Two teams are rested and think they're ready while the other two are battle-hardened and out to spring an upset.
The Raiders and Roosters enter this weekend's preliminary finals with the benefit of home ground advantage. On the other hand, the Storm and Rabbitohs will be high on confidence after winning last weekend.
A sold-out GIO Stadium is sure to provide the hostile welcome for the Rabbitohs but Wayne Bennett will be hoping a fast start from his side will heap pressure back onto the hosts.
Then on Saturday night, the teams that met in last year's grand final will meet again with a spot in the ANZ Stadium decider on the line.
Before you enter your tips for this weekend, see who the experts at NRL.com are backing and read Brett Kimmorley's previews.
Preliminary finals - tips and previews
Raiders v Rabbitohs, Friday, 7.50pm at GIO Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: It is going to be a cracking game. The Canberra Raiders should be able to ride the emotion of having a packed GIO Stadium. They've had a week to freshen up while South Sydney have had a tougher road. The Raiders will rely on the athleticism their forward pack has and Josh Hodgson will be their star. Raiders by 8
Match: Raiders v Rabbitohs
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Raiders
4th Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
3rd Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Roosters v Storm, Saturday, 7.50pm at SCG
Brett Kimmorley says: We are all a bit blessed in a way – we get the match a lot of people thought was going to be the grand final a week early. With no Jared Waerea-Hagreaves it puts the Roosters pack under a bit more pressure – especially when Melbourne's strength is probably their middle three forwards. The key for the Roosters is their middle forwards having an impact. Siosiua Taukeiaho is going to have to have one of the better games of his career. Roosters by 4
Match: Roosters v Storm
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Roosters
2nd Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
