LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Dragons' hopes for a spot in the finals were looking promising just a fortnight ago, but they have now suffered a devastating blow that has left youngster Zac Lomax in tears.
The Canberra Raiders, on the other hand, have managed to secure a spot in the top eight - at least for now - after pulling off a remarkable 26-24 comeback victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons.
This defeat for the Dragons marks the end of a season filled with missed opportunities, as they finished off with two consecutive losses in games that they should have won.
With just two rounds remaining, all they needed was to defeat the struggling Parramatta Eels and the Raiders, who were barely holding on to their spot in the top eight.
However, it was the Raiders who stole the spotlight with an unexpected win over the Roosters followed by a sensational comeback against the Dragons.
The Dragons, on the other hand, squandered a chance that was right in front of them.
Now, it's the Raiders who will be anxiously awaiting the result of the final match between the Dolphins and Knights.
If there is no upset, the winner of that match will snatch the last spot in the 2024 finals series from under the Raiders' noses.
It's a cruel twist of fate in the world of Rugby League, where one moment you're on top of the world, and the next, you're left crying in disappointment.