1. Can the Warriors dazzle without Shaun Johnson?
Johnson has been the man to ignite the Warriors this season. Just a few weeks ago the Warriors were on track for a top-four finish. Now back-to-back losses have them scrambling to stay inside the top eight. Their premiership hopes were almost certainly dashed when Johnson hobbled from the field in their last-start loss to Manly. Outgoing half Chad Townsend will need to produce something special against the club he is joining – the Sharks – if the Warriors can salvage something out of this season.
2. Will the Raiders outgun the Cowboys?
Only the first-placed Brisbane have scored more points than the Raiders this year. Canberra kept their finals hopes intact when they beat Penrith last week. They face a tough ask against the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday but this game shapes to be a beauty between two of the best attacking sides in the competition. A win could see them move inside the top eight, while the Cowboys are looking to keep their minor premiership hopes alive.
3. Ta ta Toovey
Geoff Toovey is in the process of ending his long-term association with Manly, after it was finally announced he would not be head coach beyond this year. The response was typical from the Manly players – they want to send Toovey out on a high and make the finals. Will emotion be enough to see a depleted Manly side overcome the first-placed Broncos? The Sea Eagles taking the home game to the Central Coast will not help them.
4. Can Danny Buderus recapture the Knights magic?
Buderus is arguably the second-best Knights player to lace on the boots behind Andrew Johns. Now he has a chance to salvage something from this year. Buderus steps into the role as head coach following the sacking of Rick Stone. While he does not want the job long-term, he will look to instil a bit of pride into the Knights jersey. They play a Dragons side clinging to stay relevant in the competition.
5. Will the Rabbitohs go on a run?
South Sydney's form looks to be building. They put a poor Newcastle to the sword last year and they will have another opportunity to put on an exhibition against a weakened Penrith team. Penrith hold out hope of a finals spot, but face an uphill battle against the defending premiers. The match will also be Kyle Turner's first in the top grade since last year's grand final.
6. Will anyone turn up to the Titans v Eels?
What sort of crowd will they get at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast? They couldn't crack 10,000 when the Titans last played there, and now with the side inching closer to the wooden spoon they may battle to reach five figures again. The Eels aren't travelling much better, no hope of making the finals.
