Man-of-the-moment Simon Mannering enjoyed mixed fortunes in his 300th game for the NZ Warriors, leaving the field injured, but watching his team hold for a hard-fought 20-16 win over Canberra Raiders.
The home side had to hang on over the final moments, with their guests having two apparent tries disallowed by video replay.
The result keeps the Warriors' hopes of a home playoff game alive - they needed to win and have other results go their way over the rest of the weekend.
But there must now be doubt over whether their kingpin can front up for next week's encounter - wherever it may be and against who - after he exited with a sternum injury just after half-time.
Canberra opened the scoring in the 13th minute, when Josh Papalii bullocked his way over for a try.
Centre Solomone Kata closed the gap with a try out wide left and then Peta Hiku produced a miracle, no-look, back-flick pass for David Fusitu'a to cross in the opposite corner.
That put the flying winger within a touchdown of Francis Meli's club record for tries in a season, but he must now wait at least another week for another crack at that achievement.
Raiders half Sam Williams tied the scores up with a penalty goal and the teams reached half-time with plenty still to play for.
Hiku himself struck soon after the restart, Shaun Johnson converted and slotted a penalty to open up what seemed like a decisive break.
But, although they have fallen short of the playoffs, Canberra have been plucky all season and came back, with some skill from Jordan Rapana putting Elliott Whitehead over.
Williams brought them level again with a penalty, but Johnson made the Raiders pay for their indiscipline, kicking two penalties for what would prove the winning margin.
Canberra had their chances to snatch the honours late, but the rugby league gods were smiling on Mannering and his team.
The winning margin put the Warriors moved into fifth on the competition table and were left to await results for those below them - Penrith Panthers, St George Dragons and Brisbane Broncos.
To climb higher, they would need Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks to lose by very large margins.
Newshub.
