Manly say goodbye to Daly Cherry-Evans on Friday night but a winning farewell is no lock against a Warriors team still harbouring Top 4 aspirations.
Melbourne's dominance of Brisbane is as long as it is brutal and that looks set to continue on Thursday night even with the Broncos pushing for a Top 4 spot.
The Dolphins have let an opportunity to reach their first finals slip away but the remain in the mix but need a win this week against the Titans.
No team is going worse than Newcastle and with the Sharks pressing for a Top 4 spot, this has the potential to get messy.
Typically one of the better rivalries in the NRL, the Cowboys and Broncos should again prove a highly entertaining affair when the two do battle in Townsville.
Manly kept their flickering finals hopes alive with a demolition of the Dolphins last week but face a tough task against a scorned Dragons team this week.
Canberra sit on top of the ladder and will be keen to do a number on the Tigers to tighten the screws on their minor premiership grip.
While some key outs have taken the shine off this clash, the importance of this match remains with the Roosters looking to lock down eighth spot.
The Warriors have their Top 4 fate I their own hands and need to keep on winning if they are to secure a second bite at the cherry in September.
Round 26 should have been opening with a belter but Penrith's decision to sit out their 16 best players has made this match a one-goer with the Bulldogs in complete control.