Manly's season of potential scenarios extends for at least another 24 hours, as Clayton Faulalo powered the Sea Eagles to a dominant 44-10 victory over St George Illawarra.
On a commanding night at Brookvale, Manly achieved their largest win since April, officially relegating the Dragons to their first wooden spoon in history.
Faulalo made a significant impact with a try and three assists before leaving the match due to a head injury, allowing teenager Onitoni Large to debut from the bench.
For Manly, reaching the finals poses a challenge; they must defeat the Warriors in Auckland next week and rely on North Queensland or South Sydney losing their final two matches.
Should South Sydney win against Gold Coast and North Queensland beat Wests Tigers on Saturday, Manly's chances will fade.
This scenario would leave the Sea Eagles reflecting on "what-ifs" for the season.
What if they hadn't squandered their first month, resulting in three straight home defeats and Anthony Seibold's dismissal?
What if they hadn't given up a late lead to North Queensland, or failed to capitalize against Canterbury, Gold Coast, and Melbourne?
What if Tom Trbojevic had not been injured against the Titans, or they hadn't lost three matches in golden point?
Since Trbojevic returned last week against Newcastle, Manly has scored 44 points in both games.
Trbojevic scored after sliding in from Faulalo's assist, and shortly after set up Jason Saab for a try leading to Reuben Garrick's score.
Faulalo has emerged as one of Manly's standout players this season, with his pinpoint pass allowing Lehi Hopoate to score their opener.
He also created a try for Josh Feledy before showcasing his speed with a 70-metre run following a dropped pass by the Dragons.
Faulalo has shown he belongs in the first grade, and the question now is his long-term position.
Large, seen as a future No.6 prospect, made his presence felt in 21 minutes, while Haumole Olakau'atu continued to be a strong performer.
Halfback Jamal Fogarty had a productive night, challenging Dan Atkinson with his kicks and assisting Saab with two tries.
Realistically, Manly might have finished with 11 wins this season based on how it unfolded under Seibold.
However, Kieran Foran's team was sitting third halfway through the season, with a top-four finish appearing possible.
"I feel like there have been some really good improvements and growth, but it's hard not to feel a little disappointed in where we sit currently," Foran remarked.
"But we won't give up hope until it's completely lost and gone."
For the Dragons, this performance marked their worst since Anzac Day, following a series of resilient efforts.
In the first half-hour, they managed just four completed sets, made five errors, and conceded five tries while going 14 minutes without possession.
Although Tyrell Sloan and Moses Suli found the try line late, other Dragons attacks frequently ended in errors, interceptions, or touch outs.
"It's hard playing the opposition every week. And when you've got to play the opposition and yourself, it's extra hard," coach Dean Young explained.
"It's two weeks in a row we haven't got the first 20 minutes right, we put ourselves under all sorts of pressure."