Sydney Roosters overcame South Sydney Rabbitohs 26-16 in their final round showdown at the new Allianz Stadium on Friday night, but the win may have come at a cost for both sides.
The result meant the Roosters have locked up home advantage for a rematch in the sudden death semi-final next week, although both teams have been left counting a heavy injury toll.
The most serious appears to be the Roosters' Kiwi star Joseph Manu, who limped off the field in the 60th minute in clear pain, raising concerns about both his availability in the final series and perhaps even next month's World Cup.
Manu's loss would be an enormous blow to New Zealand's campaign, with the centre/fullback poised to be a key weapon in their bid for the Cup, which kicks off on October 15.
Kiwi veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves also failed to finish the game due to a neck injury.
At the other end of the field, the Rabbitohs lost captain Cameron Murray to a head knock in only the second tackle of the game, while hooker Siliva Havili also failed HIA protocols and couldn't return.
The Roosters quickly took control of the match, racing out to a 14-0 advantage, with Angus Crichton becoming the first player to score a try at the new stadium.
The Rabbitohs responded with a try courtesy of a deft grubber from Latrell Mitchell, before Sam Keary's piece of individual brilliance sent the Roosters into the sheds with a 20-6 advantage.
Egan Butcher bulldozed his way over just minutes into the second half to extend the Roosters' advantage.
Rabbitohs wing Taane Milne pulled a try back for Souths, and - despite Mitchell's sinbinning for a professional foul - added one more to his tally late.
Mitchell was kept relatively well contained by the Roosters, while opposite Tedesco ran the ball for a game-high 268m, a try, and two line breaks.
In other NRL action on Friday, Matt Burton snapped a late field goal to complete a 21-20 comeback win for Canterbury Bulldogs over Manly Sea Eagles in both teams' final game of 2022.
Sydney Roosters 26 (Crichton, Tedesco, Walker, Butcher tries, Walker 4 conversions) South Sydney Rabbitohs 16 (Milne 2, Mamouzelos tries, Mitchell 2 conversions)
