SNAPSHOT OF ROUND THREE OF THE NRL SEASON
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Penrith ace Nathan Cleary had Brisbane's measure once again on Thursday night, just when the Broncos were getting over their 2023 grand final-induced nightmares. Cleary masterminded the Panthers' fast start that ensured a 34-12 defeat of the Broncos in the grand final rematch, finishing with three try assists and three line break assists in a typically measured performance.
QUOTE OF THE ROUND: "He has never shied away from his responsibility for the team. We needed to repay him today". Parramatta coach Brad Arthur dedicated his side's 28-24 defeat of Manly to prop forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard, whose brother passed away in the lead-up to Sunday's game - RCG's 200th in the NRL.
TALKING POINT: "It's probably the lowest point of my career right now" - South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou after his side's 48-6 loss to the Sydney Roosters. The next week shapes as pivotal in the Rabbitohs' season - and Demetriou's career - as the under-fire club head into their Good Friday meeting with the Bulldogs with an 0-3 record.
MAGIC MOMENT: It's old, it's run-down but there's no place quite like Leichhardt Oval when the antiquated ground gets rocking, as it did for Benji Marshall's first win as head coach on Saturday. Marshall used to wow the crowd there on the field, but his players did the talking as they demolished Cronulla 32-6.
STAT THAT MATTERS: 17 years - that's how long ago the North Queensland Cowboys won three straight games to start an NRL season. Todd Payten's men battered the Dragons 46-24 ahead of next week's showdown with the Broncos.
CASUALTY WARD: Brisbane - Reece Walsh (facial fracture), Warriors -Taine Tuaupiki (concussion), Gold Coast - Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (knee), North Queensland - Reuben Cotter (ankle), Cronulla - Royce Hunt (calf), Toby Rudolf (ankle) Dale Finucane (concussion), Storm - Reimis Smith (ribs)
JUDICIARY WATCH: Cronulla - Cameron McInnes (high tackle), Wests Tigers - Stefano Utoikamanu (high tackle), Api Koroisau (dangerous contact), St George Illawarra Jesse Marschke (high tackle), Penrith - Matt Eisenhuth (shoulder charge), Knights - Leo Thompson (dangerous contact)
UNDER PRESSURE: There was plenty of hype around the Gold Coast heading into their first campaign under Des Hasler. But after two games, they have conceded 60 points and scored just four. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is now out for the season. If they can't get past the Dolphins next week then they will have a mountain to climb.
