* 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.