SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 07: Robbie Farah of the Rabbitohs runs with the ball during the round six NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Pepper Stadium on April 7, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The Origin season is well and truly here, with only four games taking place this weekend as we quickly approach next Wednesday's blockbuster.
ANZ Stadium, Friday Night
Two of the few teams unaffected by Origin selections, both Souths and the Eels will know this is their time to rise up the NRL ladder.
Mitchell Moses will look to register his first win in Eels colours this weekend, with the Eels defensive lapses costing them dearly last week against Canberra.
Meanwhile, South Sydney battled hard last week against the Storm but in the end, were simply outclassed by a better opponent. Robbie Farah will no doubt be stinging after being overlooked in the Origin arena and will be out to prove his doubters wrong this weekend. His form has been building as he begins to log more minutes on his new side.
The Eels will be without Michael Jennings but will welcome back Brad Takairangi in the centres as they try to buck the Rabbitohs recent dominance over them which has included nine wins from their past 11 meetings.
If the Rabbitohs can hold their defensive line, they should be able to get the win, with the Eels leaky defence coupled with the attacking flair of the Rabbitohs big guns too much to overcome for the blue and gold boys.
Souths by 6.
Mt Smart Stadium, Saturday Night
Being a Warriors fan must be incredibly frustrating! Last week, they blew a golden opportunity to put their hat in the top eight ring but blew it, and have another chance this week in the form of a severely-depleted, almost unrecognisable Broncos side.
The Broncos are missing the likes of Boyd, Milford and Thaiday just to name a few and while they do welcome back Ben Hunt after a lengthy injury layoff, it's time for the Warriors to put their foot on the throat.
They have all the talent in the world that there really is no excuses anymore.
They registered 57 missed tackles last week, and a repeat will not be tolerated by Stephen Kearney as they take on an inexperienced Broncos line up. The Dragons ran right through the middle of them, an area of defence that must be tightened up.
The Broncos come in as clear outsiders and rightly so, however probably not as much as you'd expect. They have a poor record at Mt Smart stadium, however, if the origin replacements can dig in and grind out the hard yards, they'll give themselves every chance against a mentally fragile Warriors side.
Warriors by 10.
Southern Cross Stadium, Saturday Night
While the Sharks are another of the NRL's heavyweights to be hit hard during the representative period, they remain in good stead with Luke Lewis, Valentine Holmes and captain Paul Gallen still on deck to steer the ship over the coming weeks.
James Maloney's play-making ability will surely be noticed at stages, but it gives Chad Townsend a chance to prove he has the ability to lead a side around the park. Matt Prior returns from suspension to fill the void left by Andrew Fifita while Edrick Lee comes in for his fourth game of the season.
Maloney's exclusion could be the biggest strength for the Bulldogs on Saturday night, as their attack continues to be a problem for them in 2017. In the second half last week, they showed glimpses of what it could be but fell at the final hurdle to the Roosters.
Without enforcers Josh Jackson and David Klemmer this week, the Bulldogs will be presented with a different challenge, but it will allow fringe players to stake their claim for a regular spot in Des Hasler's side.
More often than not, when Cronulla is locked into a defensive grind, it suits their style of play, however, this may be the Bulldogs' only option to upset the reigning premiers on their home turf.
Sharks by 8.
GIO Stadium, Sunday Afternoon
The Raiders will roll out in front of their home fans this weekend in a bid to establish themselves in the top eight following a slow start to 2017. With only Josh Papalii out due to Origin commitments, the Raiders will be close to full strength as they take on a depleted Roosters side.
Luke Bateman comes onto the interchange for Ricky Stuart's men who returned to a bit of form last week, with backs Nick Cotric, Jordan Rapana and Joey Leilua all impressing.
Sydney scraped over the line last week against the Bulldogs in what could prove to be a much-needed win over a testing upcoming Origin period. Pearce, Napa, Cordner, Ferguson and Guerra are all out for the tri-colours, with Luke Keary heading the charge for them this week.
Keary has been very consistent across 2017 for his new club as they still possess an array of talent in their backline with Michael Gordon, Daniel Tupou (unlucky to miss Origin selection) and Latrell Mitchell sure to cause Canberra a few headaches in attack.
Canberra's stronger and more experienced front line should provide enough muscle to give the Raiders good enough field territory and enough points as a result to get the win.
Raiders by 10.