Round 22 is won and done, the Cowboys’ woes continued as the Chooks replaced Parramatta in the top four, while Manly continued their strong form.
Here are the key points we took from the weekend:
Controversial five minutes mars classic Roosters v Broncos clash
For 75 minutes the two sides gave the crowd one of the best games of the season.
All was set for a grandstand finish before two extremely harsh calls on either side left everyone talking about those two moments rather than the marvellous game we had just seen.
We might be able to wear it now, but if a semi-final or Grand Final is decided in that manner, all hell could break loose.
What now for the Cowboys?
They may have had a slow start to the season, but a seven-week period midway through the year had us all thinking the Cowboys had finally clicked after a few seasons in the wilderness.
However, this weekend’s loss was now their ninth in a row as the walls around them continue to tumble down.
Some questionable signings make it hard to think next year is going to be any different.
If next season is more the same you can guarantee heads will roll.
Sydney and Manly are in a two-horse race for fourth
You have to go back over 20 years to find the last time a side won the comp from outside the top four, which makes the battle for second chance spot extremely important.
Manly have the more favourable run home and a superior for and against despite sitting one win behind the Roosters.
The Chooks will have to win all three of their games including the blockbuster against Souths in two weeks’ time to ensure they remain in 4th place.
The race will be one to watch as the season winds down.
300 is in sight for Garrick
Manly winger Reuben Garrick is on track for a historic feat if his point scoring run continues.
Only twice in history has a player scored 300+ individual points in a season, Hazem El Masri was the first to do it in 2004 followed by Brett Hodgson in 2005.
And what’s unique about those two? They both won the premiership in the same year they achieved it.
Garrick sits on 268 points with three rounds as well as finals remaining and is a huge chance of being the third name on that list.
If history follows, the premiership trophy could be on its way to the Northern Beaches.
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