Hostplus Cup: What the final round means

Top two

Pride are settled for first place, but the battle for second is ongoing. At the moment, Dave Elliott's Norths Devils sit in second place on the ladder with 32 points and a differential of 245. Behind them in third spot is Redcliffe Dolphins - coached by Ben Te'o - with 30 points and a differential of 184. A win for the Devils this Saturday over Sunshine Coast Falcons would lock up second place for them and the chance to host two home finals across this year's series. But a loss and a Redcliffe victory over Mackay Cutters could spell trouble for Norths depending on the for-and-against from each match. The two teams are currently separated by 61 differential points. They both kick off at 5pm on Saturday, so stay tuned.

Top four 

Regardless of who finishes second, the Devils cannot fall out of the top four and it would take highly unlikely circumstances for the Dolphins not to be there as well. With three of the four spots basically all tied up, that only leaves one place remaining. At the moment, it is held by Sunshine Coast, who face a tough task this weekend in coming up against the Devils. If they win, fourth spot is theirs. But sitting just outside them in fifth place at the moment is the PNG Hunters. The Hunters do have a -27 for-and-against but a Falcons loss and a win for PNG in Port Moresby against the Western Clydesdales would see them move into the coveted top four, guaranteeing themselves two weeks of finals action - one of which would be at home. If both teams lose, Burleigh Bears (sixth) and Wynnum Manly Seagulls (seventh) loom as outside chances.

Rounding out the top eight

There are two battles remaining within the top eight. First is the fight for fifth and sixth to secure week one home finals. Currently the Hunters and Bears hold those spots respectively, with Wynnum Manly Seagulls (seventh) and Central Queensland Capras (eighth) able to still take a home elimination final, pending Round 23 results for themselves. But the Capras in particular need a win this weekend if they want to stay in the eight at all. Sitting below the Capras in ninth are the Townsville Blackhawks, who will enjoy a bye this weekend. They will automatically go to 27 points, ahead of the Capras on 26. If the Capras cannot overcome Tweed Seagulls, their season will be over. No doubt the Blackhawks will be watching that Saturday match with bated breath.

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