The Warriors ensured they will finish the NRL regular season at least sixth after downing North Queensland 18-6 in Auckland on Saturday, in front of just over 20,000 fans, the biggest crowd of the season at the venue.
The result lifts the Warriors from seventh to fifth, although they will slip back a spot if Cronulla are unable to upset West Tigers.
It also means that, in the first weekend of the playoffs, they will avoid meeting the two sides fighting out the minor premiership, Melbourne and Manly, who are both in action on Sunday.
The defeat looks likely to leave the Cowboys in seventh position at the end of the final round.
It was a winning farewell to Mt Smart Stadium for long-serving Warrior Lance Hohaia, who heads to English Super League club St Helens after his tenth NRL season.
