The last round of the regular season has arrived, with clubs either preparing for an assault on the finals or getting ready for the holidays.
A blockbuster clash between Brisbane and Melbourne will kick off proceedings, with the Broncos looking for a win that will secure their place in the top four.
A double-header will then commence with Manly and New Zealand locking horns at 4 Pines Park, before the Sydney Roosters have a chance to claim their place in the top eight with a win over South Sydney.
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Penrith's stars will return from their rest to take on St George Illawarra, while the Gold Coast and Wests Tigers will meet in what is sure to be a high-scoring affair.
Canterbury and Cronulla will conclude the action on Saturday, with the Bulldogs looking to build some momentum before their finals campaign.
Points are sure to flow on Sunday as the Dolphins face an understrength Canberra before Adam O'Brien takes charge of Newcastle for the final time when the Knights take on Parramatta.
The Sporting News delivers its predictions and best bets for select Round 27 matches in the NRL below — all odds per bookmaker Sportsbet.
Roosters vs. Rabbitohs prediction, tip, best bet
Another chapter in the long and heated rivalry between the Roosters and Rabbitohs will take centre stage on Friday night.
The situation is simple for the Chooks: win and they will secure their place in the top eight. But they certainly won't get things all their own way, with Wayne Bennett's side out to spoil the party.
A collection of elite try-scorers will be on show at Allianz Stadium as Alex Johnston sits on the precipice of making history.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the field, Daniel Tupou and Mark Nawaqanitawase are fighting for the Ken Irvine Medal.
That trio are sure to be in the points once again, yet James Tedesco also draws the eye in this market. After all, the Roosters skipper has scored seven four-pointers in seven matches against the Rabbitohs.
The Bunnies' have a weakened middle defence due to injuries and have conceded 37 per cent of their tries in that area of the pitch.
Trent Robinson's imposing pack, consisting of Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu and %3Cmeta%20charset%3D%22UTF-8%22%20%2F%3ENaufahu Whyte will be licking their lips at this prospect, while Teddy will also likely target this area off a quick play-the-ball.
Prediction: Roosters by 10 points
Best bet: James Tedesco / Daniel Tupou anytime try-scorers ($2.62)
Bulldogs vs. Sharks prediction, tip, best bet
Cronulla still have a chance of finishing in fourth spot on the ladder heading into the last round of the regular season.
However, they must hope that the Broncos lose to the Storm, while the Sharks will need to beat the Bulldogs and turn around a large points differential.
Craig Fitzgibbon's men have been nudging the scoreboard though, putting 40 points on Newcastle, 54 on the Gold Coast and 32 on North Queensland recently.
Ronaldo Mulitalo has been right at the forefront of this charge as he has scored eight tries in his past five matches.
The winger crossed for a hat-trick last weekend against the Knights, while also bagging two doubles during this particular hot streak.
Mulitalo also boasts an impressive record against the Dogs, crossing five times in his seven matches against them.
In what could well be a tight affair that goes under the total points line (44.5), the New Zealand international represents the biggest threat.
Prediction: Bulldogs by 4 points
Best bet: Ronaldo Mulitalo anytime try-scorer ($2.02)
Dolphins vs. Raiders prediction, tip, best bet
Canberra wrapped up the minor premiership last weekend to cap a stellar season by Ricky Stuart's side.
The coach has decided to take the opportunity to rest the majority of his stars for their meeting with the Dolphins, which has essentially allowed the Queensland outfit a free hit.
The Phins are still a mathematical chance of reaching the finals, but require several favours from other teams before they take to the field at Suncorp.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow looked in great touch against the Titans last week while positioned in the centres and could run wild despite the Green Machine naming their first-choice centres pairing.
However, there could be plenty of value found in the Phins' forward pack as they prepare to face off against their inexperienced opponents.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki scored on his last appearance and could trouble new defensive combinations out on the right with his powerful carries close to the line.
Meanwhile, fellow backrower Oryn Keeley will also fancy his chances of crossing, despite only scoring once in his past five matches, during what could turn out to be a rout.
Prediction: Dolphins by 16 points
Best bet: Oryn Keeley anytime try-scorer ($4.60)