* Quote of the Round: “Morgs should play seven, he needs to be on the football … (Johnathan) can sit back and play six. He needs to take the back seat.” – Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga calls for Thurston to give up North Queensland’s halfback role.

* Man of the Round: David Fusitu’a rocketed to the top of the try-scoring charts with his second-half hat-trick in the Warriors’ 34-14 flogging of Manly. He also put Shaun Johnson away for the try that broke the Sea Eagles’ backs shortly after the break when he busted down field.

* Stat that Matters: North Queensland’s start to the season (4-10) is now the worst of any grand finalist since the Sydney Roosters also made the same start in 2011.

* Magic Moment: Just two days after he won on debut for NSW, Nathan Cleary booted his first career field goal for Penrith to ensure Canberra would again snare defeat from the jaws of victory this season.

* Talking Point: After just six penalties were blown in Wednesday’s State of Origin, the first seven matches had far closer to the season average of 17 penalties awarded over the weekend.

* Judiciary Watch: Titans – Jarrod Wallace (dangerous contact); Raiders – Charlie Gubb (dangerous contact); Rabbitohs – Jason Clark (dangerous contact); Eels – Reed Mahoney (dangerous throw); Broncos – Josh McGuire (contrary conduct).

* Casualty Ward: Panthers – Viliame Kikau (knee); Raiders – Jordan Rapana (hamstring); Sea Eagles – Apisai Koroisau (foot); Knights – Jamie Buhrer (knee); Titans – Max King (shoulder), Moeaki Fotuaika (concussion); Tigers – Benji Marshall (calf); Storm – Jesse Bromwich (hamstring);

* Under Pressure: The Wests Tigers have now dropped six of their past eight, as a gap starts to emerge between the top eight and the chasing pack.