Round 24

Pangai's X-factor propels Panthers to Tigers triumph

Pangai's second outing in Penrith colours yielded the Panthers three tries during his bruising initial 24-minute stint, the ex-Bronco instrumental in transforming a 6-6 deadlock into a comfortable 30-16 win.

With Brian To'o (syndesmosis) and James Fisher-Harris (personal reasons) back on deck, Penrith were at full-strength for the first time since early May.

Not on our watch: Eels stand tall to deny Storm all-time record

Instead, Parramatta - who were written off by all and sundry a matter of weeks ago - emphatically reasserted themselves as title contenders with an astounding 22-10 victory at Suncorp Stadium.

And the ramifications for Melbourne could extend into the finals with three players placed on report: Jesse Bromwich (crusher tackle on Isaiah Papali'i), Harry Grant (hip drop on Makahesi Makatoa) and Brandon Smith (high tackle on Marata Niukore).

Knights pip Titans by a point to secure finals berth

With Kalyn Ponga and Pearce at their inspirational best the Knights climbed to 26 competition points to ensure they will finish seventh for the second consecutive season.

In the early going it was the ninth-placed Titans who had the ascendancy with Phillip Sami crossing after just five minutes courtesy of a Beau Fermor line break.

Seven minutes later Jamal Fogarty landed a penalty goal to make it 6-0 and the Titans looked good but that’s when Ponga stamped his class on the match.