For only the second time in history, the Canberra Raiders have claimed the minor premiership after staging a 24-10 victory over the Wests Tigers in their final home game of the season.
Finishing on top of the table for the first time since 1990 with a stirring performance, played before a sold-out crowd of 23,746 supporters, the Raiders were made to work for the J.J. Giltinan Shield with captain Joseph Tapine sending Ethan Strange over to clinch the result with only minutes left on the clock.
Taking until the mid-point of the first half to open the scoring, a towering bomb from Jamal Fogarty reaped rewards for Jed Stuart (18th minute), who pounced when his opposite man - Sunia Turuva - allowed the ball to bounce in-goal.
Fogarty appeared to extend the lead with an incisive run only for the bunker to deem the halfback took advantage of space created by Josh Papalii obstructing Terrell May in the defensive line.
The Tigers made the most of their good fortune with a rampaging run from Samuela Fainu setting up Jahream Bula (27th minute), however an error straight after points invited the Raiders to regain the lead with Corey Horsburgh (31st minute) crashing over for his first try of the year.
Refusing to wilt in the face of their more favoured opponents, the Tigers were rewarded for throwing the ball around on the last tackle with Jeral Skelton (36th minute) producing a blockbusting finish to narrow the Raiders' lead to 12-10 at the change of ends.
Starting the second half with their eyes on the prize, a try to Simi Sasagi (46th minute) - playing in the centres with Sebastian Kris out with calf tightness - put the hosts beyond a converted try.
With the Tigers left to lament their best scoring chance of the half after Fonua Pole bounced the ball over the try line, the Raiders were able to dictate terms with Fogarty producing multiple repeat sets with a methodical kicking performance.
The moment 35 years in the making arrived with minutes left on the clock with an inspiring charge from Joseph Tapine sending Ethan Strange (75th minute) over to clinch the result and the minor premiership.
Next week, the Raiders will travel to Redcliffe for a Sunday afternoon clash with the Dolphins, while the Wests Tigers will finish their 2025 campaign with a Saturday evening trip to the Gold Coast against the Titans.