The Newcastle Knights have kept their season alive, claiming a victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs on the opening night of the finals.
Justin Holbrook's side went in to the game undermanned, but never looked like taking a step back during the contest, putting the Rabbitohs to the sword.
From Wayne Bennett's slection mistake, to Kalyn Ponga being at his best, here are all the key talking points out of the contest.
Matt Dufty is a great bench weapon, but Jye Gray must start at fullback next year
Eyebrows have been raised throughout the second half of the season by the ongoing selection of Matt Dufty at fullback for the Rabbitohs.
To say it hasn't made sense would be an understatement.
Dufty has, for what it's worth, been very strong in attack, but run metres don't make the whole package, and therein lies the issue for the Maroubra-based side.
The former Dragon and Bulldog wasn't at his best in attack during the game against the Knights, but also seemed to lack urgency in a big way in defence.
That has been a regular, ongoing criticism of Dufty throughout the year.
The same can't be said of Gray who might be the best pound for pound defender in the competition, while losing nothing in attack.
The Rabbitohs have a long-term plan for him, but he must be the starting fullback in 2027.
Kalyn Ponga is best when he isn't overplaying his hand
At times over the tenure of Adam O'Brien in the Hunter, it felt like the Knights' game plan was basically "pass it to Ponga and see what happens."
That hasn't been the case this year, and was clear to see on Friday night.
Ponga, who could overplay his hand because of how good he is, has clearly matured as a footballer, and is more dangerous for it.
It's something we saw with Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco in 2023. He dropped his touches per game during the back-end of the year and became a far better version of himself.
That is exactly what Ponga has done this year, and when he did pop up, he felt a threat everytime.
The improved game plan for the Knights shows, and Ponga spoke volumes this week, telling Zero Tackle that Holbrook was why he re-signed.
“Holbrook had a massive part,” Ponga admitted.
“If he [Holbrook] and a few other players weren't there, I probably wouldn't have done it to be honest.”
Campbell Graham deserves a spot in the Australian squad
Campbell Graham was frankly the only reason the Rabbitohs were still in the game during the first half, turning up defence time again to make big try-saving tackles.
His combination at that end of the park with Jack Wighton was something to be seen throughout the game, and probably saved four or five tries, and then some.
Graham, formerly a centre, has really found a home on the wing in recent times when he hasn't been injured, and given his ability to play in two positions, will be hard to overlook for the Kangaroos squad.
Not playing the rest of the finals will count against him, but he has the experience, is great at both ends of the park, and should be there for the World Cup that starts on October 15 in Sydney.
Sandon Smith is better than a bench player
At full strength, Sandon Smith has been forced to sit on the bench for the Knights throughout the year, but has excelled everytime he has been called upon.
When he has started at halfback, as has been the case since Dylan Brown's season was ended by injury, he has stepped up.
He was among the best players on the park for the Knights on Friday evening, and holds a large part of the key to the club doing anything over the coming weeks.
The issue, really, is that he will be back on the bench next year.
The Knights have too many cooks in the kitchen, but must find a way for Smith to be starting. He is simply too good to be off the bench.
Newcastle have an enormous second-row selection call next year
The Knights were only just able to clear Francis Manuleluea on Friday night after he was injured a fortnight ago, but both he and Jermaine McEwen has enormous performances.
In truth, both of those players have been exceptional in recent weeks, often changing who took the limelight each week.
Before that, Dylan Lucas was playing on the edge for the Knights, with McEwen having a great first half of the year alongside him.
Heading into 2027, the Knights are going to have three elite second-rowers fit and fighting for two jerseys.
Justin Holbrook has an enormous decision to make.
