Forget the State of Origin shield.
Rugby league in Queensland is in disarray after all three teams in the sunshine state slumped to the bottom four for the first time in NRL history on Sunday.
Penrith's golden point win over the Warriors resulted in North Queensland dropping to 13th following their 22-14 loss to St George Illawarra on Thursday.
Brisbane are one spot behind in 14th - their lowest position in six years - after Saturday's 26-12 defeat to Newcastle extended their losing run to three.
And Gold Coast remain in second last spot, with Saturday's 30-12 belting by Manly again heaping more pressure on second-year coach Garth Brennan.
Only Canterbury stand between all three teams and total embarrassment, although they joined the Titans on eight points after upsetting Cronulla.
Twice before have all three Queensland teams occupied spots in the bottom four, however both occasions came within the opening five rounds this season.
Never have all three sat so low at the same time this deep into the year.
The sobering reality comes ten days before the Maroons attempt to salvage some state pride by claiming the Origin shield in game three.
And for the second time in a week, it was NSW star James Maloney who put the boot into Queensland by nailing the field goal that sent the Cowboys tumbling.
The Panthers veteran also set up two tries and carried the ball for a season-high 106 metres in a vintage display against the Warriors in Auckland.
"It was like another day in the office for Jimmy," coach Ivan Cleary said.
"Look, it's like a lot of guys in our team. We went through a bit of a patch there where a lot of guys were out of form.
"We've bonded together and binded together as a team, which means individuals all of a sudden, it makes it easier for them.
"We've got a lot of guys playing better and Jimmy's at the top of that list.
"He just played so well in Origin II, and all week this week he was really clear that he wanted to play well back for us before he goes into that huge game next week.
"It's just the mark of a pro."
In other round 15 results, Melbourne opened up a six-point lead atop the ladder after edging the Sydney Roosters 14-12 in their grand final re-match in Adelaide.
The Wests Tigers' stole a win over South Sydney on a clutch Michael Chee Kam try, however the game was marred by an alleged George Burgess eye gouge.
The incident was referred straight to the judiciary, and may result in a lengthy suspension for the off-contract English international.
Parramatta came back from 16-0 down to upset Canberra by six in Darwin.
