Standout Performer

Chief Biggums - David Mead, has been in fine form taking over the fullback role for the Titans. Stopped the Broncos scoring tries on numerous occasions and scored a beautiful length of the field try in the Titans narrow victory.

Mystery Doctor - James Graham. He's one of the best props in the game and boy was he good against the Warriors.

The Bain - Robbie Farah. What an absolute beast! Week in and week out he does the little things. This week he scored a try, had two try assists, made 40 tackles and gained 152 metres. Lead his team like a boss against JT and those Cows. Bad luck with the elbow though...

Senor Spectre - Jarrod Mullen had a successful comeback against the Raiders on the weekend, but Trent Hodkinson also had a great game against the Warriors. Moved the dogs around the field well and kicked the clutch field goal.

Battler making his mark

Chief Biggums - Jorge Taufua, first game back for Manly after injury and looked like he hasn't missed a game at all. Scored a try, set up one and had a handful of line and tackle breaks to boot. Manly's got an abundance of quality outside backs.

Mystery Doctor - Liam Fulton continues to perform in a high octane West Tigers team. He's concussed every week but has quick feet, a few skills and the heart of a lion.

The Bain - Ben Hunt. He is showing that he has more to his game than what some critics suggest. I must admit I did not think he would play as well as he has been. but will he keep it up is a good question?

Senor Spectre - Nathan Friend is one of the most consistent performers of the Warriors. Backing up after 72 tackles last week he didn’t disappoint with 53 tackles this week. Soldier.

What I learnt

Chief Biggums - So many games are being decided by players stopping almost certain tries. It's like all the teams took a week off offense and sharpened up their defensive capabilities - well most of them.

Mystery Doctor - The Panthers aren't going to offer much of a threat this season. They recruited well etc etc but they still lack some of the fire power of other teams and against the Rabbitohs they didn't have many options on attack.

The Bain - Manly are a truly well oiled machine when they have their stars all fit and well. The snake Brett Stewart showed what a gun he is at fullback with 4 try assists, Taufua was a beast on the wing, their halves combo is getting back to their best and their D is as solid as a rock. Watch out for the sea eagles!

Senor Spectre - Something needs to be done about the issue surrounding the half time / full time hooter. Farah said it would cost a team 2 points soon, and sure enough it cost the Dragons 2 points against the Storm on Monday night. I’d be livid if I was them.

Young gun watch

Chief Biggums - The Tigers young guns are just awesome to watch every week - Nofoaluma, Simona and even Kurtis Rowe stepping in for injured Tedesco. Each of them have a set of wheels and surprising strength. Still a lot to learn for all of them but they're notching up a highlight reel between them all.

Mystery Doctor - Corey Oates is a youngster with an awesome future ahead of him with the Broncos. He's tall, athletic and skillful which gives them a bit of excitement on the edge.

The Bain - Daniel Tupou. He was a nightmare for the Eels on Friday night. He is one of those lanky units with slippery evasive skills. Made two line breaks and ran for a mammoth 245 metres and that 90 metre try was fantastic

Senor Spectre - Kurtis Rowe had a quiet debut filling in for James Tedesco in the No.1 jersey for the Tigers. He went off with a hip injury which was a shame, but he looked solid.

Most impressive team performance

Chief Biggums - The Eels were pretty impressive especially after the hiding they got from the Roosters the first time they played this season. The game was there for the Eels to lose, but to their credit their defense held up to take a 2 point win over last years premiers. Hope Nathan Peats at least makes it onto the bench for Origin.

Mystery Doctor - The Bulldogs were up against an eager Warriors team, but their forwards are pretty awesome. That along with their halves who control the game perfectly, they continue to impress without a match winning fullback.

The Bain - This week I will mix it up a little and throw the Bunnies in there. Horrible start to the season and they headed out west to miserable conditions. But boy did they turn up. The Panthers did not even look like breaking the Rabbits rock like defence. That was impressive. My boy GI got yet another Man of the Match performance too (last 3 games vs penrith he has done so). Is this the turn around for them..?

Senor Spectre - Geez the Titan’s have started off strong. They have a negative points differential, however they sit a top the table. Just shows what can happen when you win the close games. Which is what they are doing very well.

Needs a hug

Chief Biggums - To be honest, the Warriors. After a week like the one they had, they really just needed a win on the weekend, and they almost had it too. Even the Junior Warriors and the NSW Cup team won. Well lets all get hoping for next week!

Mystery Doctor - Michael Witt. He got a dose of the treatment he dished out to the Storm, when he scored in the corner for the Warriors a while back and I just wanna give him a hug.

The Bain - Definitely the Dragons. Poor blokes. They really should have won that game! Blew a convincing lead and made poor decisions at the end. Did not control the footy and then that last play. Wow! Not only was it after the 80 mins were up, but there were a few dodgy passes in there too, especially that last one from Hoffman. guts bro!

Senor Spectre - Maybe the Dragons after getting shafted after the full time whistle. They looked pretty distraught after a gutsy performance. McFadden better have some genius plan for the Warriors after taking Hurrell out of the 17. Otherwise the Warriors will need a hug next week.