Standout performer

Chief Biggums: Anthony Milford. He was pivotal in the Raiders win over the Knights over the weekend setting up some of the most stylish and crucial tries for the Green Machine. His speed and footwork was a treat to watch.

Mystery Doctor: Melbourne's Big 3. These lads control a game like no one else. They knew exactly what needed to be done to win against Penrith and executed it perfectly. It's a testament of their ability that as other teams catch up, these 3 lads keep putting in high quality performances.

The Bain: As much as I hate to say it... Mitchell Pearce. He was on fire against a woeful Eels lineup. He had a solid running, kicking and fantastic passing game. Line break assists all over the show. Great stuff all round even though I'm not his biggest fan.

Senor Spectre: James Tedesco has to be the star of the weekend for me! He was in everything for the Tigers and is looking sharp when given the right service. Special mention to Mitchell Pearce who had a pretty darn good game for once. Pity I hate him so he didn’t get the award.

Battler making his mark

Chief Biggums: Beau Scott - he scored another try this week to make it two from two with another superb run, right through the Raiders defensive line. He was running like his centre days, but is looking better with age at the Knights. We'll see how long he can keep it up this season.

Mystery Doctor: Kieran Foran reckoned that Jason King won the game for Manly when he came on and really took the game to Sam Burgess and his band of Bunnies. King's a veteran and the way he got all up in the grill of a few of the Burgess lads gave Manly a huge momentum boost.

The Bain: Jamie Buhrer. The impact bench player took his chance with Glenn Stewart out injured and came up with some strong plays to help his side get the victory.

Senor Spectre: More love for the tigers. Keith Galloway churning back the years on Sunday afternoon against the Knights. Still does the hard yards that kids these days don’t always do.

Biggest think you learnt

Chief Biggums: The quick tap is one of the best additions to the rules this year. JT's got it sussed, wrecking havoc in unaware defensive lines - even young Mason Lino in the Warriors Under 20s picked up a try on the back of it after his 40/20 on the weekend.

Mystery Doctor: The Titans are on the verge of the wooden spoon. They have a forward pack of veterans and not much spice in their back line, which in this competition will see you near the bottom. Greg Bird and Nate Myles aren't going to win you a comp.

The Bain: Like most people have said, this comp is gonna be tight. The Doggies having a huge win and the table is log jammed. Its going to be tough to make the 8!

Senor Spectre: The Warriors aren’t going to change anytime soon. They just don’t look like they realise the season's started. Stop going through the motions lads and bring some intensity. Bring back the Hurrelicane.

Young gun watch

Chief Biggums: Luke Brooks & James Tedesco, the Tigers halfback fullback combo they got going is bringing something life back to the NRL. Brooks skillful kicks and Tedesco's pure speed are already creating a highlight reel 2 rounds in. Hopefully they can add to that as the season progresses.

Mystery Doctor: Hard to go past two young fellas who basically carried their teams - Luke Brooks and Anthony Milford. Can't mention Brooks without giving James Tedesco props as well though.

The Bain: Luke Brooks. He showed his potential against the titans. A few classy plays with James Tedesco on the edges and a strong kicking game. Maybe its looking up for the tigers..?

Senor Spectre: Young Josh Starling had a great game I thought for the Sea Eagles on Friday night against the Rabbits. He looks like he could be a good asset considering the lack of depth in the Eagles forward pack. Shout out to Matt Minto who made his debut at the back for the Knights. Scratchy but was sniffing around tirelessly.

Most impressive team performance

Chief Biggums: Manly and the Bunnies. Even though my beloved Bunnies didn't get the two points, it was an absolute blockbuster of a game. Big hits, fast paced and slick skills - all the reasons we love this game. It could of gone either way but it was top tier football at its best regardless.

Mystery Doctor: The Tigers. Playing the way they did in scorching temperatures against a Titans team who must be kind of used to that was very impressive.

The Bain: The Roosters. All I will say is they absolutely smashed the Eels. Pearce was solid, Mitch Aubusson was impressive, Boyd Cordner went well and Mini finally got that hat trick.

Senor Spectre: The Dragons. Yeah the Warriors played like ass but you still got to beat what’s in front of you. Considering they were down at half time and the game was reasonably close for 65 minutes, the Dragons showed a willingness to do the hard yards and ‘complete their sets’, which ultimately paid off.

Team/player that needs a hug

Chief Biggums: The win-less knights. They almost had it this week against the Raiders, losing by an agonizing 6 points. They're sitting at the bottom with the Warriors, except they have a lot more injuries to key players - don't know what the Warriors excuse is though. Also Jharal Yow Yeh having to retire from league.

Mystery Doctor: Anthony Griffin needs a ... congratulatory hug! Under huge pressure coming in to the season, he's got this Broncos team going well. If they make the eight, I'd see that as a success. Props to you bruh.

The Bain: The Cronulla Sharkies. Poor guys. Injury list is off the chain. Half their salary would have been missing. Aaaaaand then they got rolled by the Doggies to come to their second straight defeat. All the stuff behind the scenes certainly does not help too.

Senor Spectre: Ben Henry. So much potential, but by the looks of it has re-torn his ACL in his first game back. After such a long initial rehabilitation, this is a tragedy. Poor guy knew straight away and this can’t help but bring out the doubters about whether he will ever come back the same.