* Quote of the Round: "The things we constantly go through and still come out and perform, I am really proud of the group." Broncos skipper Darius Boyd after Brisbane overcame dramas surrounding Wayne Bennett's future to defeat Parramatta 18-10 in the coach's 800th game on Thursday night.
* Man of the Round: Forgotten NSW State of Origin contender Matt Moylan set up five tries in a stunning 14-minute spell in Cronulla's 48-10 rout of Newcastle.
* Stat that Matters: At the halfway mark in the competition Penrith and St George Illawarra are level at the top of the ladder on points, wins and for-and-against. The Panthers have top spot on percentages.
* Magic Moment: Nick Cotric helped Canberra beat their close games hoodoo with a running kick for Jack Wighton to level the scores against Manly, before Aidan Sezer slotted a final-minute field goal.
* Talking Point: NSW are set to name a record number of debutants for the State of Origin series opener, but the make up of several positions in both teams remain a mystery ahead of Monday's squad announcements.
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* Judiciary Watch: Broncos - Matt Lodge (high tackle); Eels - Mitchell Moses (high tackle); Cowboys - Matt Scott (shoulder charge); Storm - Sam Kasiano (dangerous contact); Titans - Keegan Hipgrave (high tackle); Rabbitohs - Tom Burgess (tripping); Panthers - Jack Hetherington (dangerous contact); Dragons - Blake Lawrie (dangerous contact); Knights - Nathan Ross (tripping)
* Casualty Ward: Warriors - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (leg); Roosters - Ryan Matterson (concussion); Titans - Kevin Proctor (groin); Sharks - Andrew Fifita (knee); Knights - Nathan Ross (groin); Bulldogs - Raymond Faitala-Mariner (concussion).
* Under Pressure: Newcastle have now lost four straight after their flogging at the hands of Cronulla, as their season starts to fall by the wayside without halfback Mitchell Pearce.
