Former NRL players have played starring roles in promotion-chasing Toronto's 20-12 nail-biter win over Widnes in the English Super 8 qualifiers.
The Vikings led 6-0 against the Wolfpack after fullback Joe Mellor scored the game's opening try after 11 minutes on Saturday.
Former NZ Warriors, Parramatta and Canterbury centre Krisnan Inu added the conversion and also kicked a penalty after Toronto second rower Cory Paterson had brought the home side level with an 18th-minute try.
Toronto were temporarily reduced to 12 men in the 24th minute when Australian centre Chase Stanley was sin-binned for a crusher tackle on winger Owen Buckley. However they managed to regain the lead when winger Matty Russell went over in the corner.
O'Brien failed with the conversion attempt and was also wide with a penalty as the Wolfpack reached the interval 10-8 in front.
Widnes regained the lead two minutes into the second half when Chris Dean broke through a hole in the Wolfpack defence for his side's second try, and the game.
Paterson thought he had scored his second try but a last-ditch tackle from Sam Wilde forced the ball from his grasp over the line.
At the other end Harrison Hansen forced his way over from close range only to lose his grip on the ball.
The lead changed hands for a fourth and decisive time in the 56th minute when Toronto's Australian halfback Blake Wallace darted over from dummy half on the last tackle and O'Brien's conversion made it 16-12.
The Vikings were then denied when forward Chris Houston was held up over the try line and it proved to be their last chance as O'Brien's two late penalties secured the win for the hosts.
The loss ends Widnes' seven-year stay in English Super League after they flirted with relegation all year, and ended the regular season eight points adrift at the foot of the table with just three wins from their 23 matches.
They were handed the chance of a reprieve via the Super 8s Qualifiers but made the worst possible start with a home defeat by London Broncos.
Although Widnes grabbed a lifeline with victory over Halifax a week ago, their defeat in Toronto sealed their fate.
With Toulouse and London Broncos also claiming victories over Super League opponents in round six, it means the make-up of the top tier in 2019 will now be decided in the last weekend of the season.
Salford host Toulouse on Thursday while Toronto, who finished eight points clear in the Championship, play Leeds at Headingley on Friday.
London Broncos are at home to Halifax next Saturday.
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