The NRL grand final is within reach for the four remaining clubs as the preliminary finals take centre stage this week.
Melbourne will attempt to advance through to the decider when they host Cronulla on Friday night. The Sharks are in red-hot touch after winning their past five matches and have taken the scalp of the Storm already once this season.
However, Craig Bellamy will welcome Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes back after both stars missed their side's qualifying final victory over Canterbury due to injury.
Elsewhere, Penrith will try to keep their dynasty alive when they head up to Brisbane to take on the Broncos.
The Panthers have emerged from seventh spot on the ladder to knock off New Zealand and the Bulldogs and set up a blockbuster clash against Michael Maguire's team in a repeat of the famous 2023 decider.
The Sporting News delivers its predictions and best bets for the preliminary finals in the NRL below — all odds per bookmaker Sportsbet.
MORE: NRL injury list | NRL draw, fixtures | NRL ladder, standings
Storm vs. Sharks prediction, tip, best bet
The Storm have won one of their last three matches, but grabbed that victory right when it mattered the most as they beat the Dogs 26-18 on home soil a fortnight ago.
They now stand just 80 minutes away from reaching the grand final for the second-straight year, with Craig Fitzgibbon's men standing in their way.
The Storm boasts an imposing record at AAMI Park in finals games as they have won their past four matches there.
Xavier Coates has been a major weapon in his side's attack ever since arriving from Brisbane and is particuarly deadly in front of his own fans after notching 41 tries in 38 games in Victoria.
However, his fellow winger Will Warbrick represents slightly better value and has caught the eye since his return from a long-term issue with a concussion.
The New Zealander has scored in two successive appearances and will make up part of a lethal right edge that will be bolstered by the return of Hughes.
The halfback will be looking to isolate Eli Katoa against Braydon Trindall as much as possible and this could open up opportunities for Warbrick off the back of an offload or a quick play-the-ball from the backrower.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo Mulitalo, who has scored 11 tries in his past eight games, and Sione Katoa will be licking their lips out on the flanks at the prospect of facing Melbourne's defence.
The Storm have leaked the vast majority of their points on the edges and could be caught short out there yet again if Cronulla's pack - led by Addin Fonua-Blake - manages to get a roll on through the middle to constrict the home side's defensive line.
Prediction: Storm by 8
Best bet: Will Wabrick anytime tryscorer / Sione Katoa anytime tryscorer - ($5.00)
Broncos vs. Panthers prediction, tip, best bet
Penrith and Sunday afternoon footy go hand-in-hand better than almost every other thing in the NRL right now.
Their record is simply incredible, with the Panthers winning nine consecutive fixtures on Sunday, while Nathan Cleary hasn't tasted defeat in the sunshine for 26 games.
The reigning premiers blew the Bulldogs off the park last week during a breathless first half, and it is vital that the Broncos match their pace in the opening exchanges if they are to avoid the same fate as Cameron Ciraldo's outfit.
Brian To'o and Paul Alamoti were on the end of almost everything in the semi-final as the wingers combined for five of Penrith's tries.
The latter has been a constant source of attention from Cleary since he was recalled ahead of Tom Jenkins for the finals.
Yet while the wings look a key area of attack for the visitors, the Panthers could also target the heart of Brisbane's defence, which has proved to be particularly porous.
Isaiah Papali'i has crossed in five of his last six matches, with the last three in a row coming after being introduced off the bench.
Meanwhile, Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds will resume their partnership in the halves and will have to improve upon their recent form if the Broncos are to stand any chance of winning.
The experienced duo has lost four of their last five matches when starting in the No.6 and No.7 jerseys together.
Reece Walsh should have a major say in the attack, though after lighting it up for the past five weeks or so.
The fullback has bagged six tries during six wins on the bounce, while also laying on eight four-pointers for his teammates as he has run riot out the back of shape.
The No.1 will undoubtedly be right in the thick of the action at Suncorp, but star centre Kotoni Staggs is likely not to be too far behind him.
The Dogs showcased how Penrith's left edge defence can be exploited, with Lachlan Galvin and Jacob Preston often targeting Blaize Talagi and Casey McLean.
Talagi missed 10 tackles, while McLean picked up an injury concern during the victory, although the teenager has been cleared to take his place in the backline.
Both players will fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet after being in great touch throughout the second half of the season, with Staggs exactly the type of profile to try and smash through any weakness in defence.
Prediction: Panthers by 6
Best bet: Paul Alamoti 1st, 2nd or 3rd tryscorer / Kotoni Staggs anytime tryscorer ($7.25)