Burnie's big win over Eastern Suburbs has set the scene for a Premiership qualifier against Hobart Harlequins this weekend.
Doubles to Tevita Kaianuanu and Ben Via helped Burnie to a 60-0 win over Eastern Suburbs and launched the Emus into the top five with just one game to play before the mid-year cut-off.
Saturday's upcoming clash with Quins (sixth) could well decide which of Burnie and Quins will contest the Premiership in the season's back half, though Hobart Lions' Round 8 bonus-point win over University adds another layer of intrigue.
The Lions downed the students 43-15 last Friday and currently sit in seventh with upcoming games against Devonport and Taroona to decide their fate.
Wins in both fixtures would secure a Premiership berth, while a win and a loss would see bonus points and head-to-head record come into play.
Both the Bulls and Penguins are assured Premiership qualification following bonus-point wins across Round 8.
Devonport booked their ticket with a 37-17 away win over Launceston 2 while Taroona were pushed hard in a 34-26 thriller against Glenorchy.
Powerhouse Launceston 1 remain competition frontrunners after extending their unbeaten run to eight games with an 82-3 rout of Quins at Royal Park.
