WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND 1 OF THE NRL:

* QUOTE OF THE ROUND: “Our money will only last so long and once its extinguished we are in big trouble.” – ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys on the financial impact the coronavirus could have on the game.

* STAT THAT MATTERS: Melbourne extended their remarkable run of round-one wins to 17 with their 18-4 victory over arch rivals Manly.

* MAGIC MOMENT: Brisbane star David Fifita almost single-handedly ruined North Queensland’s house-warming party with an electric 70-metre solo try in the Broncos’ 28-21 local derby victory.

* TALKING POINT: While it appears only a matter of time before the coronavirus forces the suspension of the season, the NRL will continue to push forward with round two, albeit in front of empty stadiums.

* MAN OF THE ROUND: Playing his first game after returning to Penrith, Apisai Koroisau was instrumental in their 20-14 upset of the Sydney Roosters. The hooker carried the ball for 100 metres, busted seven tackles, and tallied a mammoth 57 tackles.

* JUDICIARY WATCH: Bulldogs – Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (dangerous contact), Christian Crichton (high tackle – careless); Eels – Blake Ferguson (tripping); Broncos – Tevita Pangai Junior (dangerous contact), Anthony Milford (dangerous contact); Sharks – Jack Williams (dangerous contact); Rabbitohs – Braidon Burns (dangerous throw); Panthers – Jack Hetherington (high tackle).

* CASUALTY WARD: Cowboys – Justin O’Neill (concussion); Raiders – Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion); Roosters – Angus Crichton (chest infection), Sitili Tupouniua (knee), Matt Ikuvalu (concussion); Dragons – Mikaele Ravalawa (leg).

* UNDER PRESSURE: A listless Warriors couldn’t even get on the scoresheet against the Knights, immediately putting pressure on Stephen Kearney to show why this year would be any different from 2019 for the club’s faithful.