5 Quick Points (Broncos v Storm, Bulldogs v Warriors, Titans v Eels)

Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos @ AAMI Park

1. Cameron Smith's powers are not diminishing one bit. His try assist was brilliant, whilst he slotted the sideline winner without raising a sweat.

2. The Broncos were a bit of a mess with the football and with their discipline in this game. They made far too many fundamental errors and gave away far too many penalties. 

3. What would have pleased Wayne Bennett was their goal line defence, which was near impregnable at times. The final try had a huge elemnet of luck to it. 

4. Josh Addo Carr is already looking like a great buy for the Stom. He has struggled in slippery conditions previously, but he looked dangerous every time he got the football here with his lightning speed and ended up getting the match winner. 

5. Billy Slater was pretty rusty in this game - he almost looked to be doing everyone at warp speed which resulted in a  few errors. However his trade mark dash and courage looked just fine to me - I think he will be back to best in a month or so provided he stays fit. 

Canterbury Bulldogs v New Zealand Warriors @ Dunedin

1 The Bulldogs' attack is showing some promising signs this season after it stunk up the field in the back end of last year. Nine tries in their last 2 games in slippery conditions and with some good crisp ball movement. 

2. The Dogs are one of the better 1-2 teams at the moment. With close losses to the Storm and Roosters, this side has actually started the year better than I anticipated. 

3. The Warriors gave up some really soft tries in crucial moments. Mentally they are not strong enough in the big moments.

4. The Warriors have blown their opportunity of a fast start to the year with only winning 1 of their first 3 games all in New Zealand. I reckon the Dragons will beat them convincingly this week at Kogarah. 

5. I like the Bulldogs' chances against Manly this week at Brookvale. Despite the Sea Eagles big win in Townsville, I think the Bulldogs can really dominate them in the forwards. 

Gold Coast Titans v Parramatta Eels @ CBUS Super Stadium

1. This was the sort of performance the Titans built their identity on under Neil Henry for the majority of last year. It was gritty and uncomplicated, enjoying the underdog tag. They have lost that since they signed Jarryd Hayne. 

2. Ryan James stood out this game after a couple of quiet performances. He took on The vaunted Eels' forward pack and played with plenty of aggression and intent. 

3. The Eels really lost their way after a dominant 20 minutes. Corey Norman would have to be one of the most influential players in the NRL and they looks a bit lost without him. 

4. Jeff Robson doesn't cut it anymore as an NRL halfback. I think Parramatta would be better off playing a younger guy there. Robson just slows everything down. 
5. Parramatta finally get to play at their new home ground ANZ Stadium in Round 4 after three straight road games. It's a big first up game against Cronulla.