The Panel
Standout Performer
Chief Biggums - Gareth Widdop produced the type of game the Dragons expect after buying him from the Storm. Got involved without over doing it. Set up a try for himself, good ball distribution and kicking as well as making over 100 meters.
Mystery Doctor - Someone slightly out of left field - Ben Henry. I love him and he hasn't let anyone down so far, he just looks the goods every time he plays.
The Bain - Todd Carney. He single handidly carved the Broncos up in that second half to guide the Sharks to a record comeback win
Senor Spectre - Josh Dugan for me. Put it all on show on Monday night against the Storm! He's built like a tank but is light on his feet. Such an asset!
Battler making his mark
Chief Biggums - Brett Stewart. He's getting older but he's still got it, as well as priceless experience. Was pivotal in Manly's victory the Roosters, coming back from some uncommon errors to score the go ahead try as well as securing a repeat set of six that eventually led to their final try to close out the win.
Mystery Doctor - Dane Nielsen did a decent job in his comeback to the NRL, good on you Danger.
The Bain - Jarrod Croker. He is a dark horse always crossing the line. Strong performer
Senor Spectre - Ashton Sims! He has no respect for his body, just goes out and smashes people every week. Chur Ashton
Young Gun Watch
Chief Biggums - Curtis Rona. The Cowboys flyer put on two superb efforts to set up two tries for his inside centre off some well weighted kicks. He also ran a decent 139m looking like any other quality NRL outside back.
Mystery Doctor - Shane Pumipi looks like a good young dummy half with the Dragons. He'll have to wait patiently on the bench but he's doing well.
The Bain - Josh McGuire. 145m, 55 tackles, 3 tackle busts and a try saver. What a beast!
Senor Spectre - Charlie Gubb. Unknown to many but he played good guns on the weekend. Throwing that weight round.
Biggest thing you learnt
Chief Biggums - Despite being so high up the ladder, I don't think the Panthers are currently the team to take out the Premiership. They have a solid base to work from, but I feel their lacking the overall experience and composure to make it all the way to the grand final this year. (I'd love em to though).
Mystery Doctor - The Dragons are a legit ... top 8 contender. They don't have the firepower to go much further but they have enough to at least make the finals, which is a decent improvement given the start of of their season.
The Bain - You are never safe in the NRL. The Storm in hot form got dealt to by the Dragons, Cowboys upset favourites the Rabbits and the Sharks came from 22 nil to win it!
Senor Spectre - The Roosters are so up and down it's ridiculous. A bit like the cowboys! Consistency lads!
Best team performance
Chief Biggums - Dragons. Despite beating a Storm side still missing their chief playmaker in Cooper Cronk, they Dragons put on a quality performance their loyal fans have been waiting for. Good go forward, both halves getting involved effectively and most importantly scoring tries and winning games. A well balanced effort across the whole team.
Mystery Doctor - Cowboys desperately need the slightest bit of consistency which their win against the Bunnies may kick start. It was at home though so I doubt it will kick start much, but a decent effort nonetheless.
The Bain - Sharkies comeback win. I changed the channel at half time cos I thought it was gonna be a romping. Should've kept watching!
Senor Spectre - The Sharkiessss. Got to be happy for them to finally get the win. Coming back from 22-0 down after not scoring in 2 weeks is huge!
Needs a hug
Chief Biggums - Todd Carney, well he's the one who did the 'thing' and there are repercussions for letting actions like that get caught on camera. But to have an entire career (although not glamourous by any stretch) completely ended so quickly - you gotta feel some sorta sorry - maybe not hug sorry though lol.
Mystery Doctor - The battlers at the Sharks. They've had their leader and coach in some dramas, now the Todd Carney stuff and the ASADA stuff ... imagine being a young bloke coming through with Cronulla!?
The Bain - Raiders. Poor blokes couldn't even beat a battered, bruised and bench-less Tigers outfit. Croker as well. That's the second time he's missed a penalty to win it in recent years
Senor Spectre - Todd Carney. Of course he's done wrong, but man he has stink friends!
Coach of the year so far
Chief Biggums - Andrew McFadden, he took what could have turned out to be another dud Warriors season and has steered the club and players into a much better looking direction. He may not have all the answers, but the he seems to be brewing the right kind of culture for the Warriors and still has a positive Warriors win-loss ratio.
Mystery Doctor - Geoff Toovey. The little rascal hasn't really put a foot wrong since taking over from Des Hasler and this season he's had to go through some some off field minor issues with the team. The Sea Eagles are as tough, skillful and awesome as ever, thanks to Toovey.
The Bain - For me it's a toss up between Geoff Toovey, Des Hasler and Ivan Cleary. Probably one of the latter. Hasler lost his key player in Barba but has still found a formula to win. Cleary has recruited really well and formed some great combinations to lead the panthers to the top of the table.
Senor Spectre - Andy McFadden. Just look at what Cappy's done with a team that was misfiring all over to start. Now the Warriors seem so much more committed and it's showing on the scoreboard. Amazing turnaround!