Before Penrith and South Sydney can entertain serious thoughts about finishing the year as premiers, they first need to navigate this top-four showdown.
Their qualifying final will be played at 7.50pm on Saturday in the second of the double-header at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
The winner secures a week off and a spot in the preliminary finals while the loser will find themselves in a loser-goes-home contest in week two of the post-season.
Penrith were beaten grand finalists in 2020 but their fans will be hoping the experience they gained from that journey will help get them one step further this year.
The Panthers are coming off an emphatic win over Parramatta in the final round even though the Eels did field a depleted side.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Panthers vs Rabbitohs
South Sydney will say goodbye to star No.7 Adam Reynolds and coaching great Wayne Bennett at the end of the season.
They hope that's with the club's 22nd premiership secured.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
The rundown
Team news
Panthers: In late changes for the Panthers Moses Leota is out due to a calf complaint and Matt Eisenhuth moves into the starting side in his return from a rib injury. Liam Martin will also start and Viliame Kikau goes to the bench.
Fullback Dylan Edwards won't play due to what the club described as a minor foot injury. Stephen Crichton moves to fullback with Charlie Staines the new winger.
Edwards and Brent Naden were the two players left out 24 hours before the match. Izack Tago is 18th man.
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has scored 56 points in his past four games against the Rabbitohs.
Rabbitohs: The Rabbitohs are 1-17 with no late changes. Taane Milne was the last man cut and Patrick Mago is 18th man.
Skipper Adam Reynolds said on Monday he was in no doubt to play after being given the week off following a knee concern a fortnight ago.
Blake Taaffe keeps the No.1 jersey after filling in for the suspended Latrell Mitchell in the win over St George Illawarra in round 25.
Alex Johnston, Dane Gagai, Cody Walker, Damien Cook, Thomas Burgess, Jai Arrow and Cameron Murray are rested and ready to go after their week off.
Keaon Koloamatangi returns from suspension to bolster the pack.
Braidon Burns, Lachlan Ilias and Jed Cartwright were omitted 24 hours before the match.
The Rabbitohs scored 100 points in three finals games in 2020.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Key match-up
Jarome Luai v Cody Walker. They were the two contenders for the NSW No.6 jersey and have both enjoyed great seasons.
Walker's attacking numbers have been phenomenal while Luai remains a superb partner for Nathan Cleary. Expect both to have a major say in the outcome.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stat attack
The Rabbitohs are going to need to be strong with their tackling. Penrith had the most tackle breaks during the season with 858. South Sydney were eighth in that category with 760.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Head to NRL Pick'Em and get pickin’ to win a share of $100,000 cash every week!