* Quote of the Round: “We’ll sell the leagues club if we have to.” – Sharks coach Shane Flanagan on making the re-signing of Valentine Holmes a priority after he broke the club record for most tries in a season with his 20th in their win over Newcastle.
* Man of the Round: With a handful of games left in his 16th and final season, Melbourne star Billy Slater set a career-high 289m in the win over Gold Coast.
* Stat that Matters: Wins for the Broncos and Warriors means the top eight hasn’t changed for 13 rounds for the first time since 1972, when the top four went 19 rounds unchanged.
* Magic Moment: In Johnathan Thurston’s farewell in Townsville, partner-in-crime Gavin Cooper crossed to become the first forward in history to score a try in eight straight games.
* Talking Point: Three months after escaping suspension for a similar shot, Sydney Roosters firebrand Dylan Napa could be banned for the rest of the season for knocking out Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough in an ugly tackle.
* Judiciary Watch: Eels – Siosaia Vave (dangerous contact); Cowboys – Jake Granville (dangerous contact); Roosters – Dylan Napa (dangerous contact); Broncos – Tevita Pangai (contrary conduct).
* Casualty Ward: Panthers – Dean Whare (arm), Wayde Egan (knee), Tyrone Peachey (knee); Warriors – Ken Maumalo (shoulder); Titans – Keegan Hipgrave (knee); Broncos – Andrew McCullough (concussion); Knights – Kalyn Ponga (ankle), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (concussion), Connor Watson (groin); Dragons – Cameron McInnes (concussion), Jason Nightingale (elbow), Euan Aitken (hamstring); Bulldogs – Rhyse Martin (knee).
* Under Pressure: Apart from Nathan Cleary’s golden-point field goal against Gold Coast, Penrith have yet to lead during a match in the three games since coach Anthony Griffin was sensationally sacked by club boss Phil Gould.