After last year's disastrous season, the Sharks faithful would have settled for a finals finish this year. Now a top four spot is within their grasp. Cronulla control their own destiny following South Sydney's loss to Brisbane. Back-to-back wins against the lower ranked Eels and Manly would hand them a top four finish. They play a Parramatta side who were committed when they beat Manly on Sunday. Cronulla need their attack to fire earlier than it did against the Tigers.

2. Will Old Boys day stifle the Bulldogs?

Moving on: Trent Hodkinson. Photo: Mark Kolbe

Newcastle's annual past-players reunion takes place at a venue the Bulldogs have struggled to win at. The Bulldogs have had success just six times from 18 games at Hunter Stadium but they head into the clash knowing a win would see them shoot up the competition ladder. Damien Cook will get another chance to cement himself at hooker while halfback Trent Hodkinson will hope to give his future teammates a taste of things to come with a polished performance.

3. Where are the Storm and Cowboys at?

Injured: James Tamou. Photo: Getty Images

It has been hard to get a gauge on the Storm and Cowboys in recent weeks. The Storm were clinical against the Sharks two weeks ago but squandered a golden opportunity for a top four spot with a poor performance against the Knights. The Cowboys rebounded from a 16-0 nil deficit to beat the Warriors. The loss of Michael Morgan and James Tamou will hurt, so they will need to overcome that if they are to hold out hopes of a minor premiership.

4. How will Robbie Farah's departure impact the Tigers?

Brothers in arms: Aaron Woods (right) consoles Robbie Farah. Photo: Brendon Thorne

Will the news of Farah's shock season-ending axing galvanise or rip the Tigers apart? The match will be Farah's last at Campbelltown Stadium. It will be an emotional game but it remains to be seen if his teammates will lift to send him out a winner.  The Tigers need a win to be any chance of avoiding the wooden spoon. The Tigers host a Warriors side who have slumped to six consecutive losses.

5. The Dragons need to show more

Good form: Gareth Widdop. Photo: Getty Images

A top-eight finish will be a remarkable achievement for the Dragons, considering most predicted them to be cellar dwellers this year. Regardless, if they are to compete in the finals race they need to produce better football than they showed last week against the Panthers. Their attack has been questionable, with the form of Gareth Widdop saving them in recent matches. Need to score points against a Titans side who improved in their last start against the Raiders.

6. Use the ball Raiders/Panthers

Ball runner: Blake Austin. Photo: Getty Images

With nothing to play for except pride, let's hope Canberra and Penrith promote the ball on Monday night. The result has little consequence but both sides look at their best when they throw the ball around. Blake Austin and Jake Wighton are two of the best ball runners in the game while the Panthers' second-phase play comes off the back of their forwards Bryce Cartwright and Tyrone Peachey.