The NRL’s finalists have been decided for 2012 with Wests Tigers’ loss to Melbourne confirming which eight teams will fight it out for the premiership.
The top four is set in stone with Canterbury securing the minor premiership after their 42-10 win over the Sydney Roosters, which left the Storm in second spot despite their 26-6 win over the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.
Canterbury will play Manly in the opening week of the finals after the Sea Eagles secured fourth with a 24-16 win over Gold Coast earlier on Saturday night – their margin of victory not enough to see them overhaul South Sydney in third.
The Rabbitohs will play the Storm at AAMI Park, with dates for all games to be determined at the completion of the round on Sunday night.
The teams that will contest the elimination matches in the opening week of the finals are also guaranteed, though only North Queensland in fifth are assured of their final finishing order.
Brisbane, currently seventh after their 19-12 win over Penrith on Friday night, will remain there if eighth-placed Canberra lose to the Warriors on Sunday.
A Raiders win and a Cronulla loss to North Queensland on Sunday could lift the Green Machine as high as sixth and home-field advantage in week one of the finals.
The Sharks need to beat the Cowboys to guarantee sixth spot.
