5 Quick Points (Knights v Titans, Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs, Raiders v Sharks)
Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans @ Hunter Stadium
1. After 336 days, Newcastle got another win and it was richly deserved. This young side has lost some heartbreakers, so they were due to prevail in a close one. I think Nathan Brown is doing a decent job.
2. Nathan Ross is turning into one of the personality players of the NRL on the wing for the Knights. He put in another all action display here from the wing.
3. The Titans were reeling in this game with injuries, losing Jarryd Hayne and another two players to dislocated shoulders throughout the game. They fought on valiantly in the second half, undermanned.
4. Having said that, there are still some bad signs for the Gold Coast. They conceded some soft tries here, and that is two weeks in a row they have conceded 6 tries, which is a poor way to start the season.
5. It does not get any easier for the Titans this week. Undermanned with injuries, they face a rampant Parramatta at home. Thos was a team that went under the radar last season,however they are under pressure right now to perform.
Manly Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Brookvale Oval
1. I thought Cody Walker was outstanding this game. When he has a controlling halfback alongside him, it allows him to concentrate on his running game. He made Manly look silly a couple of times here.
2. Souths appear to be playing a more expansive game this season under Michael Maguire. Whilst they were shocking against the Tigers, they have looked impressive with the football in the Charity Shield and in this game, racking up 6 tries on both occasions through good ball movement.
3. Manly were missing some troops, however they appear to have some real passengers in their pack. Nate Myles made just 54 metres in attack, whilst Curtis Sironen spent large portions of the game gasping for Manly.
4. Daly Cherry-Evans doesn't appear to be able to inspire his teammates or take ownership of this team. It is early days, however, for a man on an 8 year contract worth $10 million, he needs to be doing more.
5. Trent Barrett looks a bit like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. With Des Hasler off contract next season, and rumours of a return to Manly around, Barrett would not want to spend another season in the Bottom 4 this year.
Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks @ GIO Stadium
1. The Sharks showed the attacking arsenal they still carry in this game. Some of their set pieces and ball movement caused Canberra no end of problems on the edges.
2. Jack Bird strikes me as the sort of player who wants his hands on the football as often as possible. He made the most of his opportunity here with an all action display at fullback. Certainly I think he is a far better option then Gerard Beale at Number 1 and will put pressure on Valentine Holmes.
3. Wade Graham continues to grow in stature as one of the best back rowers in the game. Whilst he is not the prototype brutal ball runner, he is tough and an uncompromising defender. Unlike most back rowers, he is an excellent ball player and a running threat, as well as a kicking threat. He scored a wonderful hat trick here.
4. The Raiders’ attack has been way off the mark so far this year. They appear to be trying to go sideways before going forward, and their spine players have made a number of poor options. Josh Hodgson and their halves need to take more control over games.
5. The Raiders’ edge defence was paper thin in this game. I think they might have turned up expecting last week’s defensive effort would carry them into this game. I expect them to turn up with a far different mentality against the Tigers this week.