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Highs and lows from round five of NRL

3 minute read

All the details of round five of the NRL, including highs, lows, injuries and the man of the round.

DAVID FIFITA.
DAVID FIFITA. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND FOUR OF THE NRL

* QUOTE OF THE ROUND: "We've got some utilities there but I'll either be going back to SG Ball or one of those teams to find a No.9." - Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson laments being down to his fifth-string hooker after just five rounds, while utilities Lachlan Lam and Adam Keighran are also injured.

* STAT THAT MATTERS: North Queensland's 34-30 ambush of Wests Tigers at Leichhardt marked their first win at the oval since 2000. It came on a day the famous ground sold out amid tributes to Wests legend Tommy Raudonikis.

* MAGIC MOMENT: Sam Walker's brilliance late at the SCG. With the Roosters down 18-4 to Cronulla and with 18 minutes to play, Walker showed the hype is justified with a seven-minute blitz that included two try-assists and a try of his own. All that came in just the 18-year-old's second NRL game.

* MAN OF THE ROUND: David Fifita has been simply unstoppable for Gold Coast this year, and Saturday's 42-16 win over Newcastle was easily his best game. The second-rower bust eight tackles as he scored his first career hat-trick, while also putting on three offloads.

* TALKING POINT: Will the NRL's new 18th man rule work? As predicted, it wasn't activated in the first round since introduced with Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook arguing it should be available following foul play when the opponent is put on report.

* JUDICIARY WATCH: Broncos - Alex Glenn (dangerous contact); Panthers - Stephen Crichton (contrary conduct); Roosters - Marschke Benjamin (crusher); Storm - Nelson Asofa-Solomona (contrary conduct); Bulldogs - Ofahiki Ogden (contrary conduct); Cowboys - Reuben Cotter (dangerous tackle); Eels - Clint Gutherson (dangerous contact).

* CASUALTY WARD: Broncos - Ben Te'o (biceps); Rabbitohs - Dean Hawkins (cut knee); Sea Eagles - Jack Gosiewski (foot), Dylan Walker (hamstring); Raiders - Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (neck), Josh Hodgson (hip); Titans - Phillip Sami (concussion); Knights - Chris Randall (wrist); Bulldogs - Luke Thompson (hamstring); Roosters - Freddy Lussick (arm); Sharks - Wade Graham (concussion), Josh Dugan (concussion); Cowboys - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (ankle), Blake Lawrie (quad).

* UNDER PRESSURE: John Morris' future could be decided as soon as Monday in a meeting between his management and Cronulla powerbrokers. Despite two straight finals finishes the Sharks are looking more and more likely to move on their coach.

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