The Cowboys appear to have left their own run too late but could have a major say on who makes the NRL playoffs and it could work in the Warriors' favour.

This is proving to be a scruffy and sad ending to Marshall's league career, one which inspired a host of youngsters to believe in backyard footy dreams, writes Chris Rattue.

The Warriors would have climbed into the top eight for the first time this season with a win over Manly but the prospect of it seemed to make them suffer from altitude sickness.

Dominique Peyroux has proved his value as the closer for the Warriors, steadying things in the final minutes with the result on the line, but he's staking a claim for an expanded role and his coach seems ready to give it to him.

This was a good result for the Warriors. In 10th place but only two points behind the Raiders, they needed the seventh-placed Canberra team to fail here after their embarrassing 68-4 hiding at home by the Storm last week.

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire says play in their NRL clash with Melbourne shouldn't have continued with his winger Dylan Farrell knocked out on the side of the field.

Canterbury survived some Josh Dugan magic to maintain their charge towards the NRL finals with a 39-20 come from behind win over the Dragons.

Benji Marshall hasn't signed with the Blues yet but an announcement is expected soon.

As frustrating as it was, there were two small mercies in last night's dispiriting loss to the Sharks.

The Warriors have a bad case of Saturday night fever - and this affliction is nothing to sing and dance about.

Grand final tickets go on sale to the public on Tuesday. Manly fans should start queuing up this morning.

Phil Gould admits Shaun Johnson could become one of the "all-time NRL greats" but says that Penrith have had "no discussions whatsoever" with the Warriors halfback.

One of the biggest contributions to the amazing turnaround of the 2013 team is undoubtedly new coach Matt Elliott.

Their long-term future together may be uncertain but Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai have the potential to be one of the best halves combination in the history of the Warriors.