Two surprise packets meet on Sunday with a chance to remain undefeated on the season.
Newcastle was favoured by many to make the Top 8 this season, but the suspension to Kalyn Ponga and a handful of key injuries makes the job a little tough for the time being.
Penrith, meanwhile, come into this clash missing a star player of their own with Nathan Cleary set to serve the first of his two-match ban.
Despite what the market suggests, this game really hangs in the balance and it could easily be won in the final 10 minutes.
With two big names missing I also expect some disorderly play and lack of discipline out on the field. The Total has gone Over in each of Newcastle’s last six games played on a Sunday, so we could be headed towards another high-scoring thriller.
Bor Mönchengladbach can cement their spot in the top four with a win on Sunday against the 13th placed Union Berlin.
The market is well in favour of the home side here, and while I do expect them to win in the end, they may just find themselves with work to do in the late stages.
The half-time scoreline has been drawn in three of Union Berlin’s last four away matches while they’ve also gone on to lose the second half in four of their last five day games.