Playmaker Adam Reynolds impressed in Brisbane's important win over Parramatta but the NRL woes of Melbourne and the Warriors have continued.
MAN OF THE ROUND Adam Reynolds led Brisbane to victory against Parramatta with such composure it was hard to believe the match was meant to be close. Reynolds can take plenty of credit for the Broncos' resurgence this year and his game against Eels, which yielded two try-assists and a try of his own, was among his best as a Bronco.
QUOTE OF THE ROUND "If you have seen his ear, it is like a car crash," Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said of his centre Stephen Crichton, who clashed heads with Cronulla's Dale Finucane and left the field concussed. Crichton went in for plastic surgery.
STATS THAT MATTER The Warriors have snatched the mantle of the NRL's worst faders from Canberra. Saturday's clash against the Raiders marked the 54th time in the NRL era the Warriors gave up a double-figure lead.
MAGIC MOMENT As Gold Coast were firmly on the attack, Canterbury winger Josh Addo-Carr charged off the goal-line and snaffled a daring intercept. The Bulldogs recruit belted away on a 95-metre tear to extend the Bulldogs' lead and send the Western Sydney crowd into a frenzy.
TALKING POINT The captain's challenge rule was once again in the spotlight when North Queensland captain Chad Townsend challenged the referee's decision not to penalise the Wests Tigers for an escort run on the last play of Sunday's game. Teams are only able to challenge decisions that are made by the referee, not "non-decisions", but the bunker nevertheless allowed the fraudulent claim to proceed. The Cowboys were awarded a penalty and kicked for goal to win the game.
CASUALTY WARD Dragons - Cody Ramsey (knee), Sea Eagles - Ben Trbojevic (head knock), Sea Eagles - Sean Keppie (shoulder), Sea Eagles - Josh Aloiai (knee) Knights - Kalyn Ponga (head knock)
JUDICIARY WATCH Sharks - Dale Finucane (dangerous contact)
UNDER PRESSURE: Melbourne's loss to South Sydney sealed their first four-game losing streak in seven years. The depleted Storm are under pressure to break back into the top-four with a victory against the Warriors in Auckland this Friday.
