The Parramatta Eels will have six months to wonder what could have been after running out 32-18 victors in a match set to have major ramifications for the Penrith Panthers hopes of going three-in-a-row.
Winning their final match of the regular season to remain the most optimistic of mathematical chance of featuring in September, the Eels stole the show with winger Maika Sivo crossing for four tries, while the Panthers face an anxious wait with playmaker Jarome Luai at risk of missing the remainder of the season with a dislocated shoulder.
Beginning the first half ambush from a scrum play presented by an early Penrith error, Dylan Brown managed to get a flick pass away before being taken over the sideline, allowing Sivo (4th minute) to open the scoring.
Going close to hitting double figures inside the opening ten minutes, Daejarn Asi split the defence with a dummy and found Ryan Matterson in support; the bunker overruled the on-field call with debutant Jesse McLean deemed to have dislodged the ball from Matterson's grasp before reaching the try line.
The Panthers were quick to capitalise on their good fortune with Tyrone Peachey (12th minute) finishing off a left-side shift, however the side's luck soon took a turn for the worse.
The Eels continued to attack down the left edge and were rewarded with a possible eight-point try to Sivo (19th minute) following high contact from McLean while scoring.
Extending the lead out to 18-4 after Sivo (23rd minute) collected his hat-trick, the Panthers were dealt the biggest blow of the night with Luai dislocating his shoulder over the try-line.
Completing a stunning first half by denying Isaah Yeo a certain four-pointer, the Eels took a 22-4 lead to the shed with Clinton Gutherson (36th minute) exposing the home side's defence on the right side of the field.
Continuing the one-way flow of points after the break with Gutherson (42nd minute) collecting his second, the Panthers tried to get back into the contest only to be thwarted by the Parramatta captain repeatedly executing short line drop-outs to perfection.
The Panthers finally hit double figures after Nathan Cleary (65th minute) streaked onto a short drop out, but any chance of a comeback was extinguished after Sivo (72nd minute) crashed over for his fourth try of the night.
Late tries to Liam Martin (75th minute), playing his 100th game for the club in first grade, and Thomas Jenkins (78th minute) provided little consolation for the 21,525 strong crowd as the Eels finished their season with a 32-18 victory.
Next week, the Panthers face the Cowboys at home on Saturday evening, while the Eels will lament what could have been during their final bye.