PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Adam Reynolds. Had the ball on a string in Brisbane's win over St George Illawarra as he kicked for two tries and nailed a two-point field goal on halftime.
QUOTE OF THE ROUND: "We're one of the best teams in the last couple of weeks of doing stupid s***," - Melbourne captain Christian Welch sums up the Storm's plight after back-to-back losses to Canterbury and Gold Coast.
TALKING POINT: How hot is too hot? The NRL pushed on with matches in a record-breaking March heatwave, and while its heat policy was enacted there was no move to delay games.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Wests Tigers have had 107 play-the-balls in their opponents' 20-metre zone this year, and crossed for only three tries from them. All their tries in Sunday's loss to Canterbury were from their own side of halfway.
MAGIC MOMENT: The Dolphins' third straight win to start their life in the NRL, with a 36-20 victory over Newcastle. It sets up a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash with Brisbane in their first derby on Friday night.
CASUALTY WARD: Eels - Matt Doorey (knee), Jack Murchie (concussion); Knights - Daniel Saifiti (shoulder); Warriors - Wayde Egan (concussion), Mitch Barnett (neck); Rabbitohs Hame Sele (concussion); Raiders - Danny Levi (jaw).
JUDICIARY WATCH: Dolphins - Felise Kaufusi (dangerous contact); Roosters - Joey Manu (high tackle); Storm - Jahrome Hughes (dangerous contact); Tigers - David Klemmer (cannonball) Sharks - Royce Hunt (striking).
UNDER PRESSURE: Parramatta. Last year's grand finalists are now winless after three rounds, with their defence a big issue after conceding 34 points to Manly. Making matters worse, defending-premiers Penrith await on Thursday night.
9°C