Round seven may not have an intra-conference clash to salivate over, but it has something else for NRL fans to get excited about. Over two matches on Friday night, four teams – representing all four conferences and all with contrasting form – strive to make a statement as the season enters its next phase.

Match One: St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos

Between the two of them, neither the Dragons nor the Broncos have lost a match in the last four rounds. They enter round seven at the top of both the NRL North and NRL South conferences (the Dragons are equal first with the Melbourne Storm) and are hungry to remain there.

While the Dragons have beaten bottom-eight teams such as the Raiders and the Sea Eagles to get to third on the ladder, the quality of opposition over the first six rounds of the season means nothing when they take on the Broncos. Winning breeds confidence, and these two teams currently have a lot of both.

The biggest factor in determining the outcome of this match is the Dragons’ attack. They managed to score 31 points against a depleted Bulldogs side in round six, but can they outscore the team leading the NRL North?

The Broncos can defend just as well as the Dragons – the only difference is they have consistently shown their ability to score points with the ball in hand as well. The Dragons will need to rise to the challenge and keep their offence clicking if they are to claim their fifth consecutive victory.

Match Two: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

This match sees the Bulldogs celebrate their 1995 Grand Final victory over the Sea Eagles. Can they inflict a similar defeat 20 years later, or is this the match that Manly can put a halt to their losing ways?

Two losses in a row have seen the Bulldogs slip down the NRL South conference table, while the Sea Eagles are now anchored firmly to the bottom of the NRL North with only one win to their name.

Even without star forwards such as James Graham and David Klemmer, the Bulldogs pack is still formidable and should win the yardage game against the Sea Eagles. However, where both teams need to improve to win this match is their execution of attacking play in their opponent’s 20-metre zone.

The inclusion of Jamie Lyon is a boost for the Sea Eagles, but they need to focus on their defensive efforts if they are to end their losing streak. Manly were once a club that would emphasise their dominance on the field with their attitude off the ball. If they are to win this evening, it will start with their defence.

If recent history between these two teams is anything to go by, there is every chance this will be a close encounter that will go down to the wire.