PREVIEW OF NRL ROUND 12 MATCHES (all times AEDT):
THURSDAY May 30
Penrith v Manly at Panthers Stadium, 7.50pm
Head to Head: Panthers 35, Sea Eagles 52, Drawn 1
Last clash: Round 20, 2018 – Panthers 28 bt Sea Eagles 24 at Brookvale Oval.
Overlooked for the NSW Origin team and sidelined last round through suspension, Penrith playmaker James Maloney has a point to prove. After a win over the Eels it’s a good chance for the Panthers to build momentum against the Sea Eagles, who slipped up against the Titans. No Jake Trbojevic or Daly Cherry-Evans means they could be ripe for picking.
Key: With no Nathan Cleary, Penrith playmaker Maloney needs to step up if his team are to go back to back for the first time this season.
Tip: Panthers
FRIDAY May 31
Parramatta v South Sydney at Bankwest Stadium, 7.55pm
Head to Head: Eels 54, Rabbitohs 69, Drawn 3
Last clash: Round 20, 2018 – Rabbitohs 26 bt Eels 20 at ANZ Stadium.
With a swag of Rabbitohs stars absent on Origin duty, bookies have made the Eels raging favourites despite losing four of their past five. Parra coach Brad Arthur has also made a number of changes but because of poor form rather than representative absences. It’s a great chance for the Eels to find some confidence.
Key: With his future at the Eels secured, skipper Clint Gutherson needs to put his mark on the match.
Tip: Rabbitohs
SATURDAY, June 1
Canterbury v Canberra at ANZ Stadium, 7.35pm
Head to Head: Bulldogs 37, Raiders 30
Last clash: Round 17 2018 – Raiders 32 bt Bulldogs 28 at Belmore Sports Ground.
The Raiders are desperate to avoid a fourth straight loss but have been decimated with injuries and State of Origin call-ups. Despite being without seven of their best, Canberra are still favourites against a Bulldogs side only missing Dylan Napa (Maroons). Canterbury have shown form in patches but that might be enough against the depleted Raiders.
Key: Canberra playmaker Aidan Sezer plays his first game since round two and his performance may well determine the result.
Tip: Bulldogs.
SUNDAY, June 2
Gold Coast v North Queensland at Cbus Super Stadium, 4.05pm
Head to Head: Titans 8, Cowboys 14
Last clash: Round 8, 2019 – Cowboys 28 bt Titans 14 at 13000SMILES Stadium.
The Cowboys are chasing three straight wins for the first time this season but have lost Michael Morgan and Josh McGuire to the Maroons plus the injured Matt Scott (shoulder) and Justin O’Neill (spleen). The Titans lose Jai Arrow and haven’t beaten North Queensland in over five years but will see this as very winnable game.
Key: Gold Coast five-eighth Tyrone Roberts is in red-hot form and had a hand in four tries against Manly last week.
Tip: Titans
Bye: Roosters, Knights, Broncos, Storm, Dragons, Warriors, Sharks, Wests Tigers