Two down, 23 to go.
The second round of the 2021 NRL season didn't just provide us with our second set of winners and losers, it raised yet another series of questions.
With each of the league's 16 teams set to do battle again this weekend, we attempted to answer the major issues facing their playing lists and coaches alike.
Melbourne Storm
How much do they miss Smith?
The parameters of this question are as wide is the day is long, as it is clear that any team would miss a player of Cameron Smith's calibre - both on and off the field – and that his influence is borderline unquantifiable. However, as the future immortal is only at AAMI Park in bronzed form these days, it's integral for Craig Bellamy to shift his side's focus to the future.
Smith's absence was not the reason why Melbourne missed out on two points last Thursday night, but the veteran rake laced his boots and Clint Gutherson decided to have a night off, it would be hard to imagine Melbourne sitting anywhere apart from 2-0.
Troops of the Purple Army will be quick to tell you that if his replacement Harry Grant was available, the transition from the old to the new would have been seamless, but with the Origin hooker unavailable for at least the next 2-3 weeks, the narrative, and the void, still remains.
The loss of Cameron Smith for Thursday night's Grand Final re-match has been compounded by the further absences of Felise Kaufusi, Brenko Lee, Dale Finucane, Suliasi Vunivalu, Tino Fa'asuamalaui and Clive Churchill medalist, Ryan Papenhuyzen.
If the Panthers claim the points this weekend, it will offer them a modicum of satisfaction after last year's 26-20 loss, but if Melbourne and Bellamy can pull something from their bag, then it will be a win for the ages.
Unfortunately, Smith's absence will continue to be a talking point until Grant grabs the nine jersey with both hands. However, if his 2020 form is a true trend of things to come, it won't be long before I pipe down.
