* Quote of the Round: “I’m going to try every Monday to get him registered and I’m going to keep knocking on the door because I hope they realise the situation we are in.” – Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett on trying to get the NRL to approve an exemption to allow Manase Fainu to play in the top grade.
* Man of the Round: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves hit beast mode status when he played the full 80 minutes and carried the ball for 224 metres and made 35 tackles in the Sydney Roosters’ demolition of Penrith.
* Stat that Matters: Canterbury’s lopsided 32-10 defeat to Gold Coast means the proud club have now lost 11 of 14 matches – their worst start to a season since 1964.
* Magic Moment: Corey Oates’ one-handed putdown while facing backwards and with his entire body over the sideline during Brisbane’s four-point win over Cronulla was impressive even for wingers.
* Talking Point: Can Canberra be the team that makes a charge into the finals from the bottom half of the ladder? That’s the question on everyone’s lips after Josh Hodgson’s triumphant return from an ACL injury in the Raiders’ romp over the Wests Tigers.
* Judiciary Watch: Eels – Reed Mahoney (dangerous contact); Roosters – Joseph Manu (dangerous contact); Warriors – Adam Blair (dangerous contact), Peta Hiku (dangerous throw); Bulldogs – David Klemmer (dangerous contact); Sharks – Paul Gallen (dangerous contact); Sea Eagles – Joel Thompson (high tackle).
* Casualty Ward: Cowboys – Sam Hoare (ACL), Michael Morgan (bicep), Matt Scott (neck); Panthers – Reagan Campbell-Gillard (jaw); Roosters – Dylan Napa (ankle), Latrell Mitchell (neck); Sea Eagles – Moses Suli (sternum); Sharks – Luke Lewis (calf), Jack Williams ; Broncos – Tevita Pangai Junior (sternum); Wests Tigers – Josh Reynolds (hamstring), Mahe Fonua (broken arm), Matt McIlwrick (ankle).
* Under Pressure: Knights coach Nathan Brown admitted he needs to perform if he’s to keep his newly-minted open-handed contract, and he’ll need to do so quickly after his team fell to a listless 28-10 defeat to Melbourne – their sixth loss in seven games.
