* Quote of the Round: "They're the benchmark." - St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor was quick to pass the baton after the NRL leaders were humbled 24-10 by South Sydney.
* Man of the Round: The Sydney Roosters' backline stars got all the plaudits, but prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was a man possessed in their 32-0 rout of the Warriors, carrying the ball for 160 metres.
* Stat that Matters: The Wests Tigers ensured champion halfback Johnathan Thurston will finish his career without a win at Leichhardt Oval after winning 20-12.
* Magic Moment: He's endured a cruel initiation, but Brisbane rookie Payne Haas showed a tonne of courage when he helped deny Gold Coast a try moments after dislocating his shoulder.
* Talking Point: Did renowned NRL cleanskin Cameron Smith deserve to be charged with a grade-two dangerous contact charge for his tackle on Gold Coast forward Kevin Proctor?
* Judiciary Watch: Roosters - Dylan Napa (high tackle, shoulder charge); Warriors - Bunty Afoa (dangerous contact), Jazz Tevaga (dangerous contact); Storm - Cameron Munster (dangerous contact), Josh Addo-Carr (dangerous contact), Cameron Smith (dangerous contact), Sam Kasiano (dangerous contact).
* Casualty Ward: Cowboys - Shaun Fensom (elbow), Ben Hampton (ankle); Eels - Beau Scott (shoulder); Warriors - Mason Lino (ankle); Titans - Will Matthews, Jack Stockwell (concussion), Kevin Proctor (groin), Keegan Hipgrave (wrist); Broncos - Payne Haas (shoulder), Alex Glenn (knee); Sea Eagles - Taniela Paseka (knee); Dragons - Ben Hunt (cork); Raiders - Blake Austin (ankle).
* Under Pressure: A week after being accused of "taking the piss", Gold Coast recruit Bryce Cartwright has come under more fire for not attempting to stop Melbourne's Cameron Munster from scoring the match-sealing try.
