SNAPSHOT OF ROUND ONE NRL ACTION
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Daly Cherry-Evans. It was Tom Trbojevic who claimed all the headlines in Manly's 31-6 over Canterbury, but Cherry-Evans was the star. Bagged his first career hat-trick, kicked for another try and sent over a late field goal for good measure.
QUOTE OF THE ROUND: "I was a bit surprised when I saw it come out. I have never seen a bone come out before." - Cameron Munster sums up his shock on seeing the compound dislocation of his finger. He returned to the field soon after and set up a crucial try in Melbourne's 16-12 golden-point win over Parramatta.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Brisbane's first success in Penrith since 2009 and Melbourne's 21st straight round-one victory left both of last year's grand-finalists beaten to start the season. Is this the sign of a closer competition in 2023?
MAGIC MOMENT: The Dolphins' incredible 28-18 win over the Roosters. Written off and with question marks over their roster, the NRL's newest team shocked the side many expect to win the title, in front of 32,177 fans at Suncorp Stadium.
TALKING POINT: Should the NRL heed Wayne Bennett and Ricky Stuart's calls and remove the independent doctor in the bunker? Several players were miffed when they were ordered from the field for concussion checks in round one, with Kalyn Ponga's exit late in Newcastle's loss to the Warriors the most notable. The NRL are adamant their current system is the right one, and that the independent doctor acts as a safety net for club doctors at the ground.
CASUALTY WARD: Storm -Cameron Munster (finger), Xavier Coates (shoulder); Knights - Tyson Frizell (concussion); Rabbitohs - Tevita Tatola (concussion), Jai Arrow (hamstring), Latrell Mitchell (knee); Sharks - Jack Williams (concussion); Roosters - Victor Radley (eye), Matt Lodge (concussion); Tigers - Shawn Blore (concussion); Titans - Kieran Foran (knee).
JUDICIARY WATCH: Raiders - Jordan Rapana (shoulder charge); Cowboys - Kyle Feldt (high tackle); Sharks - Briton Nikora (shoulder charge), Braden Hamlin-Uele (high tackle), Wade Graham (high tackle); Knights - Adam Elliott (dangerous contact); Storm - Eliesa Katoa (dangerous contact); Titans - Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (high tackle); Roosters - Egan Butcher (cannonball).
UNDER PRESSURE: Parramatta. There is no real cause for concern yet but the Eels' early schedule does not appear friendly after their loss to Melbourne. Brad Arthur's men have Cronulla, Manly, Penrith and Sydney Roosters over the next month.
