The Panel
Standout performer
Chief Biggums - Sam Burgess - was an absolute beast with and without the ball against the Dragons. Setting a good example for his younger brothers with almost 200 run meters, a try, a bunch of offloads and some smashed 'em bro solo efforts in defense.
Mystery Doctor - Gonna go for the Panther's halves combo Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace. There's not a lot of pizzazz here but with both of them playing a simple yet effective style, they were clinical against the Eels in the battle of the West.
The Bain - This week im going with the two big cats JT and CS9. Thurston was huge in the Cows win over the Storm. Smith battled through injury and racked up a stellar performance for the storm. Both backing up after origin was huge too. Incredible!
Senor Spectre - Simon Mannering. Two tries from the 200 game hero. Was always gonna get this award.
Battler making his mark
Chief Biggums - James Maloney - A long cry from the heights and accolades he was receiving last year at this time. But to his credit he's kept at it and is possibly starting to regain some form. He tore the Raiders defense apart, setting up three tries and grabbing one for himself.
Mystery Doctor - How Tyrone Peachey continues to break tackles and gain easy metres, I dunno but he does so with ease. He showed some serious pace as well as some nifty skills. Shout out to Simon Mannering, high class battler.
The Bain - Simon Mannering. I don't reckon hes a total battler but due to the Warriors form he tends to be one. He was unbelievable in the Warriors win over the Knights. His stats were off the chain - such a leader and well deserved from the champ.
Senor Spectre - Nathan Peats as he battled away for the last month with all these injuries and still helped carry the Eels. Pity he's now out for the season.
Biggest thing you learnt
Chief Biggums - The Warriors should never leave Mt. Smart Stadium. They're a different side when they play there and it just feels right. Nice to hear the 2015 season will have more features back at Mt. Smart.
Mystery Doctor - The Raiders and Knights will struggle to make the eight, let alone get off the bottom of the table come seasons end. And the Dragons simply don't want to put their bodies on the line.
The Bain - The form sides from last year are turning it on. The Rabbits and Roosters are coming good when it matters (always helps when your not as affected by origin).
Senor Spectre - Cooper Cronk is pretty deadly. When pulled from State of O, QLD struggled and then when his Storm team backed up this weekend there was little guidance without him. Maybe hes the top notch in the big 3…
Young Gun Watch
Chief Biggums - Dale Copley - He's shaping up to be one of the Broncos next generation quality centres. He's got the speed, power and skill to get the job done offensively and defensively. Hodges already earmarked him to replace him when he retires.
Mystery Doctor - Isaah Yeo for the Panthers is very young but he looks at home in first grade in place of Jamal Idris
The Bain - Josh Mansour. He is an animal. Makes some big runs from the back, scores tries, breaks tackles, makes metres, good on D, good under the high ball. He would do well in a sky blue jersey for sure!
Senor Spectre - David Fusituaaaaaaaaaaaaa. This kid has been rampaging lately and looks awesome outside Konnniiii. Hopefully he can keep this form up.
Most impressive team performance
Chief Biggums - The Bunnies - With the return of their first choice hooker Issac Luke they looked like a different team. Their forwards played hard and straight on attack and defense especially the Burgess brothers. They're a hard team to beat when their forwards get going like that, a convincing win over the hapless Dragons.
Mystery Doctor - The Warriors showed that they have definitely turned some sort of corner with their win against the Knights. Yeah the Knights were slightly weakened but their pack is full of veterans and the Warriors stood up, absorbed it all and fired shots back.
The Bain - A few good wins this weekend. But I think im gonna go with either the Panthers beating the Eels in a strong performance. Or perhaps the broncos taking out manly enjoying some good old Sunday football.
Senor Spectre - The Warriors. Completed their sets, got to their kicks and had good line speed on defence. These are the keys to winning a championship. Throw in a bit of Johnson, Koni and Tomkins on the last and the signs are all positive at the moment.
Team/player that needs a hug
Chief Biggums - Even though I despise them, you gotta be a little sympathetic to the Storm side that couldn't even get over the line on the weekend. Even their poor captain Cam Smith, who was supposed to be playing halfback, ended up making the most tackles in the game at 54.
Mystery Doctor - Anyone and everyone who backed up from Origin. They deserve it. Yeah they made a swift $30,000 for 80 minutes of footy but they endured one hell of a battle and to then front up for their clubs, they deserve my hugs.
The Bain - Once again the Knights and the Dragons. Boy do they need a win or two. They are just awful at the moment. Poor Benji needs a hug too. Jumping in on a team with negative go forward is tough for anyone.
Senor Spectre - The Dragons. They damn right suck at the moment. Benji isn’t producing, Dugan’s gone to centre, Merrin has Origin and now they just got a new coach. It has to turn around at some point, but doesn’t look like anytime soon.