Team of the week – Penrith Panthers

The Panthers reminded all why they are regarded as legitimate premiership contenders after disposing of the Tigers 36-2 on Sunday showing that last week’s annihilation by the Dragons may just be a slip up. Led admirably by halfback Nathan Cleary, Penrith dominated a Wests side who blew five try-scoring opportunities. Execution is key at this level and the Tigers’ finishing left a lot to be desired as players spilt the ball over the line. Tigers halves Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses were ordinary to say the least. Brooks missed five tackles (he only made four) and shanked a kick-off so badly it might well have landed in the carpark. Tyrone Peachey was outstanding for the Panthers who lost star back-rower Bryce Cartwright after 15 minutes. Wests have much work to do.

Player of the week – Johnathan Thurston

Someone needs to remind him he is almost 34 and one of the oldest players in the NRL. The Queensland and Australian half was outstanding in the Cowboys’ 21-20 golden point win over the Broncos on Friday night. He twice ran from the opposite side of the field to save tries and potted the winning field goal in a fitting end to a supreme performance. Brisbane were wonderful as well with a draw probably the fairest result on the night. These two teams never fail to impress against one another.

Flop of the week – Manly Sea Eagles

Manly have not claimed a wooden spoon since their inception in 1947, but, if Saturday’s 38-18 loss to the Rabbitohs is anything to go by, the men from Sydney’s northern beaches could well deliver the club’s first last-placed finish in 71 seasons. The home side ran out to a 12-0 lead after 13 minutes but were run down quickly. Getting back to 18-18 with just over a quarter of the match to go, the Sea Eagles folded like a deck of cards. In fairness, they were without forwards Martin Taupau and Addin Fonua-Blake (suspended) but showed nothing in the middle. Nate Myles was promoted to the starting side but added little as did new recruit Curtis Sironen who made just 40m despite playing a full 80 minutes. Fullback Tom Trbojevic was outstanding in a losing side making 305m and scoring a try. If only the rest of his team mates showed as much desire as the 20-year-old.

Try of the week – Robbie Farah

Many may not have heard of South Sydney utility Angus Crichton, but if Saturday’s performance against manly is anything to go by, this kid is in for one heck of a career. Making a bust in the 68th minute from well inside his own half, the back-rower looked more like a centre as he shrugged off an army of would-be tacklers to break the Sea Eagles’ line and set up Robbie Farah who supported beautifully to score his first NRL try in the red and green. And boy did he celebrate.