Leeds Rhinos put an end to a nine-game winless run in Super League as Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Giants clinched a place in the Super 8s on Friday.
The Rhinos had not triumphed in league action since April yet thrashed bottom club Widnes Vikings 34-0, securing director of rugby Kevin Sinfield his first victory since taking charge.
Brothers Luke and Tom Briscoe both scored tries for the hosts at Headingley, though the result may still not be enough to see them avoid taking part in the Qualifiers.
While ninth-placed Leeds have work to do, Huddersfield are certain to finish the regular season in the top eight after recording an impressive 32-18 victory away at Castleford Tigers.
Jermaine McGillvary scored a hat-trick of tries as the Giants fought back from an early 12-0 deficit, crucially scoring three tries in the opening 12 minutes of the second half.
Castleford could have gone up to second in the table with a win but instead drop a place to fourth after Warrington Wolves eased past Hull KR.
Mike Cooper, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Toby King, Kevin Brown and Declan Patton crossed for Wolves, who only led 12-8 at the break but eventually ran out winners by a 34-20 scoreline.
Elliot Wallis touched down twice in the first half for Rovers, yet the home defeat means they are now certain to miss out on a top-eight finish.
