With just five rounds remaining, the race to the finals is heating up. Easts host Souths in a match neither side can afford to lose, while West Harbour can give their finals hopes a massive boost if they can beat Eastwood.

Here are five key match ups to keep an eye on this weekend.

West Harbour v Eastwood – Kelly Meafua v Pat Sio

Kelly Meafua is arguably the form player of the competition at the moment and a big reason why the Pirates are in the hunt to play finals footy.

While Todd Louden has taught his side to control the ball for long periods of matches, it’s Meafua who usually breaks each game wide open and Louden will look to make the most of that before his star flanker heads to France.

While the entire Eastwood forward pack will need to keep a close eye on Meafua, Pat Sio will be relied on to get the Woodies over the advantage line. The barnstorming No.8 has plenty of size around him and Eastwood will need to use it this weekend to give their backs clean ball and stop the Pirates big men from rolling through the middle.

Eastern Suburbs v Southern Districts – Mack Mason v Rohan Saifoloi

Two former Queensland schoolboy stars will both lead their respective Sydney sides in a crucial clash for both teams at Woollahra Oval.

Mack Mason has directed an impressive Easts outfit around the park brilliantly in 2018 but that will mean little if the Beasties can’t play their way into the finals.

Easts are sixth, four competition points ahead of Souths in eighth and although Saturday isn’t exactly a must win for the home side, a loss will see pressure build significantly on the Beasties.

On the other side of the field, Rebels No.10 Rohan Saifoloi will start his first match of the season and the Samoan internationals return is timely.

After losing to West Harbour, Souths now need to win at least four of their last five matches to be a chance of playing finals footy. It’s certainly not impossible, but a win this weekend is important.

Manly v Randwick – Josh Turner v Lachlan Anderson

Josh Turner proved once again that he’s the most dynamic player in the competition when he finished off a brilliant try in the first half against Warringah last weekend.

Manly’s spot in the finals looks pretty safe, but with Sam Lane and Denis Pili Gaitau both expected to head overseas before the end of the regular season, the Marlins will need their fullback to be at his absolute best in the coming months.

Randwick fullback Lachlan Anderson is a very similar player to Turner and also knows his way to the try line.

The Galloping Greens season is all but over, but it certainly wouldn’t be a shock to see Randwick cause an upset or two in the coming weeks.

Turner and Manly fans will be hoping it doesn’t happen this weekend.

Parramatta v Sydney Uni – Tui Kioa v Lachlan Swinton

In a losing side, Parramatta lock Tui Kioa has been outstanding in 2018 and is the Two Blues leading try scorer after 13 rounds.

Parramatta face a tough task on Saturday against a big and experienced Sydney Uni forward pack and Kioa will need to be at his physical best to keep his side in the fight.

The Sydney Uni forwards have demolished a number of sides this year and while he’s still one of the younger players in the squad, Lachie Swinton looks to have benefited from several seasons in the top grade and is playing outstanding rugby in 2018.

The Waratahs contracted forward is now in his third season for the Students and is starting to show why the coaches at Daceyvivle rate him so highly.

Gordon v Warringah – Sam Leeming v Hamish Angus

Gordon playmaker Sam Leeming was brilliant for the Highlanders when they came within seconds of upsetting the defending premiers at Rat Park last month.

In his first year in the top grade, Leeming has improved week after week this year and his general play kicking is up there with the best in the comp.

On Saturday, he’ll mark arguably the most experienced No.10 in the competition who is starting to come into form after a disjointed first half of the season.

Warringah’s starting XV has changed almost every week this year but if Angus can stay fit, he’ll be able to direct those around him with ease.

One thing’s for sure though. Angus and Warringah won’t be taking Gordon lightly this time around.