The round's biggest result came in the last game, as Canterbury shocked everyone with an extraordinary display unlike anything they've been able to produce for years. They battered Parramatta 34-4, with Matt Burton having his best match for the club since leaving Penrith.
North Queensland battled through their Origin absences to beat the Dragons, while Melbourne edged the Sydney Roosters in an entertaining clash.
Elsewhere, the Broncos prevailed despite suffering a terrible injury crisis and Newcastle sunk to a historic low.
Here's what we liked and disliked from every game across round 14.
North Queensland Cowboys 31 - 12 St. George Illawarra Dragons
What we liked: Cowboys boost top-four credentials (again)
The Cowboys keep impressing, week after week.
Their early season form was exciting, but there were still questions regarding if it was sustainable. It was.
14 games and 10 wins. Stunning, considering Todd Payten's men weren't even predicted to make this top eight this season.
Even without Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai, the Cowboys comfortably defeated the Dragons and proved they have the core unit required to remain up the top end of the ladder for the remainder of the season.
What we disliked: Lomax unfairly blaming teammate
It was a game to forget for Dragons centre Zac Lomax, who particularly struggled with passing on Friday night.
After throwing an errant pass that flew over Tautau Moga's head, he appeared to blast his teammate for not catching the ball.
This was on top of an ill-advised flick pass ten metres out from his team's line that was promptly scooped up by Murray Taulagi for a Cowboys try.
Lomax has been an important player for the Dragons this season, but he will need to turn things around after this week's game.
Gold Coast Titans 16 - 30 South Sydney Rabbitohs
What we liked: Kodi Nikorima's goal-kicking
There were plenty of things to like from the Rabbitohs' performance on Saturday, but Kodi Nikorima's goal-kicking performance was an unexpected standout.
Stepping into fullback amid Latrell Mitchell's continued spell on the sidelines, the 28-year-old was a perfect five from five with the boot.
He nailed them from either sideline and had a lovely controlled curve on his kicks.
In the end, the Bunnies won comfortably and didn't need the extra conversion points, but it could be the difference in a tight game in the future.
What we disliked: Tino Fa'asuamaleaui left to do it himself
It was another pretty uninspiring effort from the Titans, who never really appeared to threaten the Rabbitohs despite pulling a few tries back throughout the game.
Their captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was leading from the front as usual - even scoring two tries of his own - but didn't receive the back-up he deserved.
Overall, there just appeared to be a lack of energy, and it could be a long remainder of the season for fans on the Gold Coast.
Sydney Roosters 18 - 26 Melbourne Storm
What we liked: Joseph Suaalii’s performance in a losing side
Two tackles made, two tries saved.
Joseph Suaalii pulled off an incredible defensive feat in the first half, when he repelled the Storm almost single-handedly in the space of a minute.
First, he raced over from the other side of the field and somehow stopped Jahrome Hughes from scoring.
If that defensive effort wasn’t enough, the teen then put his body on the line to shut down Trent Loiero, as an overlap threatened to develop.
It was inspirational stuff from the youngster who has seen his reputation skyrocket in recent weeks. He is quickly becoming one of the most entertaining players to watch in the league.
His defensive resolve, ability in the air and willingness to do the dirty work really caught the eye.
What we disliked: Roosters halves in the wars
The Roosters are set for an anxious wait on their star playmaker, Luke Keary, after he was taken from the field with a head knock.
Keary had an extended break away from the game in 2019, whilst he dealt with on-going symptoms from concussion. So, this latest incident will be a major worry for Sydney.
Bumped off in an attempted tackle, he was on the receiving end of friendly-fire when Joey Manu’s knee accidently smacked him in the back of the head. He could be seen in immediate distress.
However, barely ten minutes into the second half things went from bad to worse for the Chooks. Sam Walker was also taken from the field for a HIA, after being involved with a tackle on Felise Kaufusi.
The No.6 managed to make it back out onto the field, but the Roosters weren't able to mount a comeback with their starting halves missing a large chunk of the match.
Brisbane Broncos 24 - 18 Canberra Raiders
What we liked: Brisbane's effort in the face of adversity
Chasing seven wins in a row - without three of their stars in Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo and Kurt Capewell - Brisbane displayed incredible heart to constantly repel Canberra and hang on for the victory.
The Broncos kept their opponents scoreless after trailing at half-time and did so while missing the aforementioned three and a terrible injury list.
A year ago, Brisbane would have caved when faced with such problems. However, this is now a different side.
Not only are they expansive in attack, they are also willing to defend their line and fight for every inch on the field. It was a brave performance that could yet come to re-define their season.
What we disliked: Broncos injury toll
In his post-match press conference, Kevin Walters talked through the injuries from the match and at one point it seemed like he would go on forever.
"Poor Adam [Reynolds] had to kick the goal with basically broken ribs," he said.
"We’ve got Payne [Haas] with an AC problem to his other shoulder.
"Herbie [Farnworth] has hurt his bicep pretty severely so that’s a long term one for us.
"Cory Paix is- again with his knee...Te Mare Matin has got busted ribs. He was struggling in the second half."
Brisbane got the two competition points, but it may have come at an almighty cost.
Wests Tigers 4 - 30 Manly Sea Eagles
What we liked: Unstoppable Olakau'atu
Haumole Olakau'atu was a major stand-out for the Sea Eagles this week.
He was so impactful every time he had the ball, making three line breaks - the most of anyone on the field.
Add a try and 73 post-contact metres and you have arguably a man-of-the-match performance.
What we disliked: Naden's dangerous tackle
There is no denying that Brent Naden's lifting tackle on Jake Trbojevic was an ugly one.
Even though there was no intent to harm, it was a lazy and careless incident that could have easily ended sourly.
After the game, Trbojevic himself acknowledged that there was no malice in the tackle, but that still shouldn't change the seriousness of it.
A lengthy suspension will likely be handed to Naden, which is the right thing to do if the NRL is consistent with its tackling policy.
Newcastle Knights 6 - 42 Penrith Panthers
What we liked: Everyone gets involved for the Panthers
With six out of their seven Origin stars returning for this match, it was always likely to be a blowout result for the Panthers against a struggling Knights side.
Almost all of the typical faces got on the scoresheet, with all six of their tries coming from different try scorers (except for Brian To'o's double ... how greedy).
It is remarkable how smoothly the likes of Izack Tago and Taylan May have integrated into this Panthers team, adding depth to their already-loaded attacking options.
Panthers fans can head into this year's final series with the confidence that if one or two players have an off game, there will undoubtedly be others to get the job done.
What we disliked: Another dismal Knights home performance
The Knights have only won one of their six home games so far this season, coming via a 26-4 round two victory over the Tigers.
Since then, they have been regularly and convincingly beaten in front of their home fans at McDonald Jones Stadium.
In fact, their smallest margin of defeat in those games was 24 points.
Over 20,000 Newcastle fans were in attendance despite the team's current form, which is rather impressive.
Let's hope for their sake that the Knights can turn things around at home.
New Zealand Warriors 16 - 38 Cronulla Sharks
What we liked: Watene-Zelezniak's freakish try
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scored an all-time winger's try on Sunday night, putting his ridiculous athletic ability on display.
This is just ridiculous 🤯
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We've become accustomed to air-borne put-downs in recent years, but this one was on a different level.
Not only did he plant the ball down whilst practically hanging out of touch, but he was able to move his arm to mid-air to prevent the defender from knocking it loose.
Impressive stuff.
Honourable mention: Ronaldo Mulitalo's post-try 'siuuu' in reference to his Portuguese football namesake.
What we disliked: Warriors crumble too easily
The Warriors darted out to an unlikely 12-0 lead in the opening ten minutes but were just as quick to give up their lead ... and then some.
By halftime, they were down 24-12.
A number of basic errors - including an unforgivable kick out on the full leading to a try - put them in a position they simply couldn't come back from.
A dislocated elbow for Ben Murdoch-Masila will only make things harder for the Warriors in the coming weeks.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 34 - 4 Parramatta Eels
What we liked: The Dogs best performance in years
Canterbury have had a wretched run where victories have proved almost impossible to come by at times. And even when they have won the odd match, their performances were mostly based around grit and defensive resolve.
However, their display against Parramatta set a new benchmark for the team as they turned on the style. In fact, it was only the third time in the last four years the Dogs have been able to score 30 or more points.
Max King was a workhorse, while Tevita Pangai Junior set the tone as he was at his menacing best. But it was the link-up play between Matt Burton and Josh Addo-Carr that was most impressive.
Burton lobbed one in-behind for the winger to go in untouched, before the five-eighth again kicked for the No.5 to score. It’s a combination that should only get better.
What we disliked: The Eels struggles against cellar-dwellers
Parramatta lost against the Wests Tigers in round six when they were bottom of the ladder.
And, once again, the Eels were beaten by the team running last in the table as Canterbury recorded a remarkable victory.
Parramatta were beaten in every facet of the game, as they were outmuscled through the middle and exposed on the edges.
Brad Arthur often highlights his side's lack of consistency as a major issue in their quest to end their premiership drought. But if their attitude against the lower teams is anything to go by, the wait may go on for a while longer yet.
