Manly have cheated finals oblivion thanks to South Sydney's meltdown against the Dragons - but it will be a tired and wounded Sea Eagles side that make their way to Kogarah for next Sunday's fourth qualifying final against a red-hot St George Illawarra.
In Des Hasler's words, his team is 'busted left, right and centre' after several bruising encounters over the last few weeks, culminating in the 30-24 loss to Canterbury on Sunday that placed Manly's top eight spot in jeopardy for three hours.
Kieran Foran (shoulder), Anthony Watmough (ankle), Brent Kite (collarbone), Jamie Lyon (ankle) Matt Ballin (concussion) and Joe Galavau (groin) head the list of invalids in a crowded casualty ward.
To make matter worse, the Sea Eagles had three players placed on report – Steve Matai, Jason King and Chris Bailey – for high tackles during the Bulldogs defeat.
They are already without Glenn Stewart due to injury and haven't sighted internationals Brett Stewart and David Williams all season.
"I don't know if relieved is the word for it. It's disappointing we didn't take the chance presented to us earlier in the day," Hasler told Sportal after the Souths' defeat on Sunday night allowed Manly to limp into eighth spot.
"But we are in the eight and we will turn up and give a good account of ourselves."
While relieved to get a lifeline into the finals, Hasler could not hide his disappointment at Matai's lack of discipline.
He hit Bulldogs hooker Michael Ennis high and late, leaving the feisty rake concussed and forcing him from the field.
Matai has an ordinary judiciary record and could be looking at a three- to four-week stint on the sidelines.
"It didn't look good on the first angle I've seen," Hasler said of the tackle.
"I don't think his (judiciary) carry-over (points) are good so it doesn't augur well."
"I think Stevie will be pretty disappointed. It puts us in a position where we need a player of Stevie's calibre and we're already down on troops."
"We're carrying a few wounded (and this) makes it even tougher now."
Ennis said of the incident: "He got me right on the button, right on the jaw."
"It rattled me up a bit. I felt a bit dazed."
"I don't think he tried to rip my head off. I think it was just bad timing."
Despite the odds being heavily stacked against his team, Hasler will ensure his team is primed for a huge effort against the Dragons.
"Semi-finals are an entirely different series," he said.
"We'll never ever not think we are a chance."