THERE must be a lot of frustration out Penrith way at the moment about what might have been this season.

The 28-22 win by the Panthers over the Roosters at Sydney Football Stadium was just further evidence of what the team is capable of when they play to their strengths, make good decisions and don't make silly mistakes.

It looks like they have safely avoided the wooden spoon now. That outcome will probably be confirmed before they play the Warriors at home on Saturday, since Newcastle have to either win or draw against Wests Tigers at Telstra Stadium on Friday to keep the battle alive. But given the Knights' awful form at the moment, you wouldn't bet on them beating anyone.

Look at the form of the Panthers over the last four rounds. They beat South Sydney 32-16 at home, lost 30-26 to North Queensland at home, beat Newcastle 46-12 away and have now downed the Roosters on the road. And don't forget what happened against the Cowboys.

Penrith led 26-16 with five minutes to go in that game, only to slacken off against a team that has fast points in them no matter what the situation. The Cowboys scored two tries to force golden-point extra-time and then scored another to win. So, while a win-loss record of 3-1 during that period looks good enough, the Panthers should be four from four.

Against the Roosters, they again let the opposition come back with too many late points. Penrith led by 20 points midway through the second half and by 16 with just three minutes to go, before winning by six. That is annoying for any coach, but Matthew Elliott is entitled to focus on the positives.

It's only natural for everyone connected with Penrith to be disappointed that the team is not preparing to play finals football at the moment, because the potential is obviously there, but Elliott won't make the mistake of dwelling on that. What's done is done and he has to get on with preparing for next week's game and then next season.

The Panthers are very capable of closing the season with a win over the Warriors - and not just based on their form over the past few rounds. For several players - including halfback and captain Craig Gower - it will be their last game for the club because they are moving on at the end of the season.

Emotions will be high and we've all seen the power that can bring to a match.

The Roosters are left to finish with a local derby against Souths, after their late bid for a finals spot came undone with back-to-back losses to the Gold Coast and Penrith. Brad Fittler, after the glorious start he had to his coaching career with the Roosters, is now learning how to cope with defeat.

Cronulla ended Gold Coast's flimsy hopes of making the finals by beating them 28-12 at Toyota Park. The Sharks would have been relieved to win a game decisively after being involved in so many tight ones this season - and losing most of those - but there would be plenty of frustration out Cronulla way as well.

When at their best this season, the Sharks looked like finals material. Their defence has been excellent. But a combination of injuries and a failure to find the necessary edge in attack has prevented them from realising their potential.