The race for the top eight is down to nine teams with the Cowboys, Sea Eagles and Dragons collecting vital wins to remain in the hunt. The Storm, Eels and Roosters made a statement ahead of the playoffs with commanding wins while the Warriors slumped to their eighth straight loss.
Kiwi Watch
Raiders winger Jordan Rapana hit best form against as the Green Machine thrashed the Knights while Jason Taumalolo turned in a typically powerful game against the Wests Tigers. The Warriors did a pretty good job limiting Martin Taupau, though the Sea Eagles prop managed to clock up plenty of metres. David Fusitua had his best game of the season for the Warriors.
Best Performance
The Eels racked up a score against the Broncos on Thursday night to really send a message to the other contenders. Their attack is as dangerous as any side in the competition and, if they can do enough in the middle of the park, should be right in the mix come the big games in a few weeks' time.
Standout Player
Nathan Brown has been hands-down the buy of the season. The little-known forward left South Sydney for the Eels this season and has become one of the key players in their charge to the playoffs. He racks up big metres on the back of playing long minutes and does it all with plenty of aggression.
