SNAPSHOT OF NRL’S ROUND 10
* Quote of the round: “I’ll say what no one else wants to say: They cannot pick the halfback and five-eighth from last year.” – Wayne Bennett tells it like it is for NSW, saying Nathan Cleary and James Maloney’s form with Penrith means they shouldn’t be in the Blues team for State of Origin.
* Stat that matters: Newcastle’s 45-12 win over St George Illawarra was their biggest win since Wayne Bennett took the Knights to the finals in 2013.
* Magic moment: James Segeyaro crossed for a late try in his first game for Brisbane to give them the lead in their much-needed 15-10 win over the Sydney Roosters.
* Talking point: What is going on at Penrith? They have fallen to last on the NRL ladder after their sixth straight loss, this time at the hands of the Warriors. All hopes of a finals finish for one of the competition’s pre-season favourites now appear shot..
* Man of the round: Mitchell Pearce threw himself back in the State of Origin conversation, setting up four tries and scoring one of his own as Newcastle claimed their fourth straight win on Sunday against St George Illawarra.
* Judiciary watch: Cowboys – Jake Granville (dangerous contact); Eels – Mitchell Moses (dangerous contact); Panthers – James Maloney (dangerous contact); Warriors – Agnatius Paasi (dangerous throw).
* Casualty ward: Roosters – Sio Siua Taukeiaho (groin); Warriors – Peta Hiku (concussion), Nathenial Roache (back); Storm – Christian Welch (ACL); Cowboys – Ben Hampton (biceps).
* Under pressure: The heat is suddenly on Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan after his team fell to 15th with their fourth straight loss. The Titans led 16-0 early before surrendering to the lowly-ranked Canterbury.