As the NRL approaches the business end of the season, Fox Sports commentator Laurie Daley provides his predictions for a tricky round 19 of NRL action.

Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney, Friday 6:40pm (EST), Suncorp Stadium
Not so long ago this game would have been a formality for Brisbane, but suddenly it appears as anything but. The Broncos’ poor form has been well documented, though they provided flashes of brilliance in disposing of the Warriors two weekends ago. Brisbane’s performances after both Origin fixtures have been mediocre; a thumping by Melbourne Storm and a loss to struggling Parramatta. South Sydney’s last month saw four-straight losses before a moral-boosting win against Penrith. How the Broncos’ Queensland contingent back up from Origin III will be largely out of their hands, where as South Sydney travel to Suncorp Stadium with a squad close to full strength. South Sydney’s pack – when fully committed – is more than capable of matching Brisbane. A margin of less than two points either way would be no surprise.

Laurie Daley says: Both team’s form has been patchy. The loss of a few key players for Brisbane might be a bit much for them to overcome. Without Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday and Israel Folau – backing up after a brutal Origin game – I will go with Souths. The Broncos haven’t backed up well after Origin this year.

Bulldogs v Gold Coast Titans, Friday 8:30pm (EST), Suncorp Stadium
Two teams with formidable home records meet on the neutral ground of Suncorp Stadium. Both sides are equally proficient in defence, making it no surprise they are second and third on the ladder respectively. The Titans form away from Skilled Park has been patchy at best, while the Bulldogs are renowned travellers, opting to take this fixture (which would have been played at ANZ Stadium) to the heart of Queensland. When these teams last met in round three it was the Titans who triumphed 20-12. A lot has changed since then, and on form it is probable that the Dogs will start this game as slight favourites.

Laurie Daley says: The Dogs have three critical players backing up in Brett Kimmorley, Michael Ennis and Josh Morris from NSW duty. Those three will be very sore, though, Gold Coast are backing up from a tough Monday night game against Parramatta. Despite that, they welcome back Preston Campbell, plus I think they are really trying to prove they are the real deal this year. Titans in a close one.

Penrith v Canberra, Saturday 5:30pm (EST), CUA Stadium
The over-achieving Panthers juggernaut is rapidly running out of steam. Two narrow wins from their last six matches sees them clinging to their position in the eight, with the loss to South Sydney last week a low point. Their pack looks weak without Petero Civoniceva and they will need to muscle up against the strong Raiders forwards. The Raiders will be desperate for a win themselves after a disappointing performance against Newcastle. Terry Campese’s dramatic form slump continued against the Knights and the Raiders will need him to start firing soon if they want to feature in September. Canberra will be buoyed by their record against Penrith; they’ve won eight of their last 10 against the Panthers including four of the last six at CUA Stadium.

Laurie Daley says: Both teams at times struggle defensively but I think the Raiders – while their away form is not great – have some big forwards that Penrith will struggle to handle, especially with a few injury concerns. Terry Campese and Marc Herbert were quiet last weekend, and if I they fire up I think the Raiders will win in a high-scoring match.

Cronulla v Manly, Saturday 7:30pm (EST), Toyota Stadium
Manly have produced a remarkable form turnaround in recent months, but if they are to seriously challenge in 2009 then they need to grind out a tricky away win over Cronulla. After stringing four-straight wins together mid-season the Sharks have again been crippled by injuries and incidents that have left them with a threadbare starting 13. Manly will more than likely be a bit leg-heavy with players backing up from Origin, as opposed to Cronulla who should be fresh coming off the bye. But Manly have had no trouble travelling to Toyota Park in recent seasons, having won their last two matches there. The Sharks will find the reigning premiers a  tough proposition without Paul Gallen (injured) and Reni Maitua (suspended), as the Manly pack is one of the toughest in the NRL.

Laurie Daley says: You would have to go with Manly given the form of Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart and Josh Perry in State of Origin – it is a pretty heavyweight team. Cronulla have been okay over the last couple of months and Scott Porter has improved their kicking game. But, Manly are a team that no-one wants to meet at the end of the year, as seen against the Bulldogs a fortnight ago.

Sydney Roosters v Warriors, Sunday 2pm (EST), Sydney Football Stadium
Sydney Roosters have dropped seven of their last eight and are having as much trouble off the field as on it. Now they face another struggler, the Warriors, who should have beaten the depleted Dogs last week and will be desperate to avoid a fourth straight loss. The Warriors appear to have the wood on the Chooks, having won four of their last six meetings. But the last time these two sides met at Aussie Stadium a thrilling 31-all draw was played out. The Roosters should be well rested from the bye and there are also whispers fullback Anthony Minichiello could make his return. The Warriors defeated the Roosters 17-16 in round six at Mt Smart Stadium via a Stacey Jones field goal. History suggests that this fixture often goes down to the wire, and with both teams battling to find the line in 2009, this match could follow the same path.

Laurie Daley says: I have given up on the Warriors in 2009. Until they prove to me they can win games consistently I can’t tip them – they’ve been one of the most disappointing teams in the competition this season. Roosters to get the points at home.

Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys, Sunday 3pm (EST), Leichhardt Oval
A last-start slaughter of the now resurgent Rabbitohs proved there is life in the Tigers’ season yet but it will take more than one win for them to be taken seriously again this year. The Cowboys destroyed the Tigers 42-14 at the start of the season for only their third victory in the last 10 meetings between the two. The Cowboys of 2009 are the league’s most potent attacking outfit in terms of points and tries scored while the Tigers are the definition of middle-of-the-road. Wests will have history on their side though, losing only once to the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval – in round 12, 2000.

Laurie Daley says: I like the Tigers to win this at Leichhardt Oval. The loss of Aaron Payne will be a big one for the Cowboys, and Johnathan Thurston will have to back up from a bruising Origin encounter. The Tigers had a good victory over Souths before a well-earned break. They’ll be keen to come back and produce another good performance.

Parramatta v Melbourne Storm, Monday 7pm (EST), Parramatta Stadium
Parramatta will be confident after their narrow loss to Gold Coast Titans while the Storm had a week off, and will return to NRL action hoping to cement their position in the top four. Melbourne’s Origin stars will have five days to recover from game three but could be forgiven for pulling up a bit sore after a rigorous rep campaign. For the Eels, Jarryd Hayne will again be the key man with all eyes on the star fullback to see how he pulls up from NSW duty. Parramatta brought a four-match losing streak against the Storm to an end with a 24-22 win at Parramatta Stadium in round 16 last year. It’s do or die for the Eels who can kiss their final’s hopes goodbye with another loss.

Laurie Daley says: Melbourne have a lot of players backing up, with Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis in doubt for this one. They are sure to be a bit dusty with the short turnaround. Parramatta playing at home, I think can pull off a big upset.