The sun has finally made an appearance in Sydney and it’s starting to feel like spring, even if the rain is set to return this week. And spring can only mean one thing, with finals footy fast approaching.

There have been some cracking contests already this season, but here are the five biggest matches still to come that will shape the finals race.

Round 25, Panthers v Raiders

The good people of Mudgee are set to be treated to what could be the most important game remaining on the regular season schedule. This has become the popular grand final pick for plenty of pundits, with Canberra to just about wrap up the minor premiership if they win this and have results go their way later on Friday night. The Green Machine are fresh after a round 24 bye and did shock Penrith when the sides met in round 25 last year. They have the attack to trouble anyone on the edges, but they’re coming up against the four-time defending premiers who are stinging after a heartbreaking loss in golden point that snapped their nine-game winning streak. Nathan Cleary was unimpressed after a controversial late call and that could spell trouble for the Raiders, with Penrith needing a win to stay in touch with the top four given they have another tough game the following week.

Round 25, Storm v Bulldogs

This is the first time these teams have met since last April, but it’s been worth the wait with the Storm and Bulldogs fighting for second spot. Melbourne can virtually seal a top-two finish with a win on Friday, and they should get Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jack Howarth back. This game snaps a run of four-straight Thursday night matches that the Storm won, with Craig Bellamy’s side set to go to the top of the table with a win and a Raiders loss. But the Bulldogs have troubled them in Melbourne recently, narrowly losing last year and winning quite easily in 2023. If they can win again, then it’s highly likely these teams will meet again in the first week of the finals, but a loss could breed panic given they have a brutal run home.

Round 26, Bulldogs v Panthers

We are in for a treat if this is anything like their round 17 clash, which is comfortably in the top two games of the season. It took something special from Cleary that night, with Cameron Ciraldo’s fingerprints all over the defence of both teams. The Bulldogs will have learnt plenty from that clash and their attack should be a lot better now that Lachlan Galvin has spent more time in the halves. The Panthers are used to playing big games at Accor Stadium, while this is the perfect test for the Bulldogs just two weeks out from the finals.

Round 26, Storm v Roosters

People were just about ready to write off the Roosters after they lost a thriller to the Storm in round 21, but that’s proved to be a turning point for the Tricolours who have roared into the top eight on the back of their defence. The Roosters have conceded just 28 points in their past three games and have scored tries for fun with Sam Walker calling the shots. This game will feature the best aerial artists in the game with Daniel Tupou and Xavier Coates to fly high for kicks close to the line. The Roosters have a shocking recent record against the Storm but can silence their critics with a win on the road ahead of the finals.

Round 27, Roosters v Rabbitohs

There’s a world where the Roosters are fighting for a spot in the top eight against their fierce rivals who have little to play for and could have some of their biggest stars back on the field by the final round. And a raucous Allianz Stadium crowd could see history made with Souths winger Alex Johnston closing in on the all-time try-scoring record that could seriously come into play if he bags a double this weekend. The Rabbitohs would love to spoil the finals party for their noisy neighbours, while this might be a chance for the Roosters to make a statement before an elimination final the following week.

Originally published as Grudges, records and heavyweight clashes to play key role as race for finals spots heats up