Every remaining game in the Intrust Super Cup season will count towards finals standings, as fans feverishly checked the ladder following three Saturday games which all featured a field goal.
Hervey Bay's Stafford Park was treated to a ripper of a contest, with Ryley Jacks slotting the winning one-pointer with six minutes remaining in an important 15-14 result against the Northern Pride.
Meanwhile, Ipswich's Sam Caslick did likewise with 90 seconds left in the contest between the Jets and Dolphins.
For good measure, Patrick Templeman also potted a field goal as Wynnum Manly kept its slender finals ambitions alive in a 33-16 win over the Central Queensland Capras.
With four rounds remaining there are only two clubs who cannot make the finals – CQ and Mackay – while Wynnum Manly will admittedly require a mathematical miracle.
Sunday's Round 20 clash between Tweed Heads and Mackay will also go a long way to establishing if the competition's southernmost club will have to pray on a series of unlikely results.
An unusual spike was noted in the number of people clicking on the QRL.com.au Intrust Super Cup ladder on Saturday, as fans, players and coaches worked out the permutations.
The tense result in Hervey Bay added to the intrigue, as Northern Pride led 10-0 at halftime via a try to Javid Bowen and three goals to Jack Campagnolo.
But sensing their finals hopes diminishing, Sunshine Coast roared back with an inspired performance, re-entering the fray with tries to Jye Ballinger, skipper Dane Hogan (pictured) and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
With scores level 14-all, NRL-contracted half and Canadian international Ryley Jacks then stepped up to the plate to give the Falcons the edge and the big crowd an exciting end to their night.
The fixture was an effort by both clubs to help reinject interest in rugby league in the Fraser Coast region, following up a visit by the Queensland Maroons, and last week's game between the Capras and Burleigh Bears at Maryborough.
Full scoring details from the Falcons-Pride game, plus final team lists are available at QRL Live.
Next week promises more heart-in-the-mouth action as the Sunshine Coast hosts Ipswich, and the Pride have a must-win against a CQ side that won't lie down.
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 15 (Jye Ballinger, Dane Hogan, Ryan Papenhuyzen tries; Ryan Papenhuyzen goal; Ryley Jacks field goal) def NORTHERN PRIDE 14 (Javid Bowen, Shawn Bowen tries; Jack Campagnolo 3 goals) at Stafford Park, Hervey Bay.
