The Sea Eagles blew their chance to finish the season on top of the ladder when they were convincingly beaten by North Queensland, handing the regular season honours to Sydney Roosters on points difference.
The Rabbitohs final-round loss to the Roosters ended their hopes of an elusive honour.
In the other qualifying final, the Roosters meet Penrith at Allianz Stadium on Saturday after locking up fourth and ending the Warriors season with a 22-6 in the last round.
The losers of each game will get a second bite at the cherry against the winners of the elimination finals, which have thrown up two enticing match-ups.
In a dream derby for the NRL, the Cowboys host the Broncos at 1300Smiles Stadium in Townsville on Saturday.
On Sunday, Melbourne have the home advantage against the Bulldogs, who ended their regular season with a golden point extra-time loss to the lowly Titans.
FINAL 2014 NRL LADDER
Sydney Roosters 36
Manly Sea Eagles 36
South Sydney Rabbitohs 34
Penrith Panthers 34
North Queensland Cowboys 32
Melbourne Storm 32
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30
Brisbane Broncos 28
—-
New Zealand Warriors 28
Parramatta Eels 28
St George-Illawarra Dragons 26
Newcastle Knights 24
Wests Tigers 24
Gold Coast Titans 22
Canberra Raiders 20
Cronulla Sharks 14
Image via Getty
