1. Match of the round: Warriors v Storm
Since the Warriors lost the corresponding fixture in round eight, the Storm have proved fallible, losing to the Sharks in round 10, the only blot on their record. The Warriors have beaten the Bunnies and Broncos, but flopped against the Tigers. The Warriors are boosted by the presence of halfback Shaun Johnson, who sat out the Melbourne match after the Anzac Test. Krisnan Inu's last contribution for the Warriors was in the round eight meeting. It will not be fondly remembered.
2. Benny backs Gagai
A couple of noteworthy additions to the wayward star file, with Newcastle capturing ex-Bronco Dane Gagai and the, er, police collaring Roosters Origin prospect BJ Leilua. The Broncos gave up on Gagai - memorably pronounced Gay Guy by Ray Warren - after a run of off-field indiscretions. With the Knights sucking, supercoach Wayne Bennett was prepared to take a chance on the talented player. Leilua was arrested and then suspended after being accused of spitting on his ex and sending lewd photos of her.
3. That was our house
Manly fans have been hit with another defection this week with Penrith announcing the signing of Rotorua-born centre Dean Whare. The news comes on the heels of suggestions Tony T-Rex Williams is off to a rival Sydney club. The re-signing of halves Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry Evans have brought salary cap pressure to bear on the reigning premiers, with more exits likely to come. But the club has retained Kiwis centre Steve Matai, who celebrated his new two-year deal in traditional fashion by earning a two-week ban for a filthy high tackle.
4. Ref watch
A rough week for the men in pink. Origin I video ref Sean Hampstead has been given a week off to help him "get his focus back". Hampstead awarded a controversial try to Greg Inglis during Origin I and was again in the spotlight at the weekend after awarding a contentious try to Penrith during a win over Manly. Paul "ET used to be my mate" Mellor has also earned a rest after disallowing a try to Bulldogs prop Dogzilla (see 5). And referee Jason Robinson has been sternly spoken to for not speaking sternly enough to Dogs skipper Michael Ennis after an expletive-laden tirade.
