WHAT'S RIDING ON EACH MATCH IN THE NRL FINAL ROUND
Thursday, August 31
North Queensland v Brisbane, 1300SMILES Stadium, 7.50pm -- The Cowboys can control their own fate with a victory, while a loss would see them relying on St George Illawarra or Manly losing. A Brisbane win will keep them in the top four, and possibly second if the Roosters lose.
Friday, September 1
Parramatta v Souths, ANZ Stadium, 7.50pm -- A win will keep the Eels in the top four, and could help them avoid playing Melbourne in the first week of the finals if Brisbane lose.
Saturday, September 2
Roosters v Gold Coast, Allianz Stadium, 3pm -- A win keeps the Roosters in the top two, giving them the chance to stay in Sydney right through to the grand final.
Manly v Penrith, Lottoland, 5.30pm -- The winner of this clash is safe in the top eight. The loser will need Canterbury to beat St George Illawarra, or rely on having a better for-and-against than North Queensland if they lose to survive.
Melbourne v Canberra, AAMI Park, 7.30pm -- Melbourne will finish first regardless of this result, while Canberra's finals hopes are over.
Sunday, September 3
Newcastle v Cronulla, McDonald Jones Stadium, 2pm -- A win would put the Sharks in the top four if the Eels lose, otherwise they'll have to become the first team in the NRL era to win the title after missing the top four. The Knights must win big to have any hope of avoiding the spoon.
St George Illawarra v Canterbury, ANZ Stadium, 4pm -- A win will get the Dragons into the finals, unless Manly and Penrith draw and the Cowboys beat Brisbane.
Wests Tigers v Warriors, Leichhardt Oval, 6.30pm -- A Wests Tigers win ensures they don't get the wooden spoon.
