NZ Warriors' chances of making the NRL's top eight have been given a boost after St George Illawarra Dragons' 34-16 defeat to Penrith Panthers on Friday night.
In a nine-try thriller, the Dragons fell to the NRL's second best side, remaining on 18 competition points from 21 games played so far this season.
Welcoming back talismanic halfback Nathan Cleary, the Panthers ran in six tries, two each for Brent Naden and Dylan Edwards, and one apiece for Matt Burton and Paul Momirovski.
Cleary made five of his six conversion attempts, as the Panthers added to their 16-6 halftime advantage to take victory and consolidate their hold of second place on the NRL ladder - two points behind competition leading Melbourne Storm.
Friday night's defeat opens the door for the Warriors, who are positioned one spot below the Dragons on the ladder.
Should the Warriors beat the last-placed Canterbury Bulldogs by more than 19 points on Sunday, the Kiwi side would leapfrog the Dragons and move to 18 competition points, two behind the current mark of the top eight, 20, held by the Titans, Raiders, Knights and Sharks.
The result is the second to go the Warriors' way in round 22, following Canberra Raiders' 26-16 defeat to Melbourne Storm on Thursday night.
The Raiders are currently eighth on the ladder, ahead of the Knights on points differential.
Elsewhere, the Warriors' round 23 opponents Brisbane Broncos also suffered defeat on Friday night, as the Kiwi club's former utility back Adam Keighran kicked a last-minute penalty for Sydney Roosters, earning a 21-20 victory.
The Warriors have four matches left to play in the 2021 season, facing the Bulldogs, Broncos, Raiders and Titans in the hope of finishing in the top eight.
Join Newshub for live updates of the Warriors v Bulldogs clash from 3:50pm Sunday.
