Andrew McFadden Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The results in the National Rugby League continue to fall the way of the New Zealand Warriors, with the Parramatta Eels losing 33-20 to the Raiders in Canberra.
Along with the Brisbane Broncos' defeat by Melbourne on Friday, that clears the way for the Warriors to reach the NRL finals and possibly finish seventh if they can win their final regular season game tonight at Penrith against the Panthers.
In fact, the Warriors now need to only avoid losing by four points or more to make the playoffs.
Elsewhere, North Queensland showed off their title credentials in a 30-16 demolition of Manly in Townsville to deny the Sea Eagles the NRL minor premiership and hand it to the champion Sydney Roosters for the second successive year.
The Cowboys, languishing in 12th after 18 rounds, can now finish no worse than fifth at the conclusion of this weekend's final regular-season round.
They will finish in the top four if the Warriors upset Penrith.
Wests Tigers avoided a club record-equalling losing streak with a 26-10 win over Cronulla, to end forgettable seasons for the NRL clubs.
