The NRL season is heating up in 2017 with just three games separating second and eighth on the table.
The big games continue this weekend with 1 v 2 and 3 v 4 along with 6 v 8 in a blockbuster round of rugby league.
Brisbane Broncos v Cronulla Sharks
Suncorp Stadium, Friday Night
In a weekend full of high profile match ups, none is arguably more important than this one.
The Broncos host the reigning premiers in a game that will have massive implications in the makeup of the top eight.
A win for either side could see them earn a top two berth while a loss could see them slip as far as seventh.
The Sharks were completely out played last week following a first-half onslaught by the Raiders, however, an 8-1 away record will give them confidence travelling to take on a Brisbane side who racked up 10 tries last week against a sorry Titans side.
Ben Hunt coming off the bench proved to be a Wayne Bennett masterstroke as the utility scored three tries and assisted on two more in a match of the match display as the Broncos forgot all about Andrew McCullough's injury.
This week, their forwards will have a big job working their way up the field against Andrew Fifita, Matt Prior and co as the Sharks welcome back James Maloney and Kurt Capewell.
Their offence lacked variety last week - despite being disallowed what would've been the try of the season - and Maloney will no doubt inject some more quality into their line up.
As impressive as the Broncos were last week, it was against the lowly Titans which makes it hard to gauge their performance. The Sharks will provide a much more stubborn defence and in Paul Gallen's 300th NRL match, you can be sure they'll be up for the fight.
With a top four spot on the line, we'll back the premiers to get the job done.
Sharks by 4.
