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.
Newcastle Knights
How important is Bradman Best?
With a pair of try assists and tackle breaks on Friday night, Bradman Best once again proved that his offensive best is nigh on impossible to stop.
With 19 tackles and an ability to chop out his forwards late in sets, it also became abundantly clear that although the 19-year-old wears a centre's jersey, he both looks and plays like another forward.
At six foot and 16 stone, the central coast teenager boast a behemoth frame that almost belies his birth certificate.
Although Adam O'Brien boasts a roster of names that include Kalyn Ponga, Mitchell Pearce and David Klemmer, the man with the best name in league is rapidly entering MVP status in the Hunter region.
Last season, Best appeared for the Knights on nine of a possible 21 occasions for a record of 4-1-4. Conversely, when the Novacastrians were without their teen beast, their record read 7-5. Although this proves that the O'Brien's men could operate without him, I'm willing to wager than should Best miss nine consecutive games this year or next, the Knights' Premiership price would fall like last weekend's deluge.
Whether you call the Hunter home or not, buy Bradman stocks now.
