The Brisbane Broncos legend Petero Civoniceva's glittering National Rugby League career is over after the North Queensland Cowboys won their qualifying final 33-16 in Townsville.
The Broncos were no match for their inter-state rivals, and the Cowboys now face a sudden death finals clash with defending premiers Manly on Friday night.
In Saturday's other qualifying final in Melbourne, the South Sydney Rabbitohs were beaten 24-6 by the Storm to earn the Victorians a weekend off and a spot in the preliminary final.
Souths now face a winner takes all game next week against the Canberra Raiders.