NOT for the first time in his career, Brian Smith was riding Parramatta home like there was no tomorrow.

But this time the result was out of his hands.

Smith spent a decade at the Eels without winning a premiership and now, two years after moving on, his chances of finally cracking a premiership again came down to one performance from the men in blue and gold.

Again they failed him.

Coming into last night's match between the Eels and the Warriors, the equation was as follows; if the Warriors won, they would progress to the semis. If the Warriors lost, the Knights would take their place. If the Eels won by 55 or more, their own Mad Monday would be postponed. The latter was never going to happen due to a slippery ground and a misfiring attack, but the Knights would have settled for a one-point win to the home side.

Manu Vatuvei ensured it didn't happen.

The big winger experienced the worst night of his enigmatic career the last time he stepped onto Parramatta Stadium. He fumbled, stumbled and bumbled through the entire 80 minutes and was playing park football soon afterwards. Last night, "The Beast" struck back.

The big winger scored three tries to end the season of two clubs on a low note and ensure his own would again continue deep into September. Vatuvei scored the first three tries and then Brent Tate effectively sealed the result when he scored the first of his two tries on the hour mark.

While only 5102 people came out to watch the encounter, the whole city of Newcastle was sweating on the result. But when Tate dived over, it was all over.

This was a disappointing end for the Eels. They came into 2008 touted as the side most likely. They'll finish 10th or 11th if the Tigers thrash the Titans today.

Last night they still had something to play for, with Chad Robinson, Mark Riddell, Daniel Wagon and Tony Williams all moving on next year. They didn't get the send-off they deserved.

NZ WARRIORS 28 (M Vatuvei 3 B Tate 2 tries M Witt 4 goals) bt PARRAMATTA 6 (K Keating try L Burt goal) at Parramatta Stadium. Referee: J Robinson. Crowd: 5,102.