AT 12-0 down against a Hull KR side hunting a seventh straight win, all hope looked lost for Warrington Wolves.
However, they produced a fine comeback victory to emerge 21-14 victors at an electrified Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The result coupled with Wigan Warriors' defeat to Leeds Rhinos means The Wire enter the break for Challenge Cup action four points clear at the top of Super League.
Here are our five key talking points from Friday's game...
Result of the season?
After 20 minutes, not many people would have thought this would be one of the talking points – not from a Warrington perspective anyway.
They were being completely outplayed by a dominant Hull KR side, who deserved their 12-0 lead as they dominated collision and the ruck area.
Wire’s body language was off and they showed little sign of turning things around. The fact they managed it means they deserve huge credit.
It just goes to show how dangerous a side they are when they play with intent and speed and when that happens, the crowd respond.
Result of the season? Perhaps it doesn’t quite top Catalans away, but it may well be up there.
Philbin steals the show
The prop forward has been feeling his way back into things – understandably after spending nine months on the sidelines – but this was by far his best showing since his return.
Every carry was as energetic and enthusiastic as his first in a mammoth stint of more than an hour – he was first off the bench inside the first quarter and he did not leave the field until just shy of full time.
His lung-busting efforts helped carry his side forward, with Sam Kasiano’s introduction also helping Wire turn the tide.
Daryl Powell has been eagerly anticipating his return and on this showing, you can certainly see why.
Move to edge pays off for McGuire
Matty Nicholson’s injury allowed the experienced Australian packman to move to the position he spent much of the latter part of his NRL career playing in.
His displays since returning from suspension have attracted some criticism from fans and Powell himself admitted McGuire will not have been happy with how he has been travelling, but this marked his best game in a Warrington shirt to date.
He looked much more of a threat on the right edge than he has done in the middle and pulled off a superb try-saving tackle to deny a certain Elliot Minchella score when his side were on the back foot.
His first try for the club as he reacted well to a ricochet was just reward for his efforts.
Hopefully, this display is a sign of better things to come from him.
Dufty sends an emphatic message
The livewire full-back once again had to be content with a place on the bench, with Josh Thewlis keeping his place after a positive showing against Wakefield.
However, his display when introduced felt like he was screaming to his head coach “do not drop me again!”
His entry into proceedings brought about an almost immediate lift from his side as he injected energy and speed into their play, giving a previously comfortable Rovers defence something extra to think about.
Has he done enough to win back his starting berth? He can’t have done much more…
Will fightback inject momentum?
In terms of performances, Wire have had a bit of air let out of their tyres of late despite maintaining their lofty position.
However, the manner in which they fought back to win this one will surely give them a lift.
The energy on the field and in the stadium in the closing stages really was electric and it was as if they did not want that game to end.
With a hellishly tough Challenge Cup trip to Catalans coming up before returning to Super League against a rampant Leigh side a week later, they will need all the momentum they can get.
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