Teams were (mostly) back to full strength in round 19 after a few Origin-affected weeks.
The Dragons kept their top eight hopes alive, whilst the Roosters piled on the points and the Storm fell to a new low.
Here's what we liked and disliked from every game in round 19.
Parramatta Eels 14 - 36 Brisbane Broncos
What we liked: Brisbane's defence
It might seem strange to commend a team for their defence when they put 36 points on the opposition, but it was the most impressive part of their game against Parramatta.
At various stages, the Broncos were starved of possession and had the Eels camped in their 20m zone, yet their scramble defence repeatedly turned them away. Parramatta’s shifts were read expertly by the Broncos and shut down with minimal fuss.
Perhaps the best showcase of this great defensive attitude was in the final minute when their desperation once again repelled the Parra offence, with Adam Reynolds somehow holding up Waqa Blake and stopping him from claiming a consolation try.
What we disliked: Shaun Lane and Waqa Blake’s opening play of the second half
After opening proceedings with a Maika Sivo try, things were looking rosy for Parramatta as they looked to stretch their winning streak over Brisbane to six games.
However, they were then blown away by the Broncos in a devastating 20-minute attacking spell in the first half, where the Eels barely touched the ball.
Yet when Waqa Blake touched down with seconds left on the clock, they at least gave themselves a bit of a sniff entering into the second period.
However, straight from the kick-off Shaun Lane and Blake made a meal of the catch and immediately put their side onto the backfoot.
A minute or so later, Brisbane had scored again and any hope Parra may have had of conjuring a comeback was effectively over.
St George Illawarra Dragons 20 - 6 Manly Sea Eagles
What we liked: Ben Hunt leading the way
Last weekend, the Red V toiled in attack without their star halfback Ben Hunt to guide them around the park.
He returned against the Sea Eagles and immediately made up for lost time by notching the first four-pointer of the night when a slip led to an opportunistic try.
The 32-year-old was a step ahead of everyone all night, as he notched his second of the match to hand the Dragons a commanding lead over the Sea Eagles.
Hunt’s kicking game was at the forefront of everything the Dragons did, as they protected their lead perfectly to inch into the top eight.
It was a perfect response in what was a difficult week for coach Anthony Griffin who had his future called into question following a disappointing few weeks.
What we disliked: Manly's off night
It was a rotten evening for Manly, with Josh Aloiai the only player to emerge from the contest with any sort of merit.
The forward tried his hardest to lift his team and get them back into the game, but their ill-discipline and inability to complete their sets saw them never really manage to pose a threat to the Dragons once they’d established a lead.
The Sea Eagles gave away five set restarts, nine penalties and committed five errors to leave themselves way off the pace.
In truth, Manly appeared flat from the beginning of the match, failing to punch holes in the defence and showing no signs of being the team which has lit up the comp in recent weeks with their attack.
Newcastle Knights 12 - 42 Sydney Roosters
What we liked: Teddy doing Teddy things
After backing up from a brutal Origin game last weekend, James Tedesco once again put his body on the line for the Roosters and sparked them to a second big win in as many weeks.
The fullback was everywhere against Newcastle, finishing with a try, three assists, over 200 running metres and seven tackle busts.
His offload around the corner to gift Daniel Tupou his second try of the night was incredible and proved how Teddy is hitting his strides right at the business end of the season.
What we disliked: Kalyn Ponga’s concussion issues
Kalyn Ponga lasted just eight minutes against the Roosters, before a high tackle from Matt Lodge saw him removed from the field for a HIA.
The No.1 was unable to return meaning he has now suffered three game-ending concussions in the last six weeks.
After such an impressive Origin series, Ponga’s confidence levels would have been at an all-time high, but he is now facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
The Newcastle talisman may need to be rested for his own good, as he continues to battle with head knocks.
Canberra Raiders 26 - 14 New Zealand Warriors
What we liked: Jack Wighton coming up with the big plays
The Raiders got ambushed by the Warriors in the first half, who raced out into a 14-0 half-time lead.
Jack Wighton stood up for Canberra though when he produced a 40/20, which eventually resulted in Ricky Stuart's men notching their first try of the afternoon.
However, the five-eighth wasn't done with there, as he kicked yet another 40/20 to gift the Raiders great field position. They trailed by four points still and had just over ten minutes on the clock.
Jamal Fogarty put Corey Harawira-Naera through a hole and Canberra had the lead for the first time in the match, which they held onto to record an impressive comeback.
What we disliked: Reece Walsh's restricted minutes
Reece Walsh was given only 14 minutes to make an impact off the bench.
The man who replaced him at fullback, Chanel Harris-Tavita, had endured a mixed day having been caught out twice for Wighton's 40/20 kicks, while also missing a grubber in-behind that allowed Canberra to ice the result.
Walsh is undoubtedly the best fullback at the club. So, it was strange to see him forced to watch on from the bench for much of the second half when he could have changed the tide against a fast-finishing Raiders outfit.
Penrith Panthers 20 - 10 Cronulla Sharks
What we liked: Penrith overcoming a slow start
Craig Fitzgibbon's men threatened an ambush early when they beat Penrith consistently to the punch and established a 10-0 lead much to the shock of a vocal home crowd.
However, the Panthers didn't panic and gradually gained control of field position as they mounted pressure on the Sharks' try line.
Nathan Cleary took control of the ball with his early kicks in sets turning around the opposition pack and forcing them to work out of yardage.
After going in at half time trailing, it took Penrith just one minute into the second stanza to snatch the lead. They never looked like relinquishing it.
What we disliked: Cronulla falling short despite an impressive first half
The Sharks were dealt a harsh lesson in what it will take to beat Penrith come the end of the season.
They flew out of the blocks and dominated the Panthers in every facet of the game; controlling the speed of the ruck and playing without shackles in their offence.
It worked a treat, as they managed to stun the hosts and establish a 10-0 lead, however then the errors set in and the Sharks were eventually beaten after the Panthers piled on 20 unanswered points.
Cronulla showed they've got what it takes to match it with the very best. Now they just have to prove they can sustain it for 80 minutes.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 24 - 12 Melbourne Storm
What we liked: Latrell Mitchell
The big fullback's red-hot form continued against Melbourne as he showed his class once again.
Mitchell may not have the involvement levels of other fullbacks such as James Tedesco and Tom Trbojevic, but you can be sure that when he does touch the ball he is trying to make the most of it every time.
His 60 run metres are nothing to write home about, but his three try assists are, as well as having the audacity to kick on the first tackle, when inside his own half, for Alex Johnston to chase for his hat-trick.
Mitchell's inventiveness along with his power makes him a unique player to watch. And when he's in the mood he's in right now, there's not many better players in the comp than him.
What we disliked: Melbourne's errors
It's going to be a long week at training for the Storm boys if Craig Bellamy's press conference is anything to go by.
"These guys that have gone out…we don’t pick them up off the street," the coach said.
“They’ve been playing footy for a fair bit. So, they need to go out there and catch the ball, pass the ball and make their tackles."
One suspects there will be a fair few tough sessions and reviews in the offing, as the Storm aim to avoid a fifth loss in a row when they travel over to New Zealand to take on the Warriors.
The Storm completed just 32 of 45 sets on Saturday night and it wasn't the inexperienced players who were solely to blame for the error count either, with Jahrome Hughes, Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich all contributing to a forgettable night for Melbourne.
Canterbury Bulldogs 36 - 26 Gold Coast Titans
What we liked: Passionate Bulldogs fans rewarded with a fun win
Although they are set to miss out on finals footy, the Bulldogs appear to be heading in the right direction.
Fans of the blue and white made CommBank Stadium feel like home on Sunday afternoon, creating a fervent atmosphere as their team went on to beat the Titans.
The Bulldogs certainly didn't put on a great defensive display, but they were lethal on attack and gave their passionate fans something to cheer about.
Since the sacking of Trent Barrett, there seems to have been a real positive shift at the club.
Things are looking up at Belmore.
Honourable mention: Josh Addo-Carr's three tries, one try assist and 317 run metres. A top display.
What we disliked: Titans' careless passes in attack
Despite the loss, the Titans definitely had their chances to take the win on Sunday afternoon.
However, lazy passes - both out of dummy half and on the run - saw Josh Addo-Carr turn Titans opportunities into a Bulldogs try on two occasions.
You simply cannot offer even the slightest of chances to the Foxx because he will make you pay. Once he's made that intercept, there is no stopping him.
With a 10-point margin the difference between the two sides, those tries were crucial.
North Queensland Cowboys - Wests Tigers
What we liked: Cowboys and Tigers cap off the round with a thriller
Refereeing controversy aside, it was an absorbing David vs. Goliath clash in Townsville to finish round 19.
The Tigers went into the sheds with an unlikely 16-6 lead, but the Cowboys were able to dominate in the second half and take back control of the game.
However, the bottom-of-the-table Tigers were somehow able to turn the tables again, scoring two late tries to (seemingly) secure a memorable comeback.
As for where it went wrong after that, see below...
What we disliked: Refereeing decision spoils memorable Tigers win
In a stunning turn of events, the Tigers had victory snatched away from them in the dying stages with a hugely controversial call.
Daine Laurie caught the short kick-off as the siren sounded, but an off-ball collision saw the referee blow his whistle, with Cowboys captain Chad Townsend making a 'captain's challenge'.
However, there didn't appear to be a stoppage in play where a call could be challenged.
A video review then determined Asu Kepaoa to have made an escort, with the Tigers centre coming into contact with Kyle Feldt.
That ruling seemed harsh, but the Cowboys were awarded a penalty, with Valentine Holmes comfortably slotting home a penalty kick to win the game.
The Tigers have every right to feel hard done by.
