NRL Round 4 expert tips and predictions, the burning issues facing teams

From redemption matches to pressure already on already stretched squad depths and must-win games, here are the burning issues heading into this NRL round - plus all our expert tips.

Burning issues for round 4.

The grand final rematch could be renamed the Ryan Matterson redemption game, such is the pressure on the under-fire Parramatta back-rower.

His decision to accept a three-game suspension over a $4000 fine stemming from a crusher tackle in last year’s grand final loss the Penrith sidelined him while the Eels have slumped to three straight defeats.

Teams like South Sydney and NRL newcomers the Dolphins will have their depth tested, the latter at the worst possible time — in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium crowd for the Battle of Brisbane.

From coaches under pressure to horrible home records and must-win games for a number of teams, here are the burning issues ahead of round 4.

Round 4 Burning Issue: Brent Read

All eyes will be on Ryan Matterson as he makes his return from suspension on Thursday night on the Eels’ right edge. He owes his teammates a massive game as the Eels attempt to break their duck in the grand final rematch.

Round 4 Burning Issue: Paul Kent

A roster pulled apart by the Dolphins and now suffering a crippling injury toll, if nothing else Melbourne’s reputation as the club that can always find the next man up is on the line.

Round 4 Burning Issue: Dean Ritchie

Back the Eels! I’m hearing Parramatta is preparing for a good old-fashioned ambush on Thursday night. Parra has to win and I reckon they will.

Round 4 Burning Issue: Travis Meyn

The Dolphins’ depth. The NRL newcomers’ bubble will finally burst in Friday night’s blockbuster Brisbane derby against the Broncos on the back of suspensions to key players Jeremy Marshall-King and Felise Kaufusi.

Round 4 Burning Issue: Phil Rothfield

The Knights have to beat the Raiders to ease pressure on coach Adam O’Brien. It’s a tough one because the team is competing hard each week. They are playing for the coach. So much hanging on this game for him.

Round 4 Burning Issue: David Riccio

The Knights’ credibility in the Hunter is on the line – and it’s only round four. They are facing seven straight losses at home. It’s a statistic that would have club legends Andrew Johns and Paul Harragon shaking their heads.

Round 4 Burning Issue: Paul Crawley

Sea Eagles need to announce themselves as genuine top-four contenders against the injury hit Rabbitohs, with Tom Trbojevic set to take the points over Latrell Mitchell and a Souths side missing $2.5 million in talent from their pack.

History says a team from outside the top eight almost always forces their way into the top four the following year, and Manly are shaping as the one this season.

Round 4 Burning Issue: Peter Badel

We will get a better gauge of whether Manly are the real deal. If the Sea Eagles can win a road trip to Souths, Anthony Seibold has every reason to believe his team can challenge for the title this season.

Round 4 Burning Issue: Michael Carayannis

The might of Manly will continue to push through with the Sea Eagles to beat South Sydney. The injury ward grows for the Rabbitohs which could see them slump to a 1/3 start to the season. On the flip side, the Sea Eagles will remain undefeated.

Round 4 Burning Issue: Fatima Kdouh

It’s the battle of the former premiership-winning Penrith assistants-turned rookie head coaches, and while Cameron Ciraldo has been hailed as the NRL’s best up-and-coming coach, it’s the less-fancied Andrew Webster and his rejuvenated Warriors outfit that will come out on top this weekend.

Round 4 Burning Issue: Adam Mobbs

It’s reaching crisis point at the Wests Tigers as minimum-wage five-eighth Brandon Wakeham joins Luke Brooks in the halves as Tim Sheens searches for answers.

While they haven’t been blown away in their three straight defeats, losing to the Gold Coast, Newcastle and Canterbury doesn’t bode well ahead of a trip to Melbourne to face the Storm. That starts a nightmare run of games that includes the Broncos in Brisbane, Parramatta, the bye, Manly and Penrith.

If the bye is the Tigers’ only two points by that point, call off the wooden spoon race.

Originally published as NRL Round 4 expert tips and predictions, the burning issues facing teams