Tigers robbed
The hot topic of the week is undoubtedly the record number of penalties, something I touched on earlier. Unfortunately for the Tigers they were robbed by a dodgy marker call with NRL publicly acknowledging it was a mistake. This glaring blunder should temper the ref's propensity to blow the whistle (especially in extra time), but you can't help but feel for the Tigers who almost ground out another remarkable win.
Marvellous Moses
Coach Dean Pay made an early off-season call suggesting Mybe would be shifted to the back. While The Bulldogs have been inconsistent, Moses Mybe' running game is a revelation making him look like one of the most dangerous players in the NRL.
Born-Again Warriors
For the first time in the history of the club, the Warriors have started the season with three wins on the trot. Usually renowned for their flamboyant attack, it was there goal line defence, particularly that of captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. In the past, the Warriors have gambled on plays like an online casino but that seems have changed in 2018. In the dying minutes, off-loads were traded for disciplined play as the Warriors rumbled up the field to slot, not one but two match-winning field goals.
Sea Eagles slump
After handing the Eels there worst ever defeat the Sea Eagles turned up at ANZ Stadium on autopilot and were handed a drubbing. For the Rabbitohs, the Burgess trio took the game by the scruff of the neck, while some of their lesser-known speedsters cantered over.
Consistency is crucial in the NRL and if the Sea Eagles want to challenge the top four they will need to find some quick.
Widdop-Hunt run riot
The Widdop-Hunt combo is looking like the final piece of the puzzle for a Dragons team with enormous potential.Widdop looks to have found a new lease of life with an international calibre half inside him. Hunt himself seems to be relishing a change of scenery and enjoying playing behind one of the most mobile high energy forward packs around.
Eels anything but electric
The Eels managed to shore up last weeks leaky defence, but coach Brad Arthur has bigger problems. Attack, or lack of it. The departure of Semi Radradra has left a huge hole with the Eels offence lacking any kind of spark. Jarryd Hayne has been The return of Clint Gutherson couldn't come quicker!
Star half hit with injury
With an Origin berth within his sights, young Nathan Cleary was unfortunately cut down by a knee injury that will see him ruled out for 10 weeks. Penrith will be scratching their heads to find a replacement without a ready-made back up in their ranks. Freddy Fittler may well be in the same boat.
Pearce dethroned in Knights loss
The most hyped game of the round was, unfortunately, a one-sided affair with the Roosters running rampant over the Knights. Surely a reality check for the new Newcastle.
Script B had Cronk outpointing his opposite, with that narrative playing out as Pearce looked flustered against his old club. The real story here though was the emergence of Luke Keary as a real blues contender, especially considering a left edge Cordner-Mitchell combo could well figure in NSW planning.
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