Andrew Voss gives his opinion on the use of the sin bin, the contrasting attacks of the Dragons and Sharks and picks his Panthers 'X-Factor'.
What has happened to the sin bin?
It is just fading away folks.
Last year, across 201 games only 13 players were sin-binned.
This year, we've had a handful in five rounds.
Now I know Tony Archer admitted a mistake was made last Sunday with the non-binning of the Roosters Aidan Guerra for his professional foul in goal on Ryan Hoffman, but I need further investigation.
I regard Matt Cecchin as an excellent referee. Among his team officiating on the game at the Central Coast was assistant referee Dave Munro, experienced sideline official Ricky McFarlane, and former referee Jason Robinson as one of the two review officials.
That none of those men seemingly pushed hard for Guerra to be sin-binned, when he committed what was a blatant professional foul, viewed numerous times on replay before a final decision was made, is almost impossible to comprehend.
The only conclusion I, and so many other league fans can reach, is that our officials are simply reluctant to use the bin because 10 minutes for one side with 12 men is far too great of a punishment to impose in the modern game.
So why on earth don't we relieve this pressure on our officials and give them the option of a five-minute sin bin. Personally, I'd have four and eight-minute sin-binnings (one-tenth of a half, and one-fifth of a half), but that's another argument.
Right now, the sin bin is the rugby league equivalent of Russian roulette.
Who is the Panthers' 'X-factor'?
You can take your pick from a few obvious candidates; Matt Moylan, Bryce Cartwright, the precocious young talent Te Maire Martin, or perhaps clever utility Tyrone Peachey.
But can I also throw into the mix now a young man who has played only eight first-grade games.
I am very impressed with the development of Leilani Latu. The 23-year-old was once rated a better talent than another giant in the Bulldogs juniors, David Klemmer.
But injuries and opportunities weren't kind to Latu, while at the same time Klemmer graduated to State of Origin and Test player. Penrith recognised that talent and their patience with this 115kg prop is being rewarded.
I'm seeing ball skills now from Latu that only a relative few forwards have in the NRL.
Penrith is a team going places in 2016. Latu is one reason why.
Can the Dragons attacking problems be fixed?
The statistics probably suggest no. They will just have to battle on with what they've got.
You must remember that they qualified for the finals last year despite having only one side in the competition (Penrith), score less points.
Fifteen times in 25 matches in 2015 they were kept to 14 points or less. In the off season they added only Canterbury's Tim Lafai to their attacking arsenal. They are obviously capable of having some good days, as they did on occasions last season, but that was the exception rather than the rule.
They have trained all week in Brisbane to prepare for their clash with the Broncos on Thursday night. I actually hope on Fox Sports I'll be calling some red hot Dragons attack.
The efforts of their halves have been under heavy scrutiny since the loss to the Cowboys. Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop are experienced enough to know there is only one way to silence that criticism.
And what about the Sharks?
More attack like last Saturday against Wests Tigers please!
I have seen enough glimpses of the Cronulla right side attack to declare it can be one of the most dangerous in the competition. With Ben Barba growing in confidence; Jack Bird settling in at right centre, and the talents of Valentine Holmes on the wing; they are capable of asking some serious questions of even the best defence.
And on the stats front, the Titans should be wary of Holmes on Sunday. In two career games against the Coast, Holmes has two try doubles. I'm prepared to back him for a treble of twos this weekend.
By the way, did anyone realise after Saturday's match at Campbelltown that we've now had the same high scoreline in the two games at the ground this year. It was Tigers 34, the Warriors 26 in round one, and then the Sharks 34, the Tigers 26 on the weekend.
Now that's entertainment.
Is that it for the 'Burgess Four'?
It occurred to me as I watched the warm up before the Manly v Souths game that it was likely to be the last time the four Burgess boys were on the same field, in full playing kit, at the same time.
With Sam and Thomas returning from injury, and George taking up his spot in the Rabbitohs front row, I had hoped Luke might get a start for the Sea Eagles, but alas he was left as 18th man.
The two clubs are scheduled to meet again in round 20, but it appears Luke is down the forwards pecking order at Manly and mightn't see a lot of NRL this year depending on the club's injury toll.
If they have graced the field together for the last time, can I just say what a great story they have provided the NRL and how proud they all should be.
I am absolutely sure of one thing. Their late Dad, Mark, would be the proudest of all for what the four brothers have achieved.
What is the best game of Round 6?
Fox Sports has its Super Saturday each weekend through the season, but some days are more "Super" than others.
Count Round 6 as being just such a day. Or perhaps rename it with my son's suggestion of "Fully Sick Saturday". That means it's going to be potentially better than awesome!
Parramatta against Canberra at Pirtek is your classic even-money bet. And in case you needed reminding, in the corresponding game last year it was decided in golden point.
The Warriors are back home and chasing a third-straight victory, but it's against a Manly side that has won nine of their last 12 visits to Mount Smart Stadium. That is some away record.
And you can brush home on "Fully Sick Saturday" with the Panthers tackling the Cowboys at Pepper Stadium.
What a feather in the cap of the Panthers if they can topple North Queensland just as they did 2015's other grand finalist Brisbane, just three weeks ago.
All three matches are entitled to star billing.
Giddy Up!
Twitter: @AndrewVossy
