Round 25s results sent genuine shockwaves through the NRL competition.
The Roosters looked set to coast to the Minor Premiership, only for the Tigers to deliver a crushing blow.
The Knights looked set to end Manly's season but the Sea Eagles had other ideas. The loss ended Newcastle's faint top four hopes.
Brisbane upset the Raiders, in Canberra, ruining Josh Papalii's farewell celebration and securing the Raiders early trip to Bali.
With the Minor Premiership, top four, and top eight still very much in question, we pause for a look at the state of play via our weekly Power Rankings.
Where did your team land on our NRL Power Rankings following Round 25?:
1. New Zealand Warriors (Last Week: 2)
The Warriors now sit atop the NRL table, and here, via Luke Hanson's last minute field goal. The 45-26 win over Souths was enough to point them one differential point ahead of Penrith.
James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett lead from the front, Leka Halasima surely proved his future belongs in the centres and Chanel Harris-Tavita was spectacular despite being on his 32nd halves partner of the year.
The Warriors host Newcastle in a season defining game. With Penrith hosting the Bulldogs, this a straight shootout!
2. Penrith Panthers (3)
The Panthers reminded everyone of their credentials with a comfortable(ish) 22-14 win over the Storm in Melbourne. It means they're one differential point off the top of the ladder.
Brian To'o scored a hattrick and ran for north of 220 metres. Nathan Cleary had the ball on a string all night despite his side having three players in the Sin Bin across the 80 minutes.
Friday night's game against the Bulldogs is a must win. The Warriors will likely dust the Knights, setting up a shootout in Round 27 for the shield.
3. Sydney Roosters (1)
The Roosters surrendered top spot both here and on the NRL ladder, and likely the Minor Premiership, as a result of a shock loss to the Tigers.
Billy Smith scored a double, Naufahu Whyte was massive again and I don't think Sam Walker played as badly as some are making out. Still, this loss is unforgivable really.
They host the Dolphins on Saturday evening in a must win encounter, for both teams. This has game of the everything written all over it!
4. The Dolphins (4)
The Dolphins kept their good run going with a 34-16 win over the Eels. The win ensures a top potential top four finish remains in their power.
Herbie Farnworth and Jamayne Isaako both crossed for doubles. Selwyn Cobbo was a monster all game and probably upstaged his fellow outside backs. Mac Plax was a weapon off the bench.
This Saturday evening's trip to play the Roosters could define their season. A win and a top four spot is all but theirs.
5. Cronulla Sharks (6)
The Sharks returned to winning ways via a solid yet largely unspectacular 30-22 win over the Titans. Truthfully though, it was all about a win here.
Addin Fonua-Blake was brilliant, with a try, two line-break assists and a statement performance overall. Nicho Hynes bossed the second half, as the Sharks needed him to do.
Cronulla are in Parramatta on Sunday afternoon knowing only a win will, realistically, keep their top four chances alive.
6. Newcastle Knights (5)
Newcastle's top four chances took a hammering at the hands of the Manly Sea Eagles on Saturday afternoon. The 44-22 loss means they'll receive no second chances in September.
All the Knights big guns had their moments, but they were too few and far between.
Newcastle are in Auckland on Sunday afternoon to play a Warriors side headed for a Minor Premiership shootout. The Knights home Final hopes hang a result here. This game could be anything!
7. North Queensland Cowboys (8)
The Cowboys bye this past weekend was literally perfect. Two points banked and an important rest a fortnight out from Finals.
They must cash in against the Tigers, in Townsville, on Saturday night.
With the Dogs result already being in the books, the Cowboys can lock in Finals footy with a win.
8. South Sydney Rabbitohs (7)
The Bunnies were somehow not to bad whilst being terrible in their 45-26 loss to the Warriors on Saturday evening.
Cody Walker toasted the Warriors on multiple occasions while Alex Johnston went top of the try scoring ranks. They didn't have enough help though if we're being honest.
Souths need to beat the Titans on the Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. This will lock in Finals and put pressure on the Knights in the race for a home Final.
9. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (9)
The Bulldogs kept their top eight hopes alive via a brilliant 44-14 win over the previously red hot Red V.
Lachlan Galvin, Matt Burton and Connor Tracey were the best three players on the night. I'll hear arguments for the order you want to place them in.
Penrith provide the biggest stumbling block between the Dogs and an unlikely Finals appearance on Friday night. The Dogs must be perfect from here to be any chance.
10. Canberra Raiders (10)
The Raiders saw their faint, faint Finals chances extinguished on Friday evening via a 34-30 loss to the Broncos.
Kaeo Weekes scored two brilliant tries, Simi Sisagi was unstoppable, again! Josh Papalii was the star of the show though. His run on was all time!
Canberra have the bye this weekend to lick their wounds and gear up for a Round 27 trip to Townsville.
11. Manly Sea Eagles (14)
Manly lit up McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday afternoon en route to a brilliant 44-22 win over the Newcastle Knights. It kept their extremely slim Finals hopes alive.
Josh Feledy crossed for a hattrick despite not entering the game until the 34th minute. Clayton Faulalo was breathtaking and simply has to have a starting spot next year.
12. Melbourne Storm (11)
The Storm had their moments but ultimately fell to the Panthers 22 points to 14 on Thursday night. This despite seeing three Panthers sat down across the 80 minutes.
Sualauvi Fa'alogo continued his brilliant season and registered seven tackle breaks to go with his 212 run metres. Jack Howarth's 231 metre stint was also huge.
Melbourne are in Brisbane on Thursday night but a game so shockingly inconsequential that the NRL are trialing a kick off rule change.
13. Parramatta Eels (12)
The Eels are very much headed for Bali following their 34-16 loss to the Dolphins over the weekend. They sit 13th, which is absolutely a fair reflection of their season.
Ronald Volkman has arguably been the Eels best all season and was very good again here. Tallyn Da Silva works hard and even managed to avoid a Mitch Moses spray.
The Eels can end the Sharks top four hopes on Sunday afternoon. That is something to play for as they build toward, hopefully, a better 2027.
14. Brisbane Broncos (16)
The Broncos 34-30 win in Canberra ruined Josh Papalii's farewell celebration, ended the Raiders Finals hopes and ensured Brisbane wouldn't finish last. Decent night out in the capital.
Ben Hunt wound back the clock in a vintage performance. Billy Walters showed why the club was so keen to secure his future long-term. Payne Haas showed why he'll be missed.
Thursday night's home game against the Storm is not the Grand Final rematch we expected but should still provide plenty of entertainment.
15. Wests Tigers (17)
The Wests Tigers shocked the entire NRL community via their 25-24 win over the Roosters on Sunday afternoon.
Jock Madden was as cool as ice, slotting the match winner a minute before full time. Jeral Skelton scored a double. Apisai Koroisau was the star number nine of the weekend with a 9/10 performance.
The Tigers are in Townsville on Saturday night with a chance to ruin the Cowboys season.
16. St George Illawarra Dragons (13)
It was a fun run but reality dictates the Dragons fall back toward the bottom of the rankings here. Their 44-14 loss to the Dogs was a very real reality check.
Mathew Feagai continued his late season run with two tries and a game high 230 run metres. Unfortunately the Dragons pack was overrun by their blistering Dogs counterparts.
The Dragons can end Manly's season, at Brookvale on Friday evening. Every win is gold now as they build toward an exciting 2027.
17. Gold Coast Titans (15)
The Titans really don't feel like the worst team in the competition, but they are. Their second half capitulation, to lose to the out of form Sharks 30-22 sums up their season.
Phillip Sami became the club's all time leading try scorer while Tino Fa'asuamaleaui put the entire side on his back during his 71 minute stint. Otherwise ...
The Titans can dent Souths Finals chances on Saturday afternoon. Six weeks ago I was so high on the Titans. I was wrong.
