Doggies hope recent wins will put them ahead of Roosters
TONIGHT
Bulldogs V Roosters
- History: Played 161, Roosters 79, Bulldogs 77, drawn 5
- Last met: Roosters 38-nil, round 6, 2013
How things have changed since these sides met just 10 weeks ago when the Roosters had a smashing 38-nil victory.
Since then the Dogs have surged into the top eight and the Roosters have lost two of their past three, but still sit third.
Origin II has been cruel to the Tricolours, with their key halves pairing unavailable.
Also against the Roosters is their record at ANZ Stadium where they have won just four of their past 10 games - the Bulldogs have also beaten the boys from Bondi Junction in four successive meetings at the venue.
TOMORROW
Tigers V Raiders
- History: Played 25, Tigers 15, Raiders 10
- Last met: Tigers 40-nil, round 13, 2012
If the recent past meant something, the Tigers would be morals to win this.
They have won eight of nine games against the Raiders, 10 of 13 at Campbelltown and the Raiders have lost seven of their past eight on the road.
But with even more injuries, dreadful defence on Monday night and without Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods, things look bleak for the 15th placed Tigers.
Even allowing for the mass disruption surrounding Blake Ferguson and the loss of Josh Papalii to Origin duty, the Raiders will win.
SUNDAY
Eels V Rabbitohs
- History: Played 116, Rabbitohs 63, Eels 50, drawn 3
- Last met: Rabbitohs 38-6, round 25, 2012
Sooner or later the dreadful record of the Eels at ANZ Stadium - they have lost 11 on the trot - will end, but it won't be this weekend.
Despite the Rabbitohs missing three key forwards and attacking genius Greg Inglis, it is difficult imagining Ricky Stuart's last-placed Eels recovering from last weekend's second-half humiliation against the Sharks.
But one query over the Rabbitohs line-up needs to be answered - as George and Tom Burgess are identical twins, who can be absolutely certain Tom will make his debut in this?
MONDAY
Titans V Storm
- History: Played 9, Storm 6, Titans 3
- Last met: Storm 24-16, round 23, 2012
John Cartwright may have been sincere when he expressed disappointment that Ashley Harrison had been dropped from the Maroons, but that regret would have been short lived.
With Bird and Myles missing, Harrison will be a huge bonus for the Titans in this vital clash, especially with the Storm missing their big three. Melbourne will blood rookie Ben Hampton.
