If Wayne Bennett is to spend another game in the Suncorp Stadium dressing rooms after Friday's clash with Newcastle, he not only needs to coach the Broncos to victory but must also rely on the team he will lead next year - St George Illawarra - beating Sydney Roosters at the same time.

If this scenario came to pass, Bennett would be plotting the Dragons' downfall a week later as the Broncos would finish fourth and host the fifth-placed Dragons in the opening match of the finals.

If the Roosters were to down St George Illawarra, the result of the match in Brisbane becomes academic as they would retain fourth spot and play the Broncos on Friday week.

The Knights, meanwhile, must win to ensure their own place in the finals. After defeating Melbourne on Saturday, Brian Smith's men have thrown the race for the minor premiership wide open - but a loss to the Broncos would still mean the Knights miss the top eight if Canberra and the Warriors both win.