Round 22 of the NRL features several clashes that will define the remainder of the regular season, and indeed dictate a clearer picture for the finals.
As the Dragons edge closer to the minor premiership, can the likes of the Titans and Bulldogs threaten to spoil Wayne Bennett's party?
The Sports Desk's contributors offer you their tips for the upcoming weekend of rugby league.
Friday:
Penrith came agonisingly close to pulling off one of the most remarkable comebacks in NRL history, when 32-6 down against the Warriors, but 90 minutes could only produce a draw. That will give the Panthers confidence against any side, but against the Dragons Matt Elliott will need to draw on something even greater.
Saturday's clash between the in-form Cowboys and Storm will look like a Queensland State of Origin trial in a match that promises competitive entertainment. North Queensland has lost winger Michael Bani, and will rely on Johnathan Thurston's combination with Matt Bowen for points on the road.
Saturday: Despite losing to the Tigers, the Sea Eagles learned plenty about their character and ability to fight back from the brink when they went within a whisker of an upset in round 21. Down 18-0 at half-time, they fell just short of a spectacular reverse as the match finished 19-18. The Rabbitohs went down gallantly to the Bulldogs and could yet pose a threat to the reigning premiers.
Canterbury was given a scare by South Sydney, but dealing with that sort of pressure and emerging victors is why Kevin Moore's side holds a key stake in the premiership conversation. A home meeting against Canberra reads like a reasonably simple prospect for the Bulldogs, except for the fact that the Raiders put 56 unanswered points on the Broncos last weekend.
Sunday:
Across the Tasman on Sunday afternoon the Warriors host the Titans, who will be desperate to bounce back from an embarrassing home loss to the Cowboys. The Warriors know two competition points were there for the taking in Penrith in round 21, and with that lost opportunity they will be desperate to take their chances at Mt Smart Stadium.
The Roosters were shock winners in Newcastle last weekend but will be tested thoroughly by the in-form Tigers, who are chasing a fifth straight win on their unlikely charge to the finals.
Given the Knights' loss to the tri-colours, Parramatta will start favourites at home to continue their impressive run of wins sparked by electric Eel Jarryd Hayne. The young partnership of Jeff Robson and Daniel Mortimer has paid dividends in the halves, as Newcastle struggles for momentum with its spot in the top eight under threat.
Monday:
The final match of the round gives Brisbane the opportunity to address a horror week in which it conceded a club record defeat to Canberra (56-0), lost Karmichael Hunt to the AFL and grappled with claims of player misbehaviour and drug abuse. Steve Michaels has been dropped with Israel Folau still out injured, but Darren Lockyer regains the support of young number seven Peter Wallace in the halves.
Chris (4/99): Dragons, Storm, Sea Eagles, Dogs, Titans, Tigers, Eels, Broncos.
Joe (3/89):
Dragons, Storm, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Titans, Tigers, Knights, Broncos.
Joel (3/87):
Dragons, Storm, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Titans, Tigers, Eels, Broncos.
Raman (3/86):
Dragons, Storm, Sea Eagles, Dogs, Warriors, Tigers, Knights, Broncos.Dragons, Storm, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Warriors, Tigers, Eels, Broncos.
Nic (3/85):