The NRL's two biggest winners during a record-breaking weekend concede their point-scoring hauls could soon be irrelevant ahead of a crucial final fortnight before the finals.
On a ridiculous weekend of point-scoring feats, a staggering 466 points were piled on in the biggest haul the league has seen since moving to eight games in 2007.
Lopsided contests also returned in a bigger way than 2020 and 2021, with the average margin of 32.25 in each game this weekend the largest in the NRL-era.
Melbourne and the Sydney Roosters will on Friday become the first teams in history to meet after each scoring more than 60 points in their previous games.
And despite their dominance, it remains possible the losing side could come under pressure if they are beaten at AAMI Park.
Canberra's come-from-behind win over Newcastle on Sunday afternoon meant the Roosters can now finish as high as fourth and as low as ninth.
And as safe as they appear in the top eight, a loss to the Storm on Friday night could leave the Tri-colours facing a must-win prospect in the final round against South Sydney.
"We're doing our best to finish as high on the ladder as we can and whatever happens happens," four-try hero Nat Butcher said.
"It's like a new season starts when you get into finals time."
Meanwhile Melbourne could also still fall out of the top four, despite having appeared safe for the past month.
A loss on Friday would leave them potentially facing a must-win battle with Parramatta in the final round to determine fourth spot, vulnerable to the Roosters and possibly the Eels.
"We still know we've got a bit of work to do," coach Craig Bellamy said after Friday night's historic 10-try mauling.
"There's twists and turns that can happen from week to week, especially this time of year, that can impact you in a positive or negative way."
Several other matches will also have a significant bearing, with Canberra having the soft run of Manly and Wests Tigers to finish the regular season.
Parramatta are now all but assured of a finals spot after putting the cleaners through Canterbury on Saturday, but must beat Brisbane on Thursday to keep the top-four hopes alive.
Brisbane cannot make the top four, but games against the Eels and St George Illawarra will determine if they not only play finals but host week one at home by finishing fifth or sixth.
Souths are the other side still not assured of a finals spot despite all their dominance over the past two months.
A loss to North Queensland on Saturday would leave them vulnerable headed into the last-round Allianz Stadium opener against the Roosters if Canberra keep winning.
The Cowboys meanwhile must also keep winning against the Rabbitohs and what will likely be a reserve-grade Penrith side if they are to finish second and keep Cronulla from stealing a home-ground advantage for the first week of finals.
