Premier League previews - Round 12

Western Suburbs Magpies vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs 8.00pm Friday 27/May. Campbelltown Stadium

A battle between the two bottom teams on the ladder. Despite recording less wins, both sides have been competitive with other sides in the comp this year, and it is far from certain that either side will end up with the wooden spoon. In fact ? both teams are on 8 competition points, which has them only 2 points short of being in the top 8 on the ladder. I think Souths have the slightly better form and should get away with a win.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. St George Illawarra Dragons 2.30pm Saturday 28/May. Belmore Sports Ground

Seventh placed Bulldogs are at home to tenth placed Dragons. The Bulldogs have impressive form, including a win against first placed Parra this season. They should beat the Dragons, who have been competitive this season, but have failed to win close games.

Balmain - Ryde Eastwood Tigers vs. North Sydney Bears 2.30pm Saturday 28/May. Leichhardt Oval

Eigth placed Tigers are at home to ninth placed Bears. Both teams are on 10 competition points and both teams have recorded some good wins in recent times. It should be a very even game, with the home side, the Tigers, being slight favourites.

Newtown Jets vs. Parramatta Eels 3.00pm Saturday 28/May. Henson Park

Third placed Newtown are at home to outright competition leaders the Eels. Both sides had impressive wins last week, but both have had patchy form over the last month. I think Newtown can cause the upset of the round by beating the Eels at Henson Park.

Sydney Roosters vs. Canberra Raiders 5.30pm Saturday 28/May. Central Coast Express Advocate Stadium

Another top of the table clash with forth placed Roosters clashing with second placed Raiders at a neutral ground. The Roosters come off a bye, and the Raiders come off an unimpressive 2 point win over equal last placed Wests. I tip the Roosters in a very close game.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Penrith/ St. Marys Cougars 2.30pm Sunday 29/May. Brookvale Oval

Fifth placed Manly are at home to eleventh placed Cougars. Both teams suffered big loses lost week against the top two sides in the comp. Before last week the Cougars were on a good streak of form, recording several good wins. The Cougars could well upset the more fancied Manly this week.