Latrell Mitchell created a standout moment upon his return from injury, despite being placed on report as South Sydney clinched a finals spot with a 42-22 victory against Gold Coast.
Emotions ran high as Jai Arrow led the Rabbitohs onto the field at Robina on Saturday.
Arrow, who received a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) earlier this year, was honored as captain, wearing the No.23 jersey in his 99th match for the club.
His teammates rallied after he was substituted off, racing to a 28-0 lead before fending off a comeback from the Titans.
Mitchell entered the game in the 50th minute for his first appearance since round 11, having healed from back and calf injuries.
He was reported for a high tackle on Gold Coast fullback Keano Kini but later assisted in setting up a vital try for centre Tallis Duncan.
This victory positioned the Rabbitohs sixth on the ladder, four points ahead of ninth place with one round left to play.
The 31-year-old Arrow had received clearance from the NRL to have this appearance counted officially.
To the sounds of "You'll Never Walk Alone," Arrow took his spot at the northern goalposts, receiving a warm ovation from the crowd.
He waved to fans, proudly thumped the crest on his chest, and was substituted for lock Cameron Murray, who fittingly scored the first try beneath the posts, a move Arrow had executed countless times in his successful career.
Before the match started, coach Wayne Bennett helped Arrow put on his socks and boots in a heartfelt moment backstage.
Bennett expressed pride in how his players managed the emotional atmosphere of the day.
"It was a great day," Bennett stated.
"I never thought my players wouldn't be emotional about it, but they had to handle those emotions. They had a job to do and they did it great. I couldn't be more proud of them."
Arrow will reach 100 games with the Rabbitohs next week against the Sydney Roosters.
The Titans paid tribute by wearing a special jersey featuring Arrow's image during their "Stand with Jai" round.
As a junior from Burleigh Bears, Arrow played 56 NRL matches for Gold Coast.
South Sydney started strong, with Murray making an immediate impact.
After scoring, he set up Keaon Koloamatangi and then cut through the defense to assist Euan Aitken.
David Fifita battled through five defenders to sprint 75 meters and score, then Murray added another to extend the lead to 28-0 within the first half.
The team eased off, allowing Gold Coast to score through captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and hooker Oliver Pascoe either side of halftime.
Winger Siale Faeamani scored after a Lachlan Ilias kick in the 54th minute, causing panic among the Souths supporters.
Mitchell, having just entered the field, faced scrutiny for his high tackle but later assisted in Duncan's late try that secured the win.
Try-scorer extraordinaire Alex Johnston capped off the victory, giving Arrow an unforgettable day.