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Preview ... Loz gives his tips and analysis for the week ahead. Source: FOX SPORTS

Fox Sports commentator and former Canberra premiership player Laurie Daley offers his thoughts and predictions for round four of the 2012 NRL premiership season.

Parramatta v Penrith, Parramatta Stadium, Friday, 7.35pm EDT

What do you say about the Eels? There were good signs in their first two games but they were completely outplayed last week. That sometimes happens when you play the Warriors; you get knocked around a bit and you don't come up the next week. Defensively they weren't on their game, it's a tough road trip up to Townsville but we were still expecting a lot more from them. They'll still struggle without Jarryd Hayne but I think they'll give a better account of themselves this week. With all the bagging they've got, I'd almost like to tip them in an upset. But Penrith have been steady. They weren't good enough last weekend, but South Sydney were very good. I think they'll have enough points in them to break down Parramatta's defence and with Tim Grant coming back it gives them another big body up the middle. Tip: Panthers

South Sydney v Brisbane Broncos, nib Stadium, 9.30pm EDT

If Souths can repeat their form and Taylor and Inglis can play as well as they did against Penrith, I think they can trouble the Broncos. I think that would have done their confidence a world of good. The Broncos are playing steady football, they're grinding away and that's the way they'll play it for most of the year I would think. They haven't jelled in terms of their attack yet but that will get better as the year goes on. Souths beat the Broncos over in Perth last year and they know one game doesn't make a season. So I think they'd like to back up what they did last week. Tip: Rabbitohs

Warriors v Gold Coast Titans, Mt Smart Stadium, 5.30pm EDT

Both teams have been disappointing so far. The Warriors have started slow in all their games this year, against Manly, Parramatta and the Bulldogs. That's a real attitude thing that they have to address so that will be a focus for them. They've got too much talent in their team but I still think they're missing the experience of Luck, Rapira and Lillyman. They are three tough forwards who consolidate the ruck for them. It will be difficult because I think the Titans were competitive against the Storm for 60 minutes last week. It was only the brilliance of Slater and Cronk that beat them. They will have to show the same resilience but I don't know if they can do that going across the Tasman. Their key position players are still struggling for combinations. If you shut down Prince, you've got a young hooker, a young five-eighth and Zillman hasn't played a lot of football. They'll have a go, but I don't know if they have the class to pile on the points. Tip: Warriors

St George Illawarra v Manly, WIN Jubilee Stadium, 7.30pm EDT

The loss of Williams is a massive blow for Manly as I thought he was close to their best on Monday night. There's no Matai on the left either and Glenn Stewart on the other side is missing as well. They might find it difficult going to Kogarah and taking on the Dragons. If the Dragons play as well as what they did last weekend, you'd think they'd be too good for Manly without those strike players. It's always a close, tough, grinding match between these two and with Manly having those injuries and the short turnaround, I think the Dragons can go back-to-back. Tip: Dragons

Link:
Loz's round four preview