2012 NRL Match Previews - Round 14

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With our regular previewer Paul Mitry rested (definitely not dropped!), this week our live updaters Tim, Justin and Aaron preview the Round 14 weekend action!

All times AEST

Don't forget to check out:
Tuesday's Expert - Round 13 wrap + player of the year update
Your Club This Weekend - match details for all major grades this weekend
LeagueUnlimited NRL Teams - all the lineups for Round 14
NRL Injury & Suspension Summary - a whip-around of all the club casualty wards

Melbourne Storm v Wests Tigers
AAMI Park Melbourne, Friday 7:45pm - live update here


Many sides across Round 14 will be impacted by Rugby League's showpiece, with State of Origin hosted in Sydney next Wednesday. Never fear, because we will see many quality games, including this clash on Friday Night. League-leaders the Melbourne Storm will be without their 'big three' (Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater), while the Wests Tigers will be Robbie Farah-less as they were prior to Origin 1.

With six-straight victories, the Tigers continue to find form as they climb the NRL ladder. Meanwhile, the Storm have continued to widen the gap at the top of the league. Benji Marshall will need to fire again as his young halves partner Curtis Sironen retains his position at five-eighth. Marshall's game has strengthened with his shift into the Number 7 jersey. Melbourne hooker Ryan Hinchcliffe will be thrown into the spotlight and will form the core of his side's attack. Englishman Gareth Widdop will shift to fullback in the attempt to fill the talent void. This encounter has the potential to be a quality game of footy as two of the top teams do battle at AAMI Park.

Aaron's tip:
Tigers by 4


Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders
Hunter Stadium Newcastle, Saturday 7:30pm - live update here


Two teams struggling for form and competition points, with Newcastle taking the slow approach to building a side and Canberra just hoping to have a team to field after countless injuries. Newcastle haven
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