Back to three from three last week, thanks largely to the Dolphins completely overpowering the Roosters. This week is challenging, as several teams are playing their last game for the season and it is very hard to know just how much their collective hearts will be in it.
Tipping all the winners each weekend is near impossible, so we'll give you some extra help with three standout games.
The sure thing
Penrith Panthers vs. Wests Tigers, CommBank Stadium, Sunday September 6, 4:05pm (AEST)
The Panthers are just one differential point behind the Warriors in the race for the minor premiership. There is $200,000 up for grabs as well as the prestige of regaining the J.J. Giltinan Shield, they have selected a full-strength team, and will know at kick off exactly what they must do to finish on top of the ladder with the Warriors having played the day before.
The Tigers are mentally already in Bali, and any hopes of seeing them put in one last effort for the season are unrealistic at best. Sure they upset the Roosters a couple of weeks back, but the Roosters are slumping just as the Panthers are peaking.
We should see the Panthers put an exclamation mark on their season and fine tune their game ahead of another charge towards the premiership.
Round 27 sure thing: Panthers
The toss of the coin
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Parramatta Eels, WIN Stadium, Sunday September 6, 2pm (AEST)
I originally had the Roosters-Rabbitohs game lined up for this, but the Roosters then decided to rest everyone. Scanning the draw, there aren't any games that really stand out as being impossible to pick this week, so I'll go with one that could be closer than it looks.
The Dragons finish their season at WIN Stadium against bitter rivals Parramatta. They have had an ordinary year and a large number of the players will be wearing the famous jersey for the final time. It could be the thing that gives them an emotional boost of pride in the performance.
The Eels have actually played some good football of late, but they have nothing to play for either and could be a bit flat after their super effort to beat the Sharks last week.
It could be a toss of the coin, but still you might expect the Eels to win.
Toss of the coin game winner: Eels
The roughie
The Cowboys weren't that convincing in beating the Tigers last week, as they continue to look brittle at times. The Raiders had a week off to stew over missing the finals. Canberra could treat this trip to Townsville as the start of their end-of-season festivities, or they could see it as an opportunity to prove to themselves and their fans that they really should have been in the finals.
Ricky Stuart will be in their ears about showing pride in the lime-green jersey, as well as putting their hands up for international selection for the looming Rugby League World Cup. If they run out with the right attitude on Saturday night, in Josh Papllii's final game, they could very well tear the Cowboys apart.
Round 27 roughie: Raiders
