State of Origin 2019 is almost upon us, but first, there are four mouth-watering NRL contests coming up in round 12.
Leaders South Sydney Rabbitohs headline the fixtures and have been boosted by re-signing James Roberts from Brisbane Broncos, though he cannot feature against Parramatta Eels, for whom Tepai Moeroa is set to make a landmark appearance.
Gold Coast Titans claimed a brilliant away win over Manly Sea Eagles last time out and will look to continue that form against North Queensland Cowboys.
The Sea Eagles will aim to bounce back when they face the struggling Penrith Panthers on Thursday, while lowly Canterbury Bulldogs host Canberra Raiders.
Two Rabbitohs will make their NRL debut while another returns from injury in our line up to take on the Eels, brought to you by @PlayUpGlobal! #GoRabbitohs #NRLEelsSouths #PlayUp pic.twitter.com/D3dbTbJdo1
— South Sydney Rabbitohs (@SSFCRABBITOHS) 28 May 2019
Thursday
Penrith Panthers (3-8) v Manly Sea Eagles (6-5)
- The Panthers have won four of their last five NRL matches against the Sea Eagles at Panthers Stadium.
- Reuben Garrick has been in fine form for the Sea Eagles in 2019, kicking 88 per cent of his attempts - the highest of any player who has had over 10 kicks at goal.
Friday
Parramatta Eels (5-6) v South Sydney Rabbitohs (10-1)
- The Rabbitohs have made the most carries (189) and line breaks (seven) per game of any team in NRL 2019, while no club has scored more tries (46).
- Reed Mahoney has made 521 tackles for the Eels so far this season, the second most of any player in the competition, while Moeroa could make his 100th NRL appearance.
Saturday
Canterbury Bulldogs (3-8) v Canberra Raiders (6-5)
- The Bulldogs currently prop up the NRL table, despite having made an average of just nine errors per game this term - fewer than any other side.
- Their form against the Raiders is not promising, however, with the Bulldogs losing four of their last five meetings in NRL.
Sunday
Gold Coast Titans (3-8) v North Queensland Cowboys (5-6)
- Alexander Brimson of the Titans has crossed for a try in each of his two previous NRL appearances against the Cowboys.
- The Cowboys have won their last eight league games against the Titans, their longest winning streak against a single opponent in the NRL era.
