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.
Gold Coast wants to beat no other team more than big brothers Brisbane and the Titans look a big chance to at least keep this one tight.
The Eels and Panthers have one of the fiercest rivalries in the NRL and Parramatta can keep it close even against a resurgent Panthers.
Serious injuries to Luke Metcalf and Mitch Barnett, along with other key outs, has the Warriors in serious danger of a southward fall and that has them vulnerable to a Tigers shock this week.
Canterbury's season has collapsed on the back of some questionable recruitment calls and more questionable selection decisions, making this clash with the Cowboys a must-win affair.
The Roosters have tended to have the wood on the Dragons of late but back to the confines of their suburban bosom, the Red V look a top class bet this week.
Melbourne have snuck under the radar this season despite premiership favouritism but face a tough task to cover the big start as an interstate favourite against Newcastle.
Round 19 opens with the Sharks and Dolphins and the visitors look like a tremendous bet given their current form, particularly with ball in hand.
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.