Round 21 delivered another pivotal weekend in the race towards September, with the Panthers strengthening their grip on the minor premiership, South Sydney keeping their finals hopes alive, and Canberra producing one of the most dominant performances of the season. Elsewhere, the Roosters pinched a thriller in Newcastle, the Bulldogs stayed in the top-eight hunt, and the Sharks dismantled Manly at Brookvale.

This week saw the Brisbane Broncos producing one of the biggest upsets of the season, the Sydney Roosters strengthening their top-four credentials, and the New Zealand Warriors overcoming a controversial contest to cement their place near the top of the ladder. Elsewhere, Canberra held off a spirited South Sydney comeback, while the Dolphins and Titans enjoyed important victories.

Cronulla produced one of the biggest wins in recent club history, while Melbourne survived a tense finish and the Cowboys stole a golden-point thriller on the road. Here is the full weekend review.