KEY NARRATIVES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 10 OF THE NRL
ARE PENRITH BACK TO THEIR BEST?
The Panthers' 32-8 defeat of Brisbane at Magic Round was their most complete performance of a poor season to date. Nathan Cleary was at his creative best playing off the back of his physical and defensively enthusiastic teammates, but coach Ivan Cleary shrugged at suggestions the four-time reigning premiers were back to their best. The Panthers face North Queensland this Saturday.
SOUTH SYDNEY'S INJURY CRISIS WORSENS
Jye Gray and Peter Mamouzelos joined a South Sydney casualty ward now bursting at the seams. Wayne Bennett tipped only Latrell Mitchell (suspension) would return for this weekend's clash against Brisbane, meaning they'll be without more than 1,000 games of NRL experience.
WILL EZRA MAM RETURN FOR BRISBANE?
Brisbane five-eighth Ezra Mam has cleared the nine-game suspension he incurred for drug driving so is available for selection in Friday night's clash against Souths. The severely understrength Rabbitohs loom as an easy kill to help Mam get his eye in, but coach Michael Maguire has not yet made a decision as to whether the five-eighth will return via reserve grade.
ARE CANBERRA THE REAL DEAL?
Canberra's golden point win over top-four hopefuls Melbourne improved their record to 7-2 and lifted the Raiders to second place on the ladder. In round 10, they'll face the only side higher on the ladder - Canterbury - for a test of their heavyweight status and could finish the round atop the ladder with a win.
LAST FORTNIGHT TO PUSH ORIGIN CASES
There's two rounds left for players to push their cases for State of Origin. Mitch Moses and Jarome Luai were both strong at Magic Round in pursuit of a NSW halves spot, while Tom Dearden and Cam Munster are jostling for the five-eighth position next to Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans. Jacob Kiraz and Terrell May are leading contenders for NSW debuts as well.
