NRL round nine snapshot
* Quote of the Round: "What we took from today is they're the benchmark. We know now we've got some work to do." Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy anoints St George Illawarra as the team to beat this year following the Storm's 34-14 defeat at Kogarah.
* Man of the Round: Cody Walker honoured his late mum in the best possible way, scoring one try and having a key role in another in the first five minutes of South Sydney's win over Newcastle - just two days after she died of a sudden heart attack.
* Stat that Matters: Josh Addo-Carr's hat-trick against St George Illawarra was the fourth game in a row he has scored two or more tries, joining an elite club of just four players to
* Magic Moment: Mitchell Moses' conversion attempt after the siren sailed left of the uprights, giving Cronulla a heart-stopping 22-20 win over Parramatta.
* Talking Point: Is there any stopping St George Illawarra this year? Their 34-14 defeat of defending premiers Melbourne was arguably their best performance of the season.
* Judiciary Watch: Panthers - Jack Hetherington (dangerous contact),
* Casualty Ward: Broncos - Payne Haas (ankle); Panthers - Trent Merrin (finger); Gold Coast - Jai Arrow (ribs); Warriors - Issac Luke (shoulder), Shaun Johnson (ankle), Adam Blair (ankle); Sharks - Wade Graham (hamstring).
* Under pressure: Queensland's potential State of Origin back row continues to take hit after hit, with Jai Arrow joining Josh McGuire and Matt Gillett on the sidelines.
