The volcanic ash cloud that circled the globe earlier this year caused inconvenience to millions around the world - but may just have saved West Tigers' NRL season.
The Tigers were stranded in Auckland for five days following their round 14 win over the Warriors - a brilliant 26-22 come-from-behind victory - after all flights to and from New Zealand were grounded.
The players used the enforced time together to bond away from media and distractions back home.
They went shopping for cheap clothing, training gear and toiletries as they had only packed the bare necessities for what was supposed to be a 48-hour stay in Auckland.
The squad trained in a park near their hotel and spent their spare time at the movies, in restaurants and cafes or just chatting in their rooms and hotel foyer.
Not long after returning to Sydney via a charter flight, the Tigers embarked on a nine-match winning run that has taken them all the way to Friday night's elimination semi-final against the Warriors at the SFS.
Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys described the prolonged stay in Auckland as 'pivotal' to the Tigers' late-season success while the players fondly recalled the time together as they prepare to meet the Warriors in the do-or-die clash.
"We were stuck there for a half a week with the volcano but that was all right," winger Beau Ryan said.
"It probably gave us a kick-start to our season."
Skipper Robbie Farah added: "It was good to spend some time together over in Auckland."
"It wasn't planned but it was good fun."
Coach Tim Sheens admitted the extended stay in Auckland proved a blessing in disguise, building a team spirit that has been so evident in the past two months.
"We took advantage of the two or three days together. We used the time to train and hang together," he said.
The winner of the Tigers-Warriors clash will meet Melbourne for a shot at a grand final berth.