The top eight has been confirmed, Cameron Smith equaled Darren Lockyer's all-time games record and the Warriors slumped to a club record ninth-straight loss to end the season.
It is officially Mad Monday for eight clubs - the Dragons, Raiders, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Tigers, Titans and Knights - the latterclaiming the wooden spoon.
The first week of the playoffs has been set with the Roosters hosting the Broncos Friday night, the Eels going to Melbourne to play the Storm and the Sea Eagles hosting the Panthers on Saturday before the defending champion Sharks host the Cowboys in Sydney. Storm skipper Smith played his 355th first grade game and will surpass Lockyer to be the all-time leader on Saturday.
Kiwi Watch The disastrous Warriors season came to a close with a fairly limp showing at Leichhardt Oval as they went down to the Tigers and completed the club's longest ever losing streak. Skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had a strong game in the loss. Former Warrior Tui Lolohea was one of the standout players for the home side. Jason Nightingale racked up big metres in the Dragons loss to show he still has value at the highest level. While a number of Kiwi players will take part in the finals there must be concern around the health and form of key players Shaun Johnson, Kieran Foran and Issac Luke.
The Broncos bounced back to form. Photo / Getty Images
Best Performance The Broncos bounced back after a poor loss the week before to find some form before the Finals start. They easily accounted for a desperate Cowboys, who were playing for their season. Brisbane will have a tough trip to Sydney to open the playoffs but will clearly be in the title picture.
Standout Player Tom Trbojevic stood up and helped carry the Sea Eagles in the final two weeks of the regular season; helping the side shake-off some poor form to book a home final in week one. The big fullback was involved in everything the Manly side did as they produced an impressive clutch win over Penrith to book a finals spot.
Tom Trbojevic powered the Sea Eagles into the Finals. Photo / Getty Images
Key Moment Hooker Michael Lichaa's late try for the Bulldogs meant Des Hasler's side finished the season strongly but it also eliminated the Dragons from Finals calculations. The Cowboys' fans would have been jumping for joy as it helped them secure eighth spot in the Finals.
Controversy The dead-rubber fixture between the Wests Tigers and Warriors would have been an ideal game to hand Kasey Badger. The impressive referee has been hoping to become the first female to control an NRL game. Given the standard of officiating at times and Badger's track record - surely she could have been handed a shot at a game with little riding on it. Another missed opportunity for the NRL.
