The top eight is set as the competition continues to build toward its climax.
A number of tantalising match-ups are in store this week, with the Bulldogs hosting the Cowboys at their traditional home of Belmore Sports Ground, in a battle of fourth versus fifth for a spot inside the top four and a guaranteed second chance in the finals.
Then the ladder-leading Storm can secure the minor premiership when they take on the sixth-placed Broncos.
We then head to Brookvale Oval for Sea Eagles versus Raiders, with Manly playing for pride against a white-hot Canberra outfit.
The first half of the NRL’s penultimate round wraps up on the Gold Coast, in a seventh versus eighth battle, the Titans meeting with the Panthers.
Canterbury Bulldogs versus North Queensland Cowboys
Thursday, 25 August, 7:50pm (AEST) at Belmore Sports Ground
The Bulldogs head back to Belmore to get their season back on track when they meet the fifth-placed Cowboys.
The home side are without man mountain Sam Kasiano, who won’t play again until the finals after copping a suspension for kicking Brisbane stalwart Corey Parker in last week’s 20-10 loss.
The Dogs’ run toward the finals slowed severely in recent weeks, having only escaped with narrow wins over the likes of Manly and the Dragons following their rude loss to the Cowboys five weeks ago.
Since then, North Queensland have also hit a bump in the road, losing three on the trot before finally getting back in the winner’s circle last week, beating the Warriors 34-6 at home.
They will be boosted by the return of skipper Matthew Scott in the front row, at the expense of Ben Spina.
The battle in the middle of the park will be crucial with both teams fielding formidable packs.
The two sides have clashed on 29 occasions since 1998, with the Bulldogs win 17 of those meetings to the Cowboys’ 12. They last played in Round 20, when North Queensland shut out Canterbury 36-0 in Townsville.
The Bulldogs have a 1-2 record at Belmore over the last two years, and lost to the Raiders here earlier in the year.
Prediction
The Cowboys will be up against it but Canterbury will struggle having fallen on hard times in recent weeks.
Cowboys by 6.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground
TV: Live, Nine Network and Fox Sports
Last meeting: Cowboys defeated Bulldogs 36-0 (Round 20, 2016)
Head-to-head: 29 played – Bulldogs 17, Cowboys 12
Bulldogs last three games: 10-20 versus Broncos, 20-16 versus Sea Eagles, 28-14 versus Knights
Cowboys last three games: 34-6 versus Warriors, 10-22 versus Roosters, 14-26 versus Wests TigersCanterbury Bulldogs
1. Will Hopoate, 2. Brett Morris, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Kerrod Holland, 5. Curtis Rona, 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. Danny Fualalo, 15. Tim Browne, 16. Tony Williams, 17. Raymond Faitala-MarinerNorth Queensland Cowboys
1. Lachlan Coote, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Justin O’Neill, 4. Kane Linnett, 5. Antonio Winterstein, 6. Michael Morgan, 7. Johnathan Thurston (c), 8. Matthew Scott (c), 9. Ray Thompson, 10. James Tamou, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Ethan Lowe, 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn, 15. Coen Hess, 16. Scott Bolton, 17. Patrick Kaufusi
Melbourne Storm versus Brisbane Broncos
Friday, 26 August, 7:50pm (AEST) at AAMI Park
Melbourne versus Brisbane. Craig Bellamy versus Wayne Bennett. Apprentice versus master. Cameron Smith versus Corey Parker.
When the Storm and Broncos clash, it is huge.
The minor premiership is on the line, with a win guaranteeing Melbourne will finish on top of the ladder for the first time since 2011.
Melbourne swiftly brushed off arch rivals Manly last week 38-18 at Brookvale, and face the Sharks next week to wrap up the season.
It comes after some tough games in recent weeks, with a loss to the Raiders and a golden-point scare against South Sydney.
Meanwhile, having defeated the Bulldogs 20-10 last week, Brisbane are beginning to show glimpses of their best as we head into the finals, particularly improving Anthony Milford.
Both sides are unchanged from last week, however the Broncos may be forced to make a change, with a decision on James Roberts to be made this week following an incident currently under investigation by the Integrity Unit.
In 39 meetings, the Storm have shrugged off the Broncos 26 times, Brisbane coming out on top on 12 occasions, while one match has been drawn.
They last met in Round 17, when Melbourne took a massive 48-6 victory at Lang Park.
Prediction
Melbourne will hang on to a win at home and bring the JJ Giltinan Shield to AFL heartland for just the second (official) time.
Storm by 6.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: AAMI Park
TV: Live, Nine Network and Fox Sports
Last meeting: Storm defeated Broncos 48-6 (Round 17, 2016)
Head-to-head: 39 played – Storm 26, Broncos 12, 1 Drawn
Storm last three games: 38-18 versus Sea Eagles, 8-22 versus Raiders, 15-14 versus Rabbitohs
Broncos last three games: 20-10 versus Bulldogs, 38-16 versus Eels, 12-8 versus DragonsMelbourne Storm
1. Cameron Munster, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. William Chambers, 4. Ryan Morgan, 5. Marika Koroibete, 6. Blake Green, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith (c), 10. Tim Glasby, 11. Kenneath Bromwich, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Felise Kaufusi, 15. Christian Welch, 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 17. Ben HamptonBrisbane Broncos
1. Darius Boyd, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. James Roberts, 5. Jordan Kahu, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Josh McGuire, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Adam Blair, 11. Sam Thaiday, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Corey Parker (c)
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace, 15. Tevita Pangai Junior, 16. Jai Arrow, 17. Alex Glenn
Manly Sea Eagles versus Canberra Raiders
Saturday, 27 August, 3pm (AEST) at Brookvale Oval
This was meant to be Jamie Lyon’s final home game, however the club captain has been robbed of a farewell, with a hamstring injury having officially ended his career 12 years after retiring for the first time.
Manly are coming off a 38-18 loss at the hands of the ladder-leading Storm and have one of the toughest runs home, with premiership dark horses Penrith up next week.
The Sea Eagles have now lost two games on the trot, so are hoping the inclusion of Dylan Walker, returning from a shoulder injury, as well as Apisai Koroisau can turn their results around.
Blake Leary has moved back to an extended five-man bench, which includes Frank Winterstein, who made his first appearance in the NRL since 2008 after joining the club from rugby sevens.
The Raiders are building strongly ahead of the finals and are now one of the favourites to take out the title.
Yet Ricky Stuart has overhauled his side, with Josh Hodgson returning at hooker, Edrick Lee on the wing and Paul Vaughan in the front row.
Meanwhile, Brenko Lee has been demoted to the bench after scoring four tries against the Eels, and is joined by Shaun Fensom.
The Raiders and Sea Eagles have played 24 times, with Manly having the slight upper-hand with 13 victories. The Green Machine won in their last encounter, recording a 30-18 victory back in Round 13.
Prediction
The Raiders will continue their strong form.
Raiders by 12.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 3pm (AEST)
Venue: Brookvale Oval
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Raiders defeated Sea Eagles 30-18 (Round 13, 2016)
Head-to-head: 24 played – Sea Eagles 13, Raiders 11
Sea Eagles last three games: 18-38 versus Storm, 16-20 versus Bulldogs, 9-10 versus Eels
Raiders last three games: 28-18 versus Eels, 22-8 versus Storm, 30-14 versus SharksManly Sea Eagles
1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Lewis Brown, 4. Dylan Walker, 5. Brayden Wiliame, 6. Matthew Wright, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Nate Myles (c), 11. Martin Taupau, 12. Jamie Buhrer, 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Matt Parcell, 15. Josh Starling, 16. Frank Winterstein, 17. Siosaia Vave, 18. Blake LearyCanberra Raiders
1. Jack Wighton, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Joseph Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Paul Vaughan, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Iosia Soliola
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste, 15. Luke Bateman, 16. Clay Priest, 17. Joseph Tapine, 18. Brenko Lee, 19. Shaun Fensom
Gold Coast Titans versus Penrith Panthers
Saturday, 27 August, 5:30pm (AEST) at Cbus Super Stadium
A win here guarantees the Titans will play finals footy this year. At the moment the Warriors and Wests Tigers are hanging on by a thread, needing to win their last two games, while also drastically improving their for-and-against to leap-frog the Gold Coast.
Jarryd Hayne will be wearing the No.1 jersey for the first time since leaving for the NFL, pushing David Mead to an extended bench.
This is all to make room for the return of star Ashley Taylor, who needs to show he is the NRL’s best rookie half by shutting down his main competition for that title – 18-year-old Nathan Cleary.
Cleary has shown plenty of composure for the youngest player in the competition, teaching some of the NRL’s veteran backs a lesson, with his kicking game putting serious pressure on the likes of Brett Stewart and State of Origin star Corey Oates.
Hayne will be next on his list, with the young halfback hoping to cause the former 49er trouble with the Steeden.
The biggest test for the baby-faced Chocolate Soldiers will be their defensive line, with Hayne eager to punch holes and create space.
The two clubs have had 14 meetings, with the Titans having won six to Penrith’s eight. The Gold Coast got up 28-24 last time out, in Round 11 at Pepper Stadium.
Prediction
The Titans’ finals campaign will remain in the air, as Penrith press their credentials.
Panthers by 2.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 5:30pm (AEST)
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Titans defeated Panthers 28-24 (Round 11, 2016)
Head-to-head: 14 played – Titans 6, Panthers 8
Titans last three games: 26-6 versus Knights, 19-18 versus Wests Tigers, 14-24 versus Warriors
Panthers last three games: 40-10 versus Wests Tigers, 42-6 versus Knights, 38-18 versus RoostersGold Coast Titans
1. Jarryd Hayne, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Josh Hoffman, 4. Konrad Hurrell, 5. Nene Macdonald, 6. Tyrone Roberts, 7. Ashley Taylor, 8. Luke Douglas, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Ryan James, 11. Zeb Taia, 12. Chris McQueen, 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. David Shillington, 15. Ryan Simpkins, 16. Agnatius Paasi, 17. Nathan Friend (c), 18. David Mead, 19. Leivaha PuluPenrith 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. Sitaleki Akauola, 15. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 16. Chris Grevsmuhl, 17. Zak Hardaker, 20. Moses Leota, 21. Jeremy Latimore
Roarers, who are you tipping in Round 25?
Be sure to tune in tomorrow as I preview the remainder of the round.
You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew
Maroon Blood
Guest
I heard this morning that Parker is out for this one......not that it would affect the result, Melbourne are a bogey side for the Broncos at the best of times and Brisbane have been far from impressive despite winning three in a row. Storm by 14.
wazza
Guest
some teams look like they are off side when ball is played .please put the camera on the line so we can see and it will be a fair game
The Barry
Roar Guru
I'm not ready to call the top 8 yet. Warriors are inconsistent but have very winnable games against Tigers and Parra while the Titans have tough ones against Penrith and Cowboys. Titans maybe deserve their top 8 spot but it's not a lock yet. The last round will be tense if the Warriors and Panthers win this weekend.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I think the Dogs have a real good chance of an upset. Playing at Belmore, revenge for last meeting, 5 day turnaround + travel for the Cowboys and no Granville. The weather might play a part too, wet weather I think will suit the dogs. Broncos get a proper test against the Storm, 50/50 for mine and will depend on who wants it more. I'm not sure the minor premiership is as big a motivator as top four spot. I think Raiders win easily. If Manly couldn't get up at home for last weeks game against the old enemy the Storm and lose by 20 then they will likely get the same treatment from the Raiders. If Lyons had played maybe they would have done it for him but I don't know whether that will have the same significance now that he's not playing. I think the Titans should win. I really thought Hayne would move to center in place of Hoffman but Hoffman has played well the last few games although I think Mead has too. I think if Hayne doesn't fit at fullback this game he will go to the centers.
Albo
Guest
Yep ! This Titans v Panthers game holds so much importance not only to both these two teams trying to clinch a spot in the 8, but it also determines whether Tigers & Warriors are official finished for 2016, and whether the Dogs, Cowboys & the Broncos are safe inside the top 6 or not , and whether they'll be getting a home semi final or not ?
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Yeah that game has me stumped as well. I really enjoy watching the Panthers play their brand of footy, in a word fearless. Haven't seen enough of the Gold Coast to comment fairly but surely they have earned their ladder position and are in with a chance. The use of Hayne at fullback will be either inspired or insipid.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Titans and Panthers are incredibly hard to split. Titans have won 10 games this season only 2 have come against Top 8 teams. Penrith have won 11 games this year, 3 of which have come against teams in the Top 8. Both sides have played Newcastle and the Tigers in their past two but Penrith's attack has proven superior and I predict we will see likewise on Saturday afternoon in a tight one. Penrith by 7.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Riley i think you are close but for mine the Panthers have had a pretty easy run till now and the Titans at home should get over them.