St George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers (OKI Jubilee Oval, Friday 7.35pm EDT)
The Dragons were awful last week against the Bulldogs and they will be desperately seeking redemption this week against the much hyped Wests Tigers. The Tigers are missing big man Keith Galloway and there is still doubt lingering over English back rower Gareth Ellis. A fired up Dragons side in front of a parochial home crowd…. I smell an ambush. Tip: Dragons
Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos (Hunter Stadium, Friday 8.35pm EDT)
If there is one man the Broncos would not want to lose for an extended period of time it would be Corey Parker. Their workaholic and goal kicking lock suffered a broken thumb in the loss to the Cowboys, placing him on the sidelines for at least 4 weeks. However, the Broncos depth in the back row and the Knights missing Kurt Gidley should allow the Broncos to sneak a win over their former coach. Tip: Broncos
Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm (Skilled Park, Saturday 5.30pm EDT)
Even though they will be deep in enemy territory the Storm should be too strong for a Titans outfit that looks to still be finding their groove. The Storm have had two impressive wins over the Raiders and South's and their world class spine should again be enough to get them the points. Tip: Storm
North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels (Dairy Farmers, Saturday 7.30pm EDT)
Without the heroics of Matt Bowen last week against the Broncos this game could have been the battle of the cellar dwellers. The Eels have been trying hard but have yet to convince anyone they have the class to be a contender this year. Look out for the Cowboys giant front rowers Scott and Tamou who stuck it to their much vaunted opponents last week. Tip: Cowboys
Warriors v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (Mt Smart Stadium, Sunday Midday EDT)
This should be an absolute belter with two sides in good form over the opening two rounds. The Bulldogs will be aiming to stop the offloads and slow the ruck down to try and nullify the Warriors electric little men (Johnson, Maloney, and Locke). But the Warriors are always a difficult prospect at home and that fact alone should see them finish on top of the Bulldogs. Tip: Warriors
Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders (Allianz Stadium, Sunday 2pm EDT)
I have been very impressed by the Raiders so far and it looks as if the Green Machine are in for a good year. The Roosters look devoid of options in attack whereas for the Raiders Terry Campese is beginning to warm up. Look out for a clash of the big men with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and David Shillington both enjoying stellar starts to 2012. Tip: Raiders
Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs (Centrebet Stadium, Sunday 3pm EDT)
The Rabbitohs have not stopped trying in both their games this year yet they sit on the bottom of the ladder without a win. The Panthers had a good win last week, albeit against a Roosters outfit that isn't setting the world on fire. I think the time has come for the Rabbits to get on the board so expect to see Russell Crowe dancing at the end of this one. Tip: South Sydney
Cronulla Sharks v Manly Sea Eagles (Toyota Park, Monday 7pm EDT)
Poor old Manly. Too many stars, not enough cash in the salary cap. Reports this week that Daly Cherry-Evans wants out of Brookvale will surely rock the Manly faithful, especially after seeing Des Hasler walk out in the off season. But despite off field dramas Manly have too much firepower on the field, not to mention a legitimate giant (Tony Williams) in the back row and should easily account for the Sharkies. Tip: Manly
Adam Schoenmaker is a high school chaplain in the northern suburbs of Brisbane for three days each week and serves two days a week in his local church. Adam loves a good book, a classic album and all Queensland sporting teams.
Adam Schoenmaker archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/adam-schoenmaker.html