After the first round on the home and away series the West Brisbane Panthers remain undefeated after nine rounds in the Premier A Grade competition.
Last year's grand final replay had the tables turned with 2023 minor premiers Bulimba defeating Wynnum Juniors.
The defending premiers sit in seventh spot in congested mid-season ladder.
They will be looking to restart their climb at 1.10pm Sunday - a curtain raise to the Seagulls v Central Queensland Capras Hostplus Cup game - with the Seagulls hosting the Pride. The two affiliates will be out for back-to-back wins.
They sit side by side on the ladder and a loss would be a major hiccup for either side’s chances to make the five.
Fullback Ty Han for Beenleigh and Will Parslow for Wynnum will be surveying their options and join backlines that have some striking power.
Ryan O’Keefe and Ethan Unicomb know where the chalk is as do Pride whippets William Armstrong and Oskar Enasio.
With so much on the line, this will go down to the wire. Round 1 was Beenleigh 26. Wynnum Juniors 10.
They are the last to kickoff of three games on Sunday, the first at Davies Park at midday where the Magpies and Dolphins clash.
The 'Phins were too good last week, bouncing back, while the Magpies have struggled of late.
The black-and-white big men Ryan Franks, Te McDonald and Callum Rigney must be part of the revival for Souths Juniors.
For Redcliffe, look for further talent off the bench when called on. Larry Siala, Sifa Kava and Caleb Pfingst will relish their inclusion when called on. Round 1 was Redcliffe 32 Souths Juniors 14.
At Bishop Park it's Wests v Bulimba at 12.15pm. Bulimba sealed a win in the closing minutes last week, as did Wests.
One error, one missed kick, too many penalties - all factors that could mean the difference.
Nathan Brown, Cameron Cullen and Declan Haydon for the Panthers have the firepower around them to get the job done.
In their way is rocket launcher Hayden Herbert, who will put snow on the Steeden in the open Bishop Park.
On top of taking the high ball, Wests will have to avoid speed chasers Mitchell Butler and Jalen Reweti as they will no doubt be right there to put the heat on the receiver.
This will be a game to savour. Round 1 was Wests 34 Bulimba 18.
Back in the usual Saturday slot, Valleys will host Brighton at Emerson Park at 3pm.
The Diehards sit inside the top five, while the Roosters sit in eighth.
Last year Brighton won all their games in the second half of the season and will look to repeat that.
They will have to contain the master Keenan Yorston plus the wickedly quick Joe Wagalevu and Issac Nokes.
Brighton have the muscle to cause carnage up the middle with Ionatana Stehlin, Mali Le Pou and Jayden Taufa to create grief. The season is on the line for the tricolours. Round 1 was Valleys 26 Brighton 18.
Normanby are at home at Bert St Claire Oval to Carina from 4.30pm Saturday.
The Tigers fell short against the Panthers last start, while the Hounds were unable to contain the Dolphins.
The Hounds have the magician Kingstimer Paraia at No.7 with Blake Campbell as his halves partner.
They will need Justin Fai and his pack to do the early hard work first up.
Tigers forwards Jimmy Keding, Ben Whybird and Caleb Pese will welcome that contest. Round 1 was Carina 54 Normanby 10.
This weekend will also be the last chance for players to impress before Brisbane selectors potentially come calling ahead of the looming XXXX Chair's Challenge.
Main image: Wynnum Manly Juniors centre Trevor Monaei and Beenleigh Pride winger Will Armstrong.
