A double-header of sudden-death games hosted by fierce rivals Parramatta and Penrith could be used as a headline act during the first week of the finals, a pre-cursor to the two-for-one concept set to feature in the NRL draw next year.
The traditional foes uniting to kick-start the post-season in front of a bumper ANZ Stadium crowd is looming as an option for the NRL, which will advance plans for week one finals scheduling next week after the penultimate round of the regular season.
But should there be no change to the finishing positions of the Eels (fifth) and Panthers (sixth) after round 26 - or they trade places on the ladder - the NRL will consider slating both teams to play back-to-back in western Sydney.
Given the angst about Sydney's dwindling crowds and a dip in television ratings this year, the buzz surrounding two of NSW's most passionate fan bases uniting for a finals blockbuster would add immense interest to the start of the finals.
The NRL hasn't scheduled a finals double-header since the Sharks' infamous seventh tackle-try win over the Cowboys preceded the Roosters' gripping 4-0 win over the Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium in 2013.
The NRL has always been open to playing finals double-headers if circumstances permit but it has to consider a number of variables for finalists, primarily recovery times.
And there would be no guarantee they would pursue the Eels-Panthers double-header - even if it was available - if it adversely affected other sides in the top eight.
The only timeslot available to the NRL for a finals double-header would be Saturday night, meaning the top four sides would be forced to square off in games on Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
Minor premiers Melbourne are already guaranteed to host an opening week final at AAMI Park, but the rest of the fixtures are still up in the air.
The NRL ran into a logistical nightmare in the opening week of the finals last year, accused of surrendering to the AFL in their venue bookings which angered some clubs.
The Bledisloe Cup clash between the Wallabies and All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium as well as the all-Sydney Swans-Giants AFL qualifying final at ANZ Stadium meant the Broncos had to play their final on a Friday night and the Panthers "hosted" the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium in the city's east.
The Panthers were left bewildered with this year's draw when they were drawn just once against the crowd-pulling Eels, meaning they couldn't host the blue and golds at Pepper Stadium.
But they very well might be working together to promote a unique way to open this year's play-offs should the cards fall into place.
The Sharks are the only team guaranteed a top eight spot who are drawn to play on Sunday in the final round, meaning the premiers will campaign for a six or seven-day turnaround for their week one finals clash most likely ruling out Friday night.
The NRL will also be cognisant of not wanting to schedule a clash between two teams which finished in the top four on the Sunday, therefore reducing the recovery time for the loser of the qualifying final going into week two.
League Central has always scheduled elimination games - either fifth v eighth or sixth v seventh - as the last match in week one since they abandoned the McIntyre finals system in 2012.
But it could be tempted to break with tradition if the Eels and Panthers are in a position to host week one finals, almost guaranteeing a crowd of 60,000-plus at Olympic Park on the one night.
Should the Roosters and Sharks - who play each other in the match of the round at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Saturday night - finish in the top four Allianz Stadium will more than likely take over as the focus of Sydney's finals clashes deeper in September.
