There is no shortage of history between Ipswich and Mackay and there is certainly enough recent form to make this elimination final an interesting one.
The Jets are back in the finals for the 12th time in club history and for their second year in a row, while the Cutters are making their third finals appearance and their first since their premiership in 2013.
It has been quite a wait for Mackay, with that 2013 title campaign now more than a decade in the rear-view mirror.
A title they won at the Ipswich Jets’ home ground at North Ipswich, with Michael Morgan and Jason Taumalolo riding shotgun.
The Cutters will be hoping this return to September is more than a nostalgic trip back to the glory days, although there is one handy statistic in their favour: Mackay has won the only finals meeting between these clubs, beating Ipswich 27-16 in the 2013 Knockout Final at BB Print Stadium.
The Jets will want to replicate the start they go out to that night, being up 10-4, before eventually succumbing to defeat.
Overall, the Jets have the better head-to-head record, leading 18-13, and they also won the most recent meeting, beating Mackay 28-18 at BB Print Stadium in Round 7.
Ipswich has won two of the last three clashes between the sides, although Mackay has had plenty of success when travelling to Ipswich, winning two of the last three games there.
The big question is whether the Cutters can overcome their recent away record.
Mackay has lost its last four away games, which isn't ideal preparation for a knockout game on the road.
The Jets, meanwhile, have turned Richardson Park into something of a no-go zone this season, winning all six of their matches there in 2026.
Mackay isn't exactly struggling for form, having won two of their last three and three of their last five, so there is enough there to suggest that they can make life uncomfortable for the Jets if they can get their away form back on track.
There is also some recent finals experience for Ipswich that could prove useful.
Last year, the Jets survived their opening elimination final against Sunshine Coast 25-24 in extra time, with Dion Teaupa kicking the match-winning field goal.
That sort of experience can be invaluable in a close finals game.
For Mackay, the challenge is to make sure the game doesn't get away from them early and to turn their recent form into another strong away performance.
Ipswich will be looking to rely on its perfect Richardson Park record and the confidence that comes with knowing they’ve already beaten Mackay this season.
The Cutters will be hoping their first finals appearance since 2013 can produce another memorable chapter in the club's history.
With both sides having plenty to play for, this should be a great contest, and there is every chance the experience Ipswich gained from last year's extra-time thriller could come in handy if this one is still close in the final stages.
For one of these teams, the finals campaign will continue.
For the other, it will be time to start looking forward to 2027.
This weekend’s broadcasted match is shaping to be anyone’s game and the only way to catch all the action live and free is via Qplus.tv.
