Highs and lows of the NRL’s third round

NRL ROUND THREE HIGHS AND LOWS:

THEY SAID IT: “When you write crap articles about me the way you do, why should I talk to you? Have a think about it. I have only read one column of yours and that was two weeks ago. It is compulsory for me to come in here, but it is not compulsory for me to talk to blokes like you.” – Ricky Stuart refuses to answers questions from a journalist who raised his ire.

MAN OF THE ROUND: Semi Radradra. His stats in the Eels’ 20-6 win over Canterbury say it all – two tries, one try assist, 215 metres, two linebreaks and eight tackle busts. He’s now in line for an Australian debut.

STAT THAT MATTERS: The Roosters have conceded 103 points in their opening three losses, the most points the foundation club has ever let in over the first three rounds of a season.

MAGIC MOMENT: Penrith five-eighth Te Maire Martin scored late to tie the scores before booting the winning field goal in his side’s 23-22 win over Brisbane, capping a dream debut.

TALKING POINT: How will the match review committee handle North Queensland back-rower Ethan Lowe’s touching of referee Gerard Sutton? A day after David Klemmer was cleared of making contact with a whistle-blower, Lowe accidentally touched Sutton in their 40-0 win over the Sydney Roosters. It shapes as a big test for new chief executive Todd Greenberg.

JUDICIARY WATCH: Tigers – Chris Lawrence (dangerous tackle); Warriors – James Gavet (dangerous contact), Rabbitohs – Kirisome Auva’a (crusher tackle), Paul Carter (dangerous contact).

CASUALTY WARD: Roosters – Dale Copley (ruptured pec), Ian Henderson (broken leg); Eels – Beau Scott (shoulder), Tim Mannah (head); Bulldogs – Sam Kasiano (head); Raiders – Shannon Boyd (head); Titans – Greg Bird (head); Broncos – Jack Reed (head); Warriors – Issac Luke (leg), Manu Vatuvei (ribs); Dragons – Benji Marshall (hamstring); Rabbitohs – Sam Burgess (shoulder/neck).

UNDER PRESSURE: The Warriors. Not just coach Andrew McFadden, the entire side should be on notice after going down to Melbourne 21-14, suffering their 11th loss in a row – an equal club record.

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