Snapshot of NRL round eight

NRL ROUND EIGHT HIGHS AND LOWS

THEY SAID IT: “I am not going to sit here and allow poor decisions to go by just because of a rule and I am not going to allow referees not to talk in the way that they should to our players over years and I feel strongly enough about it.” – Roosters coach Trent Robinson launches into the NRL and referee Ben Cummins.

MAN OF THE ROUND: Sharks skipper Paul Gallen racked up an impressive 212 metres and 45 tackles in his first 80 minute performance of the year, sending a timely reminder to Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga ahead of the upcoming Test against New Zealand.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Brisbane captain Corey Parker became the most capped forward in NRL history when he ran out for his 331st match against South Sydney.

MAGIC MOMENT: Cronulla veteran Luke Lewis put in an early contender for hit of the year when he jolted Penrith skipper Matt Moylan into the turf in the Shire, the flashpoint of the Sharks’ first half shutout of the Panthers in a thrilling win.

TALKING POINT: Finally, the sin bin is back! First Parramatta five-eighth Corey Norman was marched for a professional foul in Townsville, then Manly centre Steve Matai was told to take a breather for a similar indiscretion against Newcastle, and then Warriors centre Blake Ayshford was shown two hands in Melbourne too.

JUDICIARY WATCH: Broncos – Adam Blair (dangerous contact); Joe Ofahengaue (high tackle); Rabbitohs – Adam Reynolds (contrary conduct); Paul Carter (tripping); Knights – Sam Mataora (crusher tackle); Roosters – Sam Moa (shoulder charge), Dylan Napa (high tackle).

CASUALTY WARD: Broncos – Andrew McCullough (hamstring); Rabbitohs – Hymel Hunt (pec), Adam Reynolds (jaw); Titans – Greg Bird (concussion), Ashley Taylor (abdomen); Raiders – Joseph Tapine (ankle); Tigers – Kevin Naiqama (knee); Panthers – Te Maire Martin (shoulder), Waqa Blake (hip); Sharks – Jayson Bukuya (concussion); Sea Eagles – Brett Stewart (hamstring), Tom Trbojevic (knee); Knights – Jarrod Mullen (hamstring), Peter Mata’utia (knee).

UNDER PRESSURE: They got off to a bright start to the year but the light is quickly fading at the Wests Tigers, whose 60-6 embarrassment in Canberra extended their losing streak to six.

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