The Warriors wake up this morning with the first hurdle of their road to NRL finals cleared - but there are still three more to get past. The first is against the West Tigers this afternoon.
There were Warriors and Tigers players crowded around televisions, willing on the Panthers as they squeaked out a tense 15-14 win over the Titans. Any other outcome would have seen the top eight locked up, with the previously mentioned teams locked out.
Wanting that result wasn't just the only thing today's combatants have in common. Both the Warriors and Tigers are on 24 points; both have seen promising runs come to a worrying end in the past fortnight; each side are missing their star fullbacks; both have undeniable attacking flair but wavering commitment on defence; and both have former halfbacks turned coaches under pressure.
But by 6pm - there will be one major difference. One will be still alive, the other will be toast for 2016.
Victory today though is far from enough though. The winning team will still have to rely on the Titans falling in the final round to the Cowboys, then must win again themselves. The Warriors take on Eels at home, while the Tigers host the red-hot Raiders.
Out of all those remaining games in this jigsaw - the Warriors will be only one of the remaining eighth place contenders who will start as favourites, hosting two teams below them on the ladder.
But being favourites is one thing, delivering is another. It's come to a point where the Warriors are running out of last chances. This team hasn't made the finals since 2011, and Bluey McClennan and Matt Elliott can attest to the fact that close enough doesn't mean good enough.
Their destiny is back in their own hands - for now.
Sam Ackerman / Newshub.
