THE entertainment level has remained high despite the absence of Origin stars in round 18 of the NRL.

Here’s my verdict.

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Eels v Roosters

I was very keen on the chances of the Roosters going into this match. At 18-6 into the second half I thought they were dead set certainties. What an effort by Parramatta inspired by their talented number 6. And to coach Brad Arthur … you sir deserve a medal!

Bulldogs v Tigers

Nine tries and great entertainment on a winter’s Saturday night at ANZ Stadium. There is plenty of football in this Tigers side and it must be so frustrating for coach Jason Taylor that they can’t take the next ‘step.’ Canterbury is looking a more dangerous attacking side by the week, and that augurs well for their premiership ambitions.

Panthers v Sharks

12 in a row becomes 13 and a quick look at the draw suggests the Sharks will be favourites for all their remaining matches this year with the possible exception of round 26 against Melbourne. The Sharks were far too strong in defence, and more authoritative in attack. It was a terribly disappointing second half from the Panthers with so much to play for.

Raiders v Cowboys

This is a real chance in Fox Sports Monday night football for the Raiders to put the understrength Cowboys to the sword. Really looking forward to calling the battle of the hookers with Josh Hodgson against Jake Granville. Thermals and beanies packed. GIO Stadium here I come!

State of Origin III

Hopes are high for an exciting attacking spectacle on Wednesday night. Only once in this dominant Queensland era have the Maroons managed a clean sweep (2010). Come Wednesday night, they will have a second. QLD to win 24-20.

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan joins Ben Ikin and Nathan Ryan to talk about the Sharks’ winning run and their plan to ensure the future success of the club.

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LIKES

Jacob Liddle: Yet another player joins the long list in 2016 of those to score a try on their NRL debut. The Wyong Roos junior looked good in his time on the field for the Tigers against the Bulldogs.

Joseph Manu: Superb chase by young Roosters winger to prevent Eels speedster Bevan French from scoring on Friday night.

The comebacks continue: That’s been the trend lately. It seems it’s better to fall behind by ten or more points at the moment if you want to win. Sure adds plenty of excitement.

Corey Norman: Another classy performance from the Eels playmaker. On a lot of his form this year, he could easily wear a Maroon jumper. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Kiwis stepped up their interest in him either given Kieran Foran is out of the picture for the Four Nations.

James Tedesco: Can’t wait to see this bloke on the State of Origin stage. Should have been there for game two … mind you, I would have had him in my Australian side against the Kiwis back in May as well.

DISLIKES

The Parramatta Eels saga: When does it end? Surely Saturday’s announcement is finally rock bottom.

The Sydney Roosters: Their record for 2016 now reads eight losses by four points or less. It’s one off a premiership record. But bottom line, the former competition heavyweights have won only three matches this year. And that’s ordinary.

NSW selection logic: I haven’t understood this series at all. It’s given me a headache.

Kenny Edwards cramps: The cramps king was at it again with another suspect performance in the final minutes on Friday night. I think the Fox Sports Lab stats show Kenny has been struck down by the debilitating cramp 10 times this year, while in six matches he suffered no ill affects at all. What a coincidence then that the Eels win loss record is 10-6.

The NRL draw: I don’t have the solution, but I still have to vent my spleen. It’s school holidays across the states. No match in southeast Queensland in round 18. No Thursday night football during the two week school break in NSW. Melbourne, Townsville, Gold Coast and Newcastle have missed out altogether.

The writer is on Twitter @AndrewVossy

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