It's been the tightest NRL season in years and is expected to go right down to the wire.
Often at this stage of the campaign, the top four is usually set, with a clutch of other teams jostling for the minor placings in the playoffs. Not this year.
The Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs have probably done enough to secure their places in the top quartet but the other two prized spots - which offer a precious double life - are up for grabs for any of the six teams below them.
The Eels' loss on Friday night was crucial. They host Manly next week and another defeat will all-but kill their finals chances, given their awful points differential. Points for and against will be vital this year, with the Roosters, Cowboys and Warriors having an edge in that area, while the Bulldogs and Storm are currently disadvantaged.
The Warriors should maintain their place in the eight and qualify for the finals for the first time since 2011. Where they finish is anyone's guess. They could place as high as fourth or as low as eighth, with the daunting prospect of a sudden-death match in Sydney, Melbourne or Townsville.
The Auckland club have a reasonably tough run-in. After today's tricky match against Newcastle, they face the Roosters (h), Titans (h) and Panthers (a), with only the match against the Gold Coast considered a 'banker'.
"We can't look at where we're going to finish," coach Andrew McFadden said. "We just have to take it week by week. But certainly a home semifinal would be a big bonus, especially with the travel we have to do."
Final picks: Hugh McGahan
Sea Eagles 40
Rabbitohs 38
Roosters 32
Warriors 32
Panthers 32
Storm 32
Cowboys 30
Bulldogs 30
Broncos 28
Eels 28
Dragons 26
Wests Tigers 24
Knights 22
Titans 20
Raiders 18
Sharks 16
Champions: Rabbitohs
"The games against the Roosters and Panthers will define the Warriors' finals placing. Despite their strong mid-season form, and Jarryd Hayne's recent brilliance, the Eels will miss out on the eight for the fifth consecutive year, while the Broncos will be the other 'nearly' team."
Final picks: Michael Burgess
Sea Eagles 38
Rabbitohs 36
Roosters 34
Panthers 34
Warriors 32
Storm 32
Bulldogs 32
Cowboys 30
Broncos 28
Eels 28
Dragons 26
Wests Tigers 24
Knights 22
Titans 20
Raiders 16
Sharks 16
Champions: Sea Eagles
"Points differential will be crucial this season, and those big wins over the Eels and Raiders should be enough to see the Warriors claim fifth place and finish above the Storm and Bulldogs. Penrith will be the top four surprise team, though they probably won't go deep into the finals."
Final picks: Richie Barnett
Sea Eagles 38
Rabbitohs 36
Roosters 34
Warriors 34
Cowboys 32
Bulldogs 32
Panthers 30
Storm 30
Eels 30
Broncos 28
Wests Tigers 26
Dragons 24
Titans 20
Knights 20
Raiders 18
Sharks 16
Champions: Rabbitohs
"The Sea Eagles might win the minor premiership but the Rabbitohs finally seem ready to brush off 43 years of disappointment to claim the title. The Warriors and North Queensland are the dark horses because they have X-factor."