Round 19 was a decisive weekend in the NRL run to the playoffs. The Panthers and Raiders picked up important wins to remain in the fight for a top eight finish while the Dragons dropped some crucial points to fall to eighth and become vulnerable to the chasing pack.
The Warriors suffered a costly loss to the Panthers in Auckland and they lost star halfback Shaun Johnson to a likely season-ending ACL injury and will be really battling now to make the Finals for the first time since 2011.
Kiwi Watch
Johnson's injury has huge ramifications - not only will he miss the rest of the season for the Warriors but it seems likely he will miss the World Cup later in the year in what is a devastating blow to David Kidwell's side.
With Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor already banned from playing because of their drugs scandal during the mid-year test the Kiwis are already looking very under-strength.
Best Performance
The Gold Coast Titans are a long shot to make the Finals but they gave themselves a sniff with a superb performance in horrendous conditions on the holiday strip. They overcame driving rain and standing water to beat the defending premier Cronulla Sharks in convincing fashion.
