Indigenous Round was an absolute belter - Headlined by the Dragons' last minute win, Tigers SMASHING the Cowboys and Canterbury coming through in the clutch to topple the Titans. With State of Origin just around the corner, it's byes galore in Round 13 as SEVEN teams have the week off. But fear not! There's plenty of NRL action to unpack across this week's five fixtures. In this blog, we're previewing every game of Round 13 ahead and providing some insights around what to expect. Let us know what you do and don't agree with via our social channels twitter, facebook, instagram, discord.
Dolphins V St. George Illawarra Dragons
Thursday 25th of May - 7:50pm AEST
Dolphins Team News: With Tom Gilbert and Hamiso heading into Origin camp and Felise Kaufusi suspended, Ray Stone, Herman Ese'ese, Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford are all set to start. Mark Nicholls returns via the bench following a thumb injury.
Dragons Team News: Ben Hunt's Maroons duties make way for Jayden Sullivan who'll wear the No. 7. Jack Bird is back, but Jaydn Su'A is out injured.
Match Narrative: The revamped Dolphins spine combinations will struggle to gel. No Ben Hunt, no worries for the Dragons! Amone to have a blinder and Jack De Belin will be big as usual.
Score Prediction: Dolphins 14 - 26 Dragons
Top Scorer: Jack De Belin - 76 GDS Fantasy Points
Parramatta Eels V North Queensland Cowboys
Friday 26th of May - 8:00pm AEST
Eels Team News: The BIG mid-season signing, Joe Ofahengaue slots straight in at Prop at Junior Paulo joins the Blues camp. Injuries to Ryan Matterson and Andrew Davey make way for Matt Doorey.
Cowboys Team News: Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Reuben Cotter and Tommy Dearden are all out with Origin duties, which makes way for two debutants (Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby - not in GameDay Squad), the versatile Ben Hampton and Jake Granville at Lock.
Match Narrative: Moses MASTERCLASS inbound! The hottest non-Origin half is poised to go huge and steer Parramatta to a convincing victory.
Score Prediction: Eels 34 - 8 Cowboys
Top Scorer: Mitchell Moses - 88 GDS Fantasy Points
New Zealand Warriors V Brisbane Broncos
Saturday 27th of May - 5:30pm AEST
Warriors Team News: A few fantasy-relevant changes for the Origin-proof Warriors. Luke Metcalf slides in at No. 6 in place of Ronald Volkman. Mr Consistent Jackson Ford is back starting on the Edge, while Freddy Lussick replaced Wade Egan.
Broncos Team News: Young guns Tristan Sailor and Deine Mariner get a shot in the backs as Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo head into the Maroons camp. Haas, Carrigan and Flegler are also out with Origin duties, which should see a larger role for Keenan Palasia, Corey Jensen, Xav Willison and Brendan Piakura.
Match Narrative: Fresh off the bye, the Warriors will smother Adam Reynolds and win convincingly. Luke Metcalf will play out of his skin and Coach Andrew Webster won't be able to not pick him next week.
Score Prediction: Warriors 20 - 6 Broncos
Top Scorer: Luke Metcalf - 65 GDS Fantasy Points
South Sydney Rabbitohs V Canberra Raiders
Saturday 27th of May - 7:35pm AEST
Rabbitohs Team News: Blues Origin stars Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell are respectively replaced by Liam Knight and Blake Taafe, as Shaq Mitchell and Tallis Duncan find their way onto the bench.
Raiders Team News: For the first time in a long time, Josh Papali'i will line up for the Raiders during the Origin period, given his recent retirement for the representative format. Corey Harawira-Naera slots in for Hudson Young who is set to make his NSW debut and Elliot Whitehead's suspension sees Corey Horsburgh shift to the back row.
Match Narrative: Canberra won't miss a beat and the Green Machine's forward pack will trample over Souths in the middle third of the field. Papali'i, Horsburgh and Tapine are all on for 55+ fantasy scores.
Score Prediction: Rabbitohs 16 - 26 Raiders
Top Scorer: Joseph Tapine - 67 GDS Fantasy Points
Newcastle Knights V Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Sunday 28th of May - 4:05pm AEST
Knights Team News: After a poor outing last week, Lachie Miller is pushed to the interchange and makes way for Kalyn Ponga. Tyson Gamble slots in at No. 6 and Adam Elliot lines up at Lock. With Frizell on Blues duties, Jack Johns is set to start in the back row.
Sea Eagles Team News: Cooper Johns replaces QLD captain Daly Cherry-Evans at Halfback, while Kaeo Weekes slots in for the injured Tommy Trbojevic. Jake Trbojevic's injury sees Toafofoa Sipley starting at Prop and Keppie moves to Lock.
Match Narrative: With the Johns boys going head to head, this will be match of the round. Kalyn Ponga will be out to prove his case for Origin selection and his efforts will see the Knights edge out Manly in a close one.
Score Prediction: Knights 20 - 18 Sea Eagles
Top Scorer: Kalyn Ponga - 71 GDS Fantasy Points
Byes - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Melbourne Storm, Gold Coast Titans, Wests Tigers