Highs and lows of the NRL's 11th round
NRL ROUND 11 HIGHS AND LOWS:
THEY SAID IT: "We showed some real softness tonight. Our defence gave up too many soft points. I just thought half a dozen blokes didn't show the urgency or the desire you need to play first grade tonight." - Warriors coach ANDREW MCFADDEN prepares to sweep a big broom through his badly underperforming side following another insipid loss.
MAN OF THE ROUND: ASHLEY TAYLOR. Inspired the Titans to their best win of the season, a 28-24 upset victory over Penrith at Pepper Stadium on Sunday, including the game-winning play in the 78th minute.
STAT THAT MATTERS: For the first time in 16 years, Cronulla are sitting on top of the NRL after dismantling Manly 20-12 on Saturday night, their eighth successive victory.
MAGIC MOMENT: A Johnathan Thurston field goal proved the difference as defending premiers North Queensland clinched a 19-18 NRL win over Brisbane on Friday night in another incredible grand final re-match in Townsville.
TALKING POINT: I saw it but I still don't believe it ... How did Anthony Milford miss that field goal?
JUDICIARY WATCH: Warriors - Mitchell Allgood (high tackle); Roosters - Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (dangerous contact).
CASUALTY WARD: Broncos - Corey Oates (concussion), Andrew McCullough (shoulder), Jarrod Wallace (elbow); Cowboys - Johnathan Thurston (hip); Tigers - Matt Ballin (concussion), Ava Seumanufagai (concussion); Knights - Jeremy Smith (biceps); Panthers - Peta Hiku (knee); James Fisher-Harris (thumb); Titans - Tyrone Roberts (cork).
UNDER PRESSURE: NSW coach Laurie Daley has to somehow put together a Blues side that can prevent a Queensland State of Origin series win for just the second time in 11 years.
