NRL semi-finals factbox

Factbox on the NRL semi-finals (all times AEST):

Friday, September 15 2006

St George Illawarra v Manly at Aussie Stadium at 7:45pm

Head to head: Dragons 6, Sea Eagles 2 Head to head in 2006: Dragons 1, Sea Eagles 0 Last Match: Dragons 26-24 (Brookvale Oval, round 6, 2006)

Key for the Dragons: All eyes will be on centre Mark Gasnier this week as he looks to overcome a hip injury suffered in Saturday night's win over the Broncos.

Key for the Sea Eagles: The Sea Eagles should have a new resolve about them this week after going so close to being eliminated in the first week of the finals.

Saturday, September 16 2006

Newcastle v Brisbane at Aussie Stadium at 7:45pm

Head to head: Knights 9, Broncos 18 Head to head in 2006: Knights 1, Broncos 0 Last Match: Knights 32-30 (EnergyAustralia Stadium, round 9, 2006)

Key for the Knights: Could suffer a huge blow if hooker Danny Buderus is rubbed out by the NRL judiciary for his lifting tackle on Michael Robertson on Friday night. Backrower Steve Simpson will have physio all week in a bid to overcome a shoulder problem in time for the match.

Key for the Broncos: How much has the loss to the Dragons dented the confidence? Will be hoping Karmichael Hunt has overcome a hamstring injury to give the side an extra option in attack after they only managed four points against the Dragons.