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:
4. Is Daly Cherry-Evans a spent force?
Following their loss to the Sharks, Manly fans were almost completely united in saying it was time for their captain to move on from the club.
The "effort" DCE put in to stop KL Iro in the dying minutes of their loss to Cronulla had many fans calling him "washed" "done" and "saving himself for the Roosters".
I'm not sure anyone was stopping Iro so I don't entirely buy into those claims, but with rumours of DCE's impending move to the Roosters, the question should be asked.
Is Cherry-Evans a spent force?
I doubt he'll be overlooked for Origin but on form Tom Dearden is a long way in front. Ben Hunt's injury may save DCE's Origin career.
Back in club land, I don't know how the Sea Eagles rebound with a broken Turbo and a DCE who looks to have lost a step.
Then again, this is an NRL, Origin and Kangaroos legend we are talking about.
He is just as likely to come out against the Cowboys, blow them off the park and leave us all looking stupid.
DCE is a legend and you never count out a legend.
That said, father time remains undefeated!
The reason I highlight this weekend is he's playing against his likely Origin rival/teammate in Dearden. This should be the game DCE most gets up for.
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.