* Quote of the Round: “It’s one of those nights where I’ve got to be very careful what I say.” – Manly coach Trent Barrett as he went on to say he’d question referees boss Bernard Sutton over a number of calls in his team’s “heartbreaking” 14-13 loss to Melbourne.

* Man of the Round: Damien Cook. Backing up just four days after Origin III, the South Sydney hooker turned in a blinder, causing havoc out of dummy-half and topping the tackle count.

* Stat that Matters: South Sydney have strung together nine wins in a row for the first time since 1989. On the previous seven occasions they’ve won nine or more in a row in a season, they’ve been crowned premiers on six occasions

* Magic Moment: Matt Moylan was booed for 80 minutes at Penrith but had the last laugh when he backed up a second-half try with a linebreak and assist for Valentine Holmes to put the match beyond doubt for Cronulla over the Panthers.

* Talking Point: They’ve been forgotten in title talk but are Melbourne better placed than ever? Cameron Smith is fresh after not playing State of Origin and the Storm have gone through the rep period undefeated for the first time since 2011.

* Judiciary Watch: Warriors – Chris Satae (dangerous contact); Broncos – Andrew McCullough (striking); Roosters – Zane Tetevano (dangerous contact).

* Casualty Ward: Sharks – Jason Bukuya (shoulder), Jeese Ramien (shoulder); Knights – Sione Mata’utia (concussion); Storm – Christian Welch (concussion); Raiders – Jarrod Croker (knee); Broncos – Jaydn Su’A (knee); Dragons – Nene Macdonald (ankle); Tigers – Chris Lawrence (hamstring).

* Under Pressure: Brisbane now look the most likely to be under threat at the bottom of the top eight, after Canberra reduced the gap between teams in finals-playing positions and the chasing pack to four points.