As the Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup enters Finals Week 1, every match has significant implications for the teams involved. The outcomes of these matches could dramatically alter the standings, making this a decisive weekend for all eight teams. Here’s a breakdown of what’s at stake for each team based on their potential wins or losses. Pride vs Falcons (1st vs 4th) Pride: Currently sitting comfortably at the top of the ladder with 40 points, Pride's position as the regular-season leader is secure. A win against the Falcons would further cement their dominance and maintain their momentum heading into the subsequent rounds. Even with a loss, Pride would remain in the top spot due to their superior points difference (+352) and win record. However, a loss could shake their confidence and give the other top teams hope of catching them in the finals. Falcons: In 4th position with 30 points, the Falcons are in a precarious situation. A win against Pride could propel them up the ladder, depending on the outcomes of the Devils and Dolphins match. If the Falcons win and either the Devils or Dolphins lose, the Falcons could potentially climb to 3rd place, enhancing their prospects in the finals. A loss, however, would likely see them remain in 4th place, but with pressure from the teams below, they could slip further down if results don't go their way. Devils vs Dolphins (2nd vs 3rd) Devils: The Devils, tied with the Dolphins on 32 points, hold 2nd place due to their superior points difference (+219). A win against the Dolphins would solidify their position in the top two, giving them a crucial advantage moving forward in the finals. A loss, on the other hand, could see them drop to 3rd place, especially if the Dolphins secure a win. In a worst-case scenario, the Devils could even drop to 4th if the Falcons win their match and the points difference shifts unfavorably. Dolphins: The Dolphins are in a similar position to the Devils, with 32 points and a points difference of +202. A victory over the Devils would allow them to leapfrog into 2nd place, a crucial move that could set them up for a stronger finals campaign. If they lose, they risk falling to 4th place if the Falcons manage to defeat Pride. The Dolphins must win to ensure they maintain or improve their position on the ladder. Hunters vs WM Seagulls (5th vs 8th) Hunters: With 30 points, the Hunters sit in 5th place and are on the cusp of breaking into the top four. A win against the 8th placed WM Seagulls could potentially see them move up to 4th place, especially if the Falcons lose their match. This would be a significant boost for the Hunters as they push deeper into the finals. A loss, however, would not only prevent them from moving up but could also see them slip further down the ladder if the Capras or Bears win their respective matches. WM Seagulls: Positioned 8th with 27 points, the WM Seagulls are fighting to stay in the finals race. A win could see them move up to 7th place, depending on the outcome of the Capras vs Bears match. However, their points difference (-16) means that even with a win, their position might not improve drastically. A loss would almost certainly end their finals hopes, as they would remain in 8th place or potentially drop lower if other results go against them. Capras vs Bears (6th vs 7th) Capras: The Capras, currently in 6th place with 28 points, are within striking distance of the top five. A win against the Bears could see them solidify their position or even move up to 5th if the Hunters falter. A loss, however, could see them drop to 7th, depending on how other matches play out, which would make their path through the finals much more difficult. Bears: The Bears are just one point behind the Capras, sitting in 7th place with 27 points. A win could propel them above the Capras into 6th place or even 5th, depending on the outcome of the Hunters match. However, a loss would likely see them remain in 7th or drop to 8th, which would be a severe blow to their final's aspirations. The finals Week 1 with so much on the line, promises to be a thrilling and crucial round in the 2024 Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup. The current teams have something to fight for, and the outcomes of these matches could reshape the ladder, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season. Whether battling for top spot security or fighting to keep their finals hopes alive, each team will need to bring their A-game to the field.