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 SeaEagles 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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
