The top-of-the-table clash at 3pm will see competition front-runners and favourites Wests (26 points) clash with the second-placed Scorpions (23).

Macquarie is coming off a 26-24 win over South Newcastle.

The win saw Macquarie leapfrog Souths (22) into second spot on the ladder, and lock in a semi-finals berth with two rounds to play.

The Scorpions could even snatch the minor premiership if they can defeat Wests then Cessnock in the final two rounds, and Wests stumble twice.

Last Saturday, the Scorpions raced to a 20-6 lead by half time.

Centre Royce Geoffrey sent Macquarie to the break on a high when he beat five defenders in scoring under the posts just before the halftime siren.

Macquarie football manager Stephen Woodbridge said things turned around in the second stanza.

"The start to the second half was in stark contrast with South Newcastle receiving a flood of penalties and scoring three converted tries to lead 24-20," Woodbridge said.

Macquarie clinched the win when halfback Mick Moran sliced through the defence and passed inside to hooker Chris Hyde who crossed next to the uprights.

Ryan Houston converted the try and Macquarie rallied to shut Souths out for the final 12 minutes of an absorbing contest.

This Saturday's showdown with Wests is Old Boys Day at Lyall Peacock Field, and the biggest home crowd of the season is on the cards.