When they began their respective premiership campaigns, Parramatta and Wests Tigers would have hoped their final clash of the regular season would be of some consequence. So it has come to pass.

Yet, rather than squaring off for a spot in the post-season, it has become a battle to avoid finishing last. The Spoon Bowl, a contest between two Sydney strugglers, has captured the imagination of not only two long-suffering supporter bases but the wider rugby league community.

Given the participants aren’t playing for draft picks or to avoid relegation, the difference between finishing 16th or 17th appears negligible. Yet, the spoon brings a stigma that lingers long after the final siren, a historic footnote the participants are desperate to avoid.

“Nobody remembers second last,” Eels pivot Dylan Brown said during the week. “Everyone remembers last. And we don’t want that.”

In many respects, the race for the bottom is more compelling than the one at the other end of the ladder. Melbourne have top spot in their keeping. Having secured the minor premiership, the Storm appear to be in a two-horse race for the major one. It would be a shock if they didn’t meet Penrith in the decider.

Their most obvious threat, the Roosters, have won one of their past 20 games against the two heavyweights. And that was before they lost Sam Walker, Brandon Smith and, most likely, Victor Radley to season-ending injuries. The Sharks have traditionally played their best football by the time spring has spring and Canterbury’s resurgence could be at least 12 months away from a fairytale ending.

If history is any guide, teams outside the top eight are merely making up the numbers.

Another Panthers or Storm premiership is hardly going to capture the imagination of the casual fan. But the Tigers avoiding the wooden spoon – now that’s a new narrative!