* Quote of the Round
“He’s got the shoulders of a brown snake so he could be out until 2022.” – Stand-in North Queensland captain Gavin Cooper on Johnathan Thurston’s prolonged absence from a shoulder injury.
* Man of the Round
Billy Slater set up two tries and scored a double of his own to show Queensland selectors what they were missing in Melbourne’s 40-12 win over Newcastle.
* Stat that Matters
Canterbury’s 38-0 loss to Penrith was their equal-worst in Des Hasler’s five-and-a-half season tenure at the club. It’s also left them 13th – the equal-lowest they’ve been on the ladder since early 2013.
* Magic Moment
A Daly Cherry-Evans field goal iced Manly’s second golden-point win of the year over Canberra, after they gave up a 20-6 lead in the second half.
* Talking Point
NRL clubs can’t wait until the changed Origin schedule next year, after seven players were ruled out of the weekend’s matches following Wednesday’s bruising series opener.
* Judiciary Watch
Dragons – Joel Thompson (tripping); Roosters – Daniel Tupou (high tackle), Luke Keary (tripping); Bulldogs – Craig Garvey (punching).
* Casualty Ward
Eels – Josh Hoffman (knee), Kirisome Auva’a (knee), David Gower (hand), Kaysa Pritchard (concussion); Tigers – Chris Lawrence (hamstring); Dragons – Tyson Frizell (rib); Roosters – Daniel Tupou (groin), Mitchell Pearce (concussion); Broncos – Anthony Milford (concussion); Sea Eagles – Jorge Taufua (knee); Raiders – Shannon Boyd (knee), Dunamis Lui (knee).
* Under Pressure
The Warriors’ finals hopes are now hanging by a thread after dropping to their eighth loss on Friday. They have the best roster in the history of their club, but could miss the finals for a sixth straight year.
