5 Quick Points (Knights v Rabbitohs, Panthers v Roosters, Cowboys v Sea Eagles)

Newcastle Knights v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ McDonald Jones Stadium

1. This game wasn't the best standard game although it was entertaining. I don't think some of the better sides will be shaking in their boots about these two teams.

2. George Burgess has completely lost all confidence. His hands are by far the worst in the NRL. He has made a number of fundamental errors this year and compounded that in this game by costing his side two tries when in the sin bin for a brain explosion.

3. I might have underrated the halves pairing of Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker coming into this season. They have complimented each other well in their first 2 games together this season. 

4. Alex Johnson has done a good job at fullback. I think he plays his best football there rather than on the wing. 

5. Whilst Souths have done well by responding to their Round 1 dusting with two straight wins, their draw is about to get a lot harder. It's the Roosters, followed by Penrith and the Cowboys. 

Penrith Panthers V Sydney Roosters @ Pepper Stadium

1. This was close to the game of the year for me so far. It was high quality, physical and had an epic last 10 minutes. 

2. The Roosters haven't always had the benefit of ref's decisions over the past few years, but they got lucky here with a blatant forward pass for the match winning try. 

3. The Roosters still made some silly errors turning the ball over 12 times in this game, which eventually will bite them with a loss. 

4. Penriths' forwards really mixed it with the forwards here. I expected the Roosters to win the battle up front, but Penrith met them with some great first up contact and line speed. 

5. I think the Roosters can put a score on Souths this week. Looking forward to the big local rivals as these two teams usually meet in Round 1. 

North Queensland Cowboys v Manly Sea Eagles @ 1300 Smiles Stadium

1. Trent Barrett would have been proud of the way his side defended here. The Cowboys laid siege to Manly's goal line for most of the second half but kept getting repelled. 

2. The Cowboys' attack has been a bit clunky inside the opponent's red zone this year. Michael Morgan has been a bit quiet for mine and looks a bit heavy. 

3. DCE responded to a week of criticism with a strong Captain's knock here. His 40/20 was all class when Manly were on the back foot and he backed that up with a try assist a couple of minutes later. 

4. I still think Curtis Sironen needs to do more starting in the back row. For a guy with a big build he doesn't have enough impact for me. 

5. This might have been the bit of a wake up call the Cowboys needed. They scraped home in Golden Point in their opening two games.