SYDNEY - The Brisbane Broncos saw their hopes of defending the NRL title slump further after a 16-24 loss to the Sharks at Toyota Park yesterday.
The Northern Eagles won yesterday's other game 36-22 over the Canberra Raiders to maintain pressure on the Warriors for a top-eight playoff spot.
While the Sharksimproved to third place, the Broncos' fifth consecutive loss saw them remain entrenched in fifth.
They have only an outside chance of finishing in the top four teams who get home-ground advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The defending champions' injury woes continued, with halfback Shaun Berrigan (shoulder) and centre Michael De Vere (knee) in doubt for several weeks after yesterday's game.
Already key players Gorden Tallis, Ben Ikin, Scott Prince and Kevin Walters are out injured for the season, while hooker Luke Priddis is sidelined with an illness.
The Broncos trailed 4-14 early in the second half but tries to speedsters Lote Tuqiri and Chris Walker, both inspired by fullback Darren Lockyer, put them ahead 16-14 with 15 minutes remaining.
However, tries to centres Chris McKenna and Paul Mellor meant the Sharks will almost certainly get a home playoff match.
The Eagles were always in control against the Raiders after racing to a 24-6 lead late in the first spell. They have 23 competition points, two behind the Warriors and the Roosters.
However, the Eagles have a poor points differential and will need to win their final two matches against the Parramatta Eels and the Broncos to have any playoff chance.
Otherwise, the Melbourne Storm are the only other side who can force their way into the top eight, but they have to win all three games, starting with the Penrith Panthers at Colonial Stadium tonight.
On Saturday, the Eels wrapped up the minor premiership with a typically-professional 18-4 win over the Wests Tigers at Parramatta Stadium.
The Bulldogs just about assured themselves of second place with a patchy 30-22 win over the North Queensland Cowboys, while St George Illawarra hammered the Newcastle Knights 38-12.
