LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
On Friday night, the NRL Telstra Premiership features two critical matchups that could define the season for several teams.
The opening game at 4 Pines Park sees the Sea Eagles facing the Wests Tigers.
The Sea Eagles, coming off a bye, are eager to establish consistency after a tumultuous run of results (W-L-W-L-W-L-L) over their last seven games.
In contrast, the Tigers are struggling, having suffered five consecutive losses, leaving them in 14th place on the ladder.
The second match shifts to Newcastle, where a revitalized Knights team will take on the Raiders.
The Raiders have been on a hot streak, winning nine of their last ten matches, positioning themselves as contenders for the club's second minor premiership.
Meanwhile, the Knights are among eight teams caught in a tight contest for playoff spots, sitting between ninth and 16th on the ladder with only two points separating them.
As the season progresses into Round 17, the pressure mounts for all teams involved.
Fans can follow the live action on NRL.com's blog.