The big winners of Round 12 were...
...the Canberra Raiders toughed it out in rainy conditions and had to endure being a man down for separate periods in each half when Corey Horsburgh and Tom Starling were both sent to the bin during a gritty 16-10 win over the in-form NZ Warriors in Auckland.
Firebrand captain Joe Tapine led from the front and was reported twice for taunting former teammate Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and for a shoulder charge in the dying minutes during one of his game-high 44 tackles, telling the media after the match that he "takes (his) game to another level" when playing in his home country.
Sebastian Kris was another star performer, gaining 169 metres and assisting Tom Starling's first-half try.
With that their fourth win of the season from the five matches in which they conceded the opening try, the Raiders are distinguishing themselves as one of the league's most hardened and determined clubs, embodying the 'never say die' spirit of their veteran coach.
They'll face the Roosters and Rabbitohs before their Origin bye.
The big losers of Round 12 were...
...the Cronulla Sharks, who simply had no excuses for such an embarrassing performance against an undermanned Sydney Roosters side with no fewer than five absences due to State of Origin.
The Sharks welcomed Mawene Hiroti back from injury and, after getting over the line against Premiership second-favourites Melbourne Storm the week prior, were warm favourites off the back of a three-game winning streak.
In a post-game press conference that lasted barely more than one minute, Craig Fitzgibbon wasn't in the mood for talking let alone for making excuses, describing the night as "a real attitude check".
The most concerning aspect for Fitzgibbon was not a lack of skill or chemistry but rather the attitude and effort, crediting the Roosters for their enthusiasm.
Their Origin bye could come at a very appropriate time as they look to dust themselves off and shake off the inconsistency that has seen them win only five out of nine games as favourites this season.
Dally M Leaderboard: Round 12
Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf will be the clubhouse leader as the voting goes silent for the remainder of the season. Isaiya Katoa, Dean Hawkins and Fletcher Sharpe were the three men this week to pick up the full six votes for best on ground.
Try of the Week: Round 12
Slim pickings this week in terms of tries worth highlighting, but departing Raiders star Jamal Fogarty put on the afterburners in the Auckland rain to earn himself the accolade for this week.
Newcastle's Fletcher Sharpe may have made it had he not been outdone by this outstanding end zone tackle from Tom Jenkins!