Football has returned to our television screens on Thursday nights, giving NRL fans five days of footy, with the action already coming thick and fast.

Kicking off Round 23, the Rabbitohs returned to their winning ways, proving too strong for the Cowboys 31-18 in Townsville.

Still in Queensland, on Friday night the Broncos got back on track after last week's loss, smashing the Dragons 32-6.

On Super Saturday, Newcastle legend Danny Buderus chalked up his first win as a first grade coach when his spirited Knights side edged out the Tigers 24-18 in Campbelltown.

Across town in Penrith and the Panthers defeated a hapless Warriors side 24-10 as Panther Nigel Plum played his 150th and final first grade game.

At Allianz Stadium, the Roosters survived an early scare to eventually put away a stubborn Eels side 28-18 and record their ninth-straight win. The Chooks' victory moved them into second position, just two points behind the Broncos.

On Sunday, NRL fans were treated to a thrilling contest between the Raiders and the Sea Eagles. Manly raced to an early 16-point lead, but with their season on the line, the Raiders clawed their way back to edge in front with just ten minutes remaining. Enter, Brett Stewart ... The Sea Eagles' go-to man scoring the match-winning try with only seconds remaining as the Manly side just scraped through 26-24 to keep their season alive, all but ending the Raiders' chances of finals football this season.

Also on Sunday the Bulldogs were too good for the Titans, winning 34-16 in front of a healthy crowd on the Central Coast.

Finally, the round ended on Monday night with the Storm scoring 30 unanswered points to down the Sharks 30-2.

Check out our cool gallery above, which features the best pictures from Round 23.