5 Quick Points - (Raiders v Tigers, Sharks v Dragons)

Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers @ GIO Stadium

1. For the first time this year the Raiders showed what they are capable of. They bullied the Tigers in the middle of the field before scoring some brilliant tries out wide. 

2. More pleasing for Ricky Stuart would have been his team's defence, which repelled numerous goal line raids. The only points they conceded were through an intercept try. 

3. The Tigers raised the white flag pretty quickly again here. There looks to be little fight and resolve in this team when things start heading south, which is a big worry this early in the season.

4. Chris Lawrence might be good bloke, but he was washed up as a footballer 5 years ago when he got that hip injury. He tries his best but is too small for the back row, gets dominated, drops balls and misses tackles. 

5. The Tigers "Big 4" outside of Tedesco and Woods are not worth the dollars they are commanding. None have played final's football and they have been part of a culture of mediocrity and potential over performance. 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Cronulla Sharks @ Shark Park

1. Not for the first time Chad Townsend made himself look like a goose with a post try celebration that had been called back for a forward pass.

2. The Dragons' forwards are playing with real intent and aggression. They completely dominated the middle of the field against a decent pack. 

3. Jack De Belin has really turned his career around in his past 15 games. I thought he was outstanding again and loved the passion he showed after winning at full-time. 

4. Full credit to Paul McGregor for the way this side have started the year. They look like they are all playing for him. 

5. The Sharks really lacked spark and energy in the first half. I was surprised and a lot alarmed given that's back-to-back home losses after only losing one game last year at Shark Park