We have just six rounds to go before finals football descends upon us but we are no closer to finalising the top eight.

Three spots remain up for grabs with eight teams vying for their respective places in the playoffs.

That number could be reduced to two if the Broncos get their season back on track with a win over the Roosters.

That match will be followed by an all-Sydney encounter between the Bulldogs and the Dragons with both teams experiencing heavy losses in Round 20.

We then head across the ditch with the winner of Warriors versus Panthers to hold a place in the top half of the competition come Monday night.

Meanwhile, the Eels and Wests Tigers will renew their rivalry after experiencing very different results last week.

Sydney Roosters versus Brisbane Broncos
Thursday, 28 July, 7:50pm (AEST) at Allianz Stadium

The Broncos and Roosters have fallen on the sword in 2016 with performances in recent weeks a far stretch from their positions this time last year.

Trent Robinson’s Roosters have showed signs of improvement in recent week with some strong performances against highly-ranked opposition.

It is now impossible for the tricolours to qualify for the finals however, they will no doubt be playing with plenty of pride in a bid to finish 2016 on a positive note.

The boys from Bondi will be missing key big man Jared Waerea-Hargreaves who has been down on form in 2016.

His absence sees Dale Copley come into the centres with Mitchell Aubusson returning to the back row while Isaac Liu will wear the no. 8 jumper.

Chris Smith comes onto an extended bench as back-up in search of his second appearance this year.

Wayne Bennett’s Broncos have been troubled in recent weeks with Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt failing to inspire their teammates.

This has resulted in heavy losses to the Panthers, Storm and Bulldogs over the last five weeks with the Brisbane-based franchise needing to regain their form if they are to be a premiership contender.

Hunt and Milford must step up while their forward pack will be required to carry a heavier load with Josh McGuire and Sam Thaiday both suspended.

Corey Oates will also need an improved effort after he choked under the high ball last Friday night against Penrith.

The Roosters and Broncos have met on 31 occasions since 1998 with Brisbane holding the upper hand having been victorious 17 times while Easts have come out on top in 14 matches.

Last time they met, Wayne Bennett’s troops waltzed through to a grand final berth with a 31-12 victory over the Roosters in last year’s preliminary finals.

Prediction
Round 21 is the perfect opportunity for Brisbane to get back in the winner’s circle.

Broncos by 6.

What you need to know
Kickoff: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: Allianz Stadium
TV: Live, Nine Network and Fox Sports
Last meeting: Broncos defeated Roosters 31-12 (Preliminary Final, 2015)
Head-to-head: 31 played – Roosters 14, Broncos 17
Roosters last three games: 10-26 versus Storm, 20-32 versus Sharks, 18-22 versus Eels
Broncos last three games: 12-31 versus Panthers, 30-10 versus Rabbitohs, 6-48 versus Storm

Sydney Roosters
1. Blake Ferguson, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Dale Copley, 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 5. Latrell Mitchell, 6. Connor Watson, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. Isaac Liu, 9. Jake Friend (c), 10. Dylan Napa, 11. Boyd Cordner, 12. Mitchell Aubusson, 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Sam Moa, 15. Aidan Guerra, 16. Ryan Matterson, 17. Kane Evans, 18. Chris Smith

Brisbane Broncos
1. Darius Boyd, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. James Roberts, 5. Lachlan Maranta, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Adam Blair, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Corey Parker (c)
Interchange: 14. Herman Ese’ese, 15. Tevita Pangai Junior, 16. Jai Arrow, 17. Joe Ofahengaue, 18. Jaydn Su’A

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs versus St George Illawarra Dragons
Friday, 29 July, 7:50pm (AEST) at ANZ Stadium

The Dragons are imploding. They have lost three games in a row by more than 12 points.

Despite sitting in eleventh position on the ladder, they have recorded the second worst for and against in 2016 with -158 due to a flat attack, it is behind only the Knights who have a disgusting -381 points differential.

Taane Milne and Jack de Belin were the only positives on the park last week for the Red V with Paul McGregor expected to lose his job if his side continue to record poor results.

He will be without plenty of strike power in the middle of the park after Leeson Ah Mau copped a three-week suspension after a dangerous high shot. The shot left Tim Grant concussed during last week’s 25-12 loss to the Wests Tigers.

It was Benji Marshall’s 250th first grade game, the former New Zealand international unable to lead his team to victory after weeks on the sideline.

The Bulldogs will prove no easy task for the Red V despite receiving a 36-0 hammering at the hands of the Cowboys last week.

It was the first scare of 2016 for Des Hasler’s troops which has derailed them in their hunt for a ninth premiership.

He has stuck with the same 17, adding Lloyd Perrett and Tyrone Phillips to an extended bench.

The blue and white must ensure they shoulder the weight between their forward pack, with James Graham and Aiden Tolman carrying the team so far this season and the likes of David Klemmer and Josh Jackson not having enough of an impact.

Since St George and Illawarra merged in 1999 they have won eleven games over the Bulldogs who have been victorious in the remaining twenty encounters.

They last met in their now annual Queen’s Birthday fixture with Canterbury coming away with a big 34-16 win.

Prediction
Canterbury will get their mojo back, storming home with a big win and moving back into top four.

Bulldogs by 24.

What you need to know
Kickoff: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: ANZ Stadium
TV: Live, Nine Network and Fox Sports
Last meeting: Bulldogs defeated Dragons 34-16 (Round 14, 2016)
Head-to-head: 31 played – Bulldogs 20, Dragons 11
Bulldogs last three games: 0-36 versus Cowboys, 32-22 versus Wests Tigers, 24-20 versus Roosters
Dragons last three games: 12-25 versus Wests Tigers, 12-32 versus Titans, 6-36 versus Sea Eagles

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
1. Will Hopoate, 2, Brett Morris, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Curtis Rona, 5. Sam Perrett, 6. Josh Reynolds, 7. Moses Mbye, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9. Michael Lichaa, 10. James Graham (c), 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Greg Eastwood, 13. David Klemmer
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano, 15. Danny Fualalo, 16. Tim Browne, 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 19. Lloyd Perrett, 21. Tyrone Phillips

St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Adam Quinlan, 2. Kurt Mann, 3. Euan Aitken, 4. Taane Milne, 5. Jason Nightingale, 6. Gareth Widdop (c), 7. Benji Marshall, 8. Russell Packer, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Mike Cooper, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Joel Thompson, 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Tariq Sims, 15. Will Matthews, 16. Jacob Host, 17. Jake Marketo, 19. Tyrone McCarthy

New Zealand Warriors versus Penrith Panthers
Saturday, 30 July, 3pm (AEST) at Mount Smart Stadium

Both the Warriors and Panthers have played some very exciting football in 2016 and will be competing for a spot inside the top eight as the competition heats up.

New Zealand are coming off a strong performance in Canberra where a Jarrod Croker proved the difference after 81 minutes.

Shaun ‘Magic’ Johnson was brilliant in attack with an outstanding kicking game giving his side a number of repeat sets and building plenty of pressure on the Raiders.

The livewire from Auckland will need a similar performance as the Warriors look to surge from the abyss and into the finals for the first time since reaching the big dance in 2011.

Andrew McFadden has made a few changes with Tuimoala Lolohea moving to fullback which sees David Fusitu’a shift to the centres.

The Panthers earned a big win last week over the Broncos with Trent Merrin leading his side to a 31-12 victory.

Nathan Cleary continued with his pin-point accurate kicking game putting State of Origin representative Corey Oates under plenty of pressure.

If he can apply pressure on Lolohea at the back, it will go a long way in helping the Panthers to press for a finals spot.

Bryce Cartwright will need to learn to adjust to his new role however, with the backrower turned standoff required to increase his game sense and ensure he is engaging with his forwards for maximum effect in breaking the opponent’s’ line.

While Cartwright must provide a platform for his forwards, he must also continue to charge down the middle of the park and assert his dominance which has seen him touted as a future representative star.

In 32 meetings since 1998, the Warriors have won 13 meetings while the Panthers have taken 18 victories. One match between the two has been drawn.

They last met in round 20 when Penrith came away with a 30-18 win at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

The mountain men have won seven of 14 matches at Mount Smart Stadium.

Prediction
It is hard to separate these two teams. It will all come down to Shaun Johnson and whether he can play to his strengths.

Panthers by 6.

What you need to know
Kickoff: 3pm (AEST)
Venue: Mount Smart Stadium
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Panthers defeated Warriors 30-18 (Round 10, 2016)
Head-to-head: 32 played – Warriors 13, Panthers 18, 1 Drawn
Warriors last three games: 22-26 versus Raiders, 14-15 versus Sea Eagles, 27-18 versus Titans
Panthers last three games: 31-12 versus Broncos, 22-18 versus Eels, 10-26 versus Sharks

New Zealand Warriors
1. Tuimoala Lolohea, 2. Ken Maumalo, 3. David Fusitu’a, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. Manu Vatuvei, 6. Thomas Leuluai, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Jacob Lillyman, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Ben Matulino, 11. Iulio Afoa, 12. Ryan Hoffman (c), 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. James Gavet, 17. Blake Ayshford

Penrith Panthers
1. Matt Moylan (c), 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Tyrone Peachey, 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 6. Bryce Cartwright, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Leilani Latu, 9. Peter Wallace, 10. Suaia Matagi, 11. Isaah Yeo, 12. James Fisher-Harris, 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Moses Leota, 15. Sitaleki Akauola, 16. Chris Grevsmuhl, 17. Zak Hardaker, 20. Andy Saunders, 21. Viliame Kikau

Parramatta Eels versus Wests Tigers
Saturday, 30 July, 5:30pm (AEST) at ANZ Stadium

Western Sydney will be divided on Saturday night when the Eels and Wests Tigers clash at ANZ Stadium.

The two clubs haven’t had the best season off the field in 2016 however, despite both being outside of the eight they have had plenty of positives when playing on the field.

The Eels were unable to string a win together last week against the Titans, going down 34-14 at Robina.

Coach Brad Arthur will be looking to improve naming two experienced players in Beau Scott and Vai Toutai.

The pair take the place of Bureta Faraimo and Cody Nelson with Peni Terepo moving back to the bench.

Since moving to five-eighth in place of the troubled Corey Norman, Clinton Gutherson has impressed settling into the playmaking position and doing well to steer his team around the park.

The Manly junior holds the key for the blue and gold, needing to step up and provide attacking spark while also taking advantage of the West Tigers’ weak forward pack.

The likes of Manu Ma’u and Kenny Edwards will need to be at their rampaging best, continuing to exploit the opposition’s defence in big 80-minute efforts.

Ma’u might also be required to play as the third playmaker in attack to add extra flair to an attack that has been lacking in recent weeks.

The Wests Tigers had a big win over the Dragons last week after Mitchell Moses steered his side to a 31-12 victory.

Jason Taylor has made no changes to his side despite Robbie Farah putting in a good performance against the Newtown Jets.

Tim Grant only played two minutes against the Red V after he was concussed in a dangerous tackle from Leeson Ah Mau.

Taylor will be hoping that Grant can spend more time on the field against Parramatta with the prop to prove a handy player in coming up against a formidable Eels forward pack.

The two franchise have played a massive 32 matches since 2000. Of those the Eels have won 18 fixtures while Wests trail behind with 13 wins. One match between the two has been drawn.

They last met in a low-scoring encounter with Junior Paulo wreaking havoc on the Tigers in Parramatta’s 8-0 win on Easter Monday.

Prediction
It is hard to separate either team but based on last week’s performance the Wests Tigers should get over the line.

Wests Tigers by 4.

What you need to know
Kickoff: 5:30pm (AEST)
Venue: ANZ Stadium
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Eels defeated Wests Tigers 8-0 (Round 4, 2016)
Head-to-head: 32 played – Eels 18, Wests Tigers 13, 1 Drawn
Eels last three games: 14-34 versus Titans, 18-22 versus Panthers, 22-18 versus Roosters
Wests Tigers last three games: 25-12 versus Dragons, 22-32 versus Bulldogs, 34-26 versus Panthers

Parramatta Eels
1. Michael Gordon, 2. Vai Toutai, 3. Manu Ma’u, 4. Brad Takairangi, 5. Bevan French, 6. Clinton Gutherson, 7. Jeff Robson, 8. Danny Wicks, 9. Isaac De Gois, 10. Tim Mannah (c), 11. Kenny Edwards, 12. Tepai Moeroa, 13. Beau Scott
Interchange: 14. Rory O’Brien, 15. Peni Terepo, 16. David Gower, 17. Daniel Alvaro

Wests Tigers
1. James Tedesco, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Tim Simona, 4. Kevin Naiqama, 5. Jordan Rankin, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Aaron Woods (c), 9. Dene Halatau, 10. Sauaso Sue, 11. Josh Aloiai, 12. Chris Lawrence, 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Kyle Lovett, 15. Ava Seumanufagai, 16. Tim Grant, 17. Joel Edwards

Roarers, who are you tipping in Round 21?

Stay tuned tomorrow as I preview the remainder of the round.

You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew.