The 2025 State of Origin series has a decider with Accor Stadium to host the third and deciding game with New South Wales heavily favoured to win a second straight series.
Round 18 wraps up with a fascinating affair between Manly and Souths and more importantly Anthony Seibold and Wayne Bennett.
It has been one-way going when the Roosters and Tigers have met for a long time and that won't be changing here.
The Cowboys and the Storm have a strong recent history of high scoring matches and we can expect same here when the two clash in Townsville on Saturday night.
Canberra are heavily favoured to maintain their spot at the top of the ladder against a Dragons team that has been hit by injury but don't undersell the Red V in this one.
Canterbury will be hellbent on revenge after Brisbane handed the Bulldogs their first loss of the season just 10 rounds ago.
Round 17 wraps up with a fizzer between two teams who look set to finish 2025 in the bottom four with both teams possessing the two worst differentials of the year.
Melbourne are different gravy at home during the afternoon and that spells trouble for a struggling Sharks outfit.
South Sydney are starting to get some key troops back and look a value play against a Dolphins team that is dealing with a long run of injuries.
St George Illawarra are a different team at Wollongong and look primed for a rare win against a Parramatta team that does not travel well.
The Broncos continue to be the most overrated team in the NRL and look primed for picking off when the Warriors hit Brisbane on Saturday afternoon.
Canberra are flying and now favoured to win the minor premiership but they won't want to let their guard down against an improved Newcastle team.
Manly are beset with off-field troubles, coaching calamities and now positional changes and look incredibly vulnerable at home to the Wests Tigers.
Round 17 opens up with an absolute belter between the Panthers and the Bulldogs with Penrith looking to continue their rise as Canterbury look to maintain their place.
Round 16 wraps up with the two teams at the bottom of the ladder squaring off in a clash that will have major ramifications on the wooden spoon.
One of the better betting angles is in play in this one marking the Cowboys as a high confidence max bet against the Roosters.
Brisbane have done little but disappoint throughout 2025 and more disappointment looms when they go in favoured at home against a more-than-handy Cronulla.
South Sydney do not have a great record against Melbourne but getting a big start at home they look a bet - particularly with some big names looming on the extended bench.
The Dolphins have been the hottest team in the NRL over the last month and should do a number on a Knights team lacking idea and effort.
Penrith have thrown their hands up in this one by resting five players but can at least cover the big start against a Warriors team that rarely puts team to the sword.