team
Titans
15th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
5th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Knights v Broncos, Saturday 5.30pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Newcastle made a lot of errors against Melbourne and didn't get themselves into the game. They can be much better. For the Broncos, Anthony Milford and Darius Boyd are the ones who need to stand up and get the job done. But I don't think Brisbane will be tough enough if Newcastle turn up ready to play a tough brand of footy. Knights by 4
Match: Knights v Broncos
Round 15 -
home Team
Knights
6th Position
away Team
Broncos
14th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Rabbitohs clash a must-win for Wests Tigers' finals hopes
Eels v Raiders, Saturday 7.35pm at TIO Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: The Raiders are going from the cold of Canberra to Darwin. It is going to favour the Eels. Brad Arthur challenged his side the other week – and I think they'll cause an upset this week. Jaeman Salmon will make a difference to the Parramatta side. Eels by 6
Match: Eels v Raiders
Round 15 -
home Team
Eels
7th Position
away Team
Raiders
4th Position
Venue: TIO Stadium, Darwin
Warriors v Panthers, Sunday 2pm at Mt Smart Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Blake Green will be really important for the Warriors. No Nathan Cleary means James Maloney will need to be the star and he's more than happy to do that. At some stage the Warriors need to start winning – this is one they simply have to win if they are going to make a move up the ladder. Warriors by 8
Match: Warriors v Panthers
Round 15 -
home Team
Warriors
13th Position
away Team
Panthers
10th Position
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Bulldogs v Sharks, Sunday 4.05pm at ANZ Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: The return of Wade Graham has been wonderful for the Sharks. He was great in Origin and if he can bring that form back to club football I don’t think a Canterbury side that is 16th on the ladder can match them. I'd expect Cronulla to jump out of the blocks. If they do that they can put a score on the Bulldogs. Sharks by 10
Match: Bulldogs v Sharks
Round 15 -
home Team
Bulldogs
16th Position
away Team
Sharks
8th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
