Toovey wary
SYDNEY - Manly coach Geoff Toovey has found out twice this year that a team given no hope can make you look silly in the NRL, and he doesn't want the same to happen today against Canberra.
The Sea Eagles host the Raiders at Brookvale Oval with the Raiders $5 outsiders.
Canberra were belted 44-22 by Cronulla at home last week while Manly come into the match off the back of a gritty 12-10 away win over Canterbury. While most punters are declaring Manly over the line, with the Raiders expected to lose their third-straight match - Toovey sees Canberra as a dangerous opponent.
Morris shines
SYDNEY - Canterbury coach Des Hasler has hailed free-scoring centre Josh Morris and backed him to shine for NSW should selectors opt to restore him to the Blues line-up for this month's State of Origin opener.
Morris grabbed his second hat-trick of the season in the Bulldogs' 46-12 humbling of Parramatta on Friday, to take his total for the year to eight tries in nine NRL appearances.
The 25-year-old former St George Illawarra star has not played Origin since 2009, and Hasler believes his form is good enough to face Queensland in the May 23 clash in Melbourne.
Minichiello and Boyd
SYDNEY - The battle of fullbacks Anthony Minichiello and Darius Boyd looms as the crucial matchup in the Sydney Roosters home NRL clash against Newcastle today.
With the Knights squad depleted after a bruising Monday night encounter with Penrith which claimed stars Kurt Gidley and Danny Buderus, Boyd will need to find his best form to lend a hand in the playmaking department.
Knights five-eighth Jarrod Mullen will need to quickly strike up a combination with youngster Tyrone Roberts, but Boyd's ability to chime in and gain results from the back will be vital.
Cowboys stand out
TOWNSVILLE, Qld - Queensland suffered a brief State of Origin scare as playmaker Johnathan Thurston copped a callous elbow to the head in North Queensland's 30-6 NRL win over St George Illawarra on Friday night.
Dragons backrower Matt Prior was sent from the field for the 55th minute shot, which left the star playmaker sprawled on the ground. However, Maroons selectors will likely be breathing easier after Thurston returned to the Cowboys bench after receiving medical attention. The Origin and Test five-eighth was not knocked unconscious in the hit but did not return to the field.
Collingwood survives
MELBOURNE - Collingwood survived a fierce challenge from the Western Bulldogs to win an absorbing AFL match by 21 points at Etihad Stadium. The Magpies took full toll of several Bulldogs turnovers in the last term to win 15.8 (98) to 11.11 (77) on Friday night.
Midfielders Dayne Beams starred for the ‘Pies with 33 disposals, while defender Alan Toovey was superb with his work on in-form Bulldogs small forward Luke Dahlhaus. Collingwood midfielder Scott Pendlebury was also prolific and was awarded best afield.