Blake Ferguson will get a stern test in his first game back. Source: News Limited
FROM big boppers to game breakers and try-scoring machines, NRL round 22 is full of head-turning individual match-ups that make it unmissable action.
Each of the eight games across the weekend are significant for one reason or another, and to give you some idea of what to look out for, we've picked out the best of the one-on-one duels and outlined our expectations.
Reynolds v Cronk
Adam Reynolds will on Friday night travel into enemy territory with one mission; guide his out-of-form side to a much-needed win, despite the opposition's raft of superstar power. A tough responsibility to shoulder, but one he will have to embrace if he plans to take his place in a NSW side capable of ending Queensland's dominance in the coming years. The ever-professional Cronk will be out to show he still rules the roost and will not be relinquishing his stronghold on the Australian No.7 jersey, the premiership trophy or the State of Origin series any time soon.
Ferguson v Jennings
They were Origin teammates in game one, but now two of the NRL's most electrifying centres will go head-to-head in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash. Ferguson has dominated the press for the wrong reasons in recent months and will be looking to repay his club's faith with a dominant aerial display over a much shorter Jennings. Conversely, the Roosters' three-quarter will no doubt aim to expose the shortcomings in Ferguson's fitness after two months away from the top grade. Maloney and Pearce will be aware Ferguson averages three missed tackles per game and will send plenty of traffic in his direction. They will be hoping Jennings can get around the Canberra superstar once a lack of match fitness kicks in and his decision-making is hindered.
Mullen v Carney
Jarrod Mullen was instrumental in Newcastle's come-from-behind draw with the Broncos last weekend; providing two try assists and a line-break. His left-to-right passing game will no doubt be on display again in round 22 as he attempts to put Dane Gagai and Akuila Uate on the outside of Jonathan Wright. However, a key aspect of his game against the Broncos was his propensity to ask questions of the defence with the ball in hand, running for a staggering 117 metres. It's a performance he will need to repeat if he is going to outshine his opposite number. Todd Carney, despite recent good form, looked out of sorts at Mt Smart Stadium last week, carrying the ball for only 22 metres, providing no try assists and kicking the ball only half the distance Mullen covered.
Johnson v Cherry-Evans
These two young men couldn't play more contrasting styles of football if they tried. Cherry-Evans works to a structured game plan, acting as the main cog in the well-oiled Manly machine. Shaun Johnson however, plays much more off the cuff, instinctive football, feeding off the back of the Warriors propensity to gamble when in possession. Currently, it is Johnson who has the better stats for season 2013, significantly outclassing Cherry Evans in try assists, line break assists, repeat sets forced and 40/20s. However, Cherry-Evans, despite not being as brilliant as Johnson, does all the little things right. He has made only 11 errors for the season in comparison to Johnson's 30. It goes some way to explaining why Manly currently sit third on the competition ladder, while the Warriors are 10th. The Warriors' chances in Sunday's game will come down to whether Johnson can eradicate the errors that plagued his performance against the Sharks. We know DCE and Manly will come to play mistake free, grinding football.
Tamou v Grant
Both men are slowly rediscovering the football which made them two of the games most feared props in 2012. Grant has had an injury marred 2013, while Tamou has been let down by poor form and off-field indiscretions. However, both will be expected to find their barnstorming best on Sunday in order to give their respective teams even the slightest hope of playing finals football. With very similar statistics this year, the biggest difference between the pair is Tamou's 28 tackle breaks in comparison to Grant's five. The Panthers big man will need to rectify this in order to provide his speedsters with quick play the balls and momentum if they are to come away with the victory.
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