Team of the round- Dragons

The Dragons were written off by pundits as wooden spoon contenders and given virtually no hope of downing the Panthers in round one, but defied all odds (Penrith were $1.40 favourites) to claim a sterling 42-10 victory on Saturday. The Dragons averaged just 14 points a game in 2016 to be the NRL’s worst attacking team but were sensational with the ball at home on Saturday. Josh Dugan proved a handful for the Panthers who were equal favourites to win the premiership prior to the season kick-off. Penrith offered little in attack and were totally outclassed. Worrying was the Panthers defence which leaked several soft tries. The win will ease pressure on coach Paul McGregor who is fighting to extend his position beyond 2017.

Player of the round - Corey Norman

Corey Norman was outstanding in the Eels’ 20-12 victory over Manly on Sunday highlighted by a second-half 40-20 which helped set up his side’s win. He had a hand in all three of Parramatta’s tries, but it was his kicking game that troubled the Sea Eagles most with the home side constantly working their way out of their own end. After a controversial 2016, Norman’s time away seems to have worked wonders for the halfback who will no doubt be on the Maroons radar at Origin time. Should he continue his outstanding form, he may edge out the Cowboys’ Michael Morgan as back-up half.    

Clutch moment - Cowboys

With scores levelled at 16-all and in extra time, the Cowboys came up with a golden-point effort for the ages. Johnathan Thurston attempted a field goal from 30m out only for it to hit the crossbar and bounce into the Raiders in-goal. Canberra’s lack of urgency to retrieve the ball cost them dearly with Gavin Cooper diving on the pill for the match-winner. North Queensland’s never say die attitude was on show throughout the evening with the home side showing they should be in for a massive 2017.

 Coach’s hot seat - Michael Maguire

Michael Maguire would be feeling the heat after his side’s lacklustre performance in Friday’s 34-18 loss to the Tigers. The Rabbitohs were woeful in defence and offered little in attack in a showing that would have fans anticipating a long season ahead. To make matters worse, star fullback Greg Inglis did his ACL which will see him spend at least six months on the sidelines. Maguire’s men travel to Brookvale on Saturday evening to face a Manly side on the improve after 20-12 loss to the Eels. The Rabbitohs could very well be 0-2 after next week putting pressure on Maguire following a disappointing 2016.