Mercury NRL writer Tim Barrow previews this weekend's qualifying finals. Have your say by posting a comment below.
MA NLY v MELBOURNE.Tonight, Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, 7.45pm
The record: Played 16 - Melbourne 9, Manly 7; At Etihad Stadium - first meeting
The week: Melbourne are expecting experienced Manly five-eighth Jamie Lyon to overcome a shoulder injury for tonight's clash even though he wasn't originally named in the Sea Eagles line-up; Storm second-rower Adam Blair successfully had a dangerous "crusher" tackle charge dismissed at the NRL judiciary from last weekend's clash with the Warriors allowing him to play tonight.
The verdict: The reigning premiers appear to have woken from their late season slumber after smashing the Gold Coast 38-4 at Brookvale Oval.
They also beat the Storm last time they played in Melbourne, although that game was at Olympic Park. While Blair's inclusion is a boost for Melbourne, the Sea Eagles have an edge about them with star second-rower Anthony Watmough in form and following the return of fullback Brett Stewart.
While I don't think there will be a repeat of last year's 40-0 victory in the grand final, I think Manly will have too much firepower, leaving Melbourne to endure a nervous weekend to see if they survive for another week.
TIM BARROW'S TIP: MANLY by 8
GOLD COAST v BRISBANESaturday, Skilled Park, 6.30pm
The record: Played 6 - Titans 3, Broncos 3; At Skilled Park: Played 2 - Titans 2, Broncos 0.
The week: The Titans were stung by Manly's 38-4 thumping, putting a question mark about their claims as genuine title contenders in their first finals series; Brisbane have had a relatively short turn around after playing on Sunday night, beating the Raiders 22-10.
The verdict: I thought the Broncos were no hope of launching a successful finals campaign until they came to Wollongong and produced a brilliant defensive display in beating St George Illawarra.
Since then they've started to look like the Broncos of old, who are never far away from grand final day.
The Titans - finals rookies - have an imposing record at home, but they rely on too few players when it counts.
The big game experience of players like Darren Lockyer and Tonie Carroll should guide the Broncos to victory.
TIM BARROW'S TIP: BRONCOS by 12
BULLDOGS v NEWCASTLESaturday, ANZ Stadium, 8.30pm
The record: Played: 31 - Bulldogs 16, Knights 14, drawn 1; At ANZ Stadium: Played 7: Bulldogs 5, Knights 2.
The week: The Bulldogs spent the week praying to the football gods that halfback Brett Kimmorley's cheekbone would heal miraculously; the Knights declared they fear none of their finals rivals after thumping Penrith to book a spot in the playoffs.
The verdict: Are the Bulldogs totally shot without the diminutive halfback steering them around the field? Did the Knights play their grand final in beating the Panthers to make the playoffs?
While the Dogs were very disappointing in the loss to Wests Tigers last Friday, there is nothing quite so dangerous as giving Benji Marshall a licence to thrill after the Tigers had already bowed out of finals contention.
The Bulldogs will be desperate to win this game and take a week off in the hope that Kimmorley will be fit for a preliminary final.
The Knights will want to throw the football around and avoid the game developing into an arm wrestle.
TIM BARROW'S TIP: BULLDOGS by 4
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA v PARRAMATTASunday, WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah, 4pm
The record: Played 19 - Eels 10, Dragons 8, drawn 1; At WIN Jubilee Oval: Played 3 - Dragons 3, Eels 0.
The week: The Dragons dusted off the trophy cabinet to allow the JJ Giltinan Shield for the minor premiership to take pride of place; the Eels are thankful to have Nathan Hindmarsh and Eric Grothe back.
The verdict: St George Illawarra's completion rate against Parramatta (90.5 per cent) last Friday was the highest by any team this season. It was a brilliant return to form by the Dragons which also stopped the Eels seven game winning streak.
So can Parramatta turn it all around? Absolutely, but they will need quality possession inside St George Illawarra's half and allow fullback Jarryd Hayne to weave his magic. However, it's hard to ignore that the Dragons held the Eels scoreless last Friday.
TIM BARROW'S TIP: DRAGONS by 8
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