North Queensland has kept its hopes of a top-two finish alive by defeating an understrength Penrith outfit 38-8 in Townsville.
The news was not as positive for the Brisbane Broncos, who saw their season come to an end following a 22-12 loss to St George Illawarra, while Gold Coast finished its campaign on a winning note against the Warriors with a 27-26 golden-point victory.
The Cowboys' chances of hosting Cronulla in the first week of the finals now hinge on Newcastle upsetting the Sharks on Sunday afternoon.
