I cannot stress enough how just important Round 11 is.
This is the completion of the "first third" of the NRL season.
With the Origin period starting from Round 12 onward, and seemingly lasting for three months, the competition is completely different moving forward.
Of course a win or a loss this weekend won't decide a season ... except it might.
In the case of the Knights vs the Eels, the loser is all but done for the year. I'd argue the winner faces an uphill battle to play finals, but a much easier task than their opponent.
Each and every round presents its own round of questions, but this weekend just seems that little bit more special.
Here are the five big questions to be answered in Round 11:
2. Have we witnessed a Tigers false dawn?
The Tigers entered their Sunday clash with Melbourne on the back of two straight wins. They were flying high.
They were humbled, brutally to the tune of 64 points to 0 at the hands of the Storm.
I like to joke about overreacting but it's hard not to be a little put off by such a performance. I would say "effort" but there didn't seem to be much of one.
Ultimately thought it was a loss to one of the competition heavyweights, and no one really expects the Tigers to be in a position to challenge for the title this season.
Sunday evening the Tigers will host the Bunnies at Campbelltown.
This game is very much a litmus test for the Tigers.
A loss to a Souths side missing a host of stars will be bad. A loss following a week of scrutiny and truth telling following the Melbourne horror show would be much worse.
We've seen the Tigers produce a few weeks of good footy only to then revert back to the side who has struggled for a long time.
We were told it was different in 2025. I still believe it is, but maybe I have bought into a false dawn!?
Sunday night won't define their season but it'll certainly help us re frame our expectations.
Dan – I have cheated and I’m reading /replying on Sunday night:
Sharks the real deal ? Based on the first half – losing two players to injury and going in comfortably in front – then I’d say “Yes”. Based on the second half, “No”.
Wests – false dawn ? Yes. They are better than previous years, but fringe-eight only.
Zac to keep his spot ? Yes: he’s good and he’s enthusiastic. (Compare to DCE)
DCE a spent force ? Not washed up, but not putting in 100%. I suspect he’ll get motoring only at the end of the season, to help get a new deal.
Warriors bubble to burst ? Well, didn’t happen at the weekend, but they never give me any confidence that they are going to keep on keeping on.