SNAPSHOT FROM ROUND 24 OF THE NRL:
THEY SAID IT: “We didn’t give them, you did.” Canterbury captain JAMES GRAHAM in response to referee Jared Maxwell’s warning about the Bulldogs’ tactics in giving away a string of penalties in the win over Souths.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s 257 running metres in the Roosters’ win over Brisbane, took him to 4706m for the season and to a new NRL record. He eclipsed Anthony Minichiello’s old mark set in 2004 of 4590m with two premiership rounds remaining.
MAN OF THE ROUND: SAM KASIANO. Claimed his third man of the match in a row for the Bulldogs on Thursday night with his latest impersonation of a halfback inside a prop forward’s body.
MAGIC MOMENT: Up-and-coming playmaker Kane Elgey produced plenty, including a try, three try assists, three line break assists, two tackle busts and one 40/20 in a stunning solo effort to inspire Gold Coast to a win over Canberra and off the bottom of the NRL ladder.
TALKING POINT: Can the Roosters and the Cowboys win the competition despite the loss of key personnel?
JUDICIARY WATCH: Dragons – Jake Marketo (dangerous throw), Tyson Frizell (tripping); Warriors – Bodene Thompson (dangerous contact); Roosters – Dylan Napa (shoulder charge); Titans – Ryan James (high tackle), Kane Elgey (tripping); Raiders – Joey Leilua (shoulder charge)
KEY INJURIES: Rabbitohs – Greg Inglis (knee); Cowboys – James Tamou (neck), Michael Morgan (leg); Warriors – Jacob Lillyman (cheek); Roosters – Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (knee). Mitchell Pearce (hamstring); Titans – Greg Bird (quadricep); Sea Eagles – Matt Ballin (knee)
UNDER PRESSURE: Brisbane have hit a flat patch at the wrong end of the season, losing three of their last four matches. Things don’t get any easier with a round 25 clash against Souths at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.