A number of huge games are set to conclude what has been a bumper 2017 home and away season with nine sides still in the running for a place in the finals, while the top four battle is as heated as ever.
Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs
ANZ Stadium, Friday Nightย
These two sides couldn't come into this game in more contrasting form with Parramatta dismantling the Broncos with ease last week while the Rabbitohs were humiliated (on the scoreboard at least) against the Storm.
The Eels are in top form, having only suffered one loss since round 14 and a win on Friday night will sew up a top four berth for the blue and gold hoops. Offensively, they have weapons everywhere and their extended bench includes the likes of Kaysa Pritchard, Josh Hoffman and Beau Scott, all of whom are possible inclusions into the 17 come Friday night.
While coach Brad Arthur will be elated with his side's form, they are still defensively vulnerable and will need to tighten that up, beginning this weekend.
That will be tested as the Rabbitohs have the ability to chalk up a big score. While they won't have try-scoring machine Alex Johnston on the park (or Zane Musgrove, out through suspension), they still possess the likes of Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds (concussion protocol pending), with the former leading all halves in the competition for line breaks (16).
The Eels have everything to play for and certainly won't be letting this one slip.
Eels by 10.
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