PhotosportBrent Tate helped off the field

Round Three

1. The true test of depth

Prior to the season the Warriors were being hailed as the side with the most depth.

Well now that's going to well and truly be tested with Brent Tate out for the season and Manu Vatuvei, Lance Hohaia, Ben Matulino and Leeson Ah Mau all expected to miss at least another week.

The biggest question will be who to bring into the centres as Tate's replacement. Do you shuffle Joel Moon from standoff and risk messing with a halves combination that's working or do you bring in Simon Mannering from the second row?

2. Michael Witt karma?

It's pretty ironic that just a few weeks ago Michael Witt was told he was unwanted by the Warriors because they had too much depth.

Well if Witty hadn't signed with Otago rugby last week he would likely be a chance to start at five-eighth this weekend due to a pile-up of injuries.

I guess he's had the last laugh.

3. Broncos nab favourites title

Going into round three the NRL was split between the Warriors and Broncos as premiership favourites.

But after their emphatic win over the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium, Brisbane have earned the tag as outright favourites.

It's a great combination of big young forwards, lightning fast backs and Darren Lockyer playing like he's 20 years old again.

All-comers beware.

4. The untouchables

The NRL's new 'protect the kicker' rule has come under heavy scrutiny this week.

It seems even the slightest touch after the kick now warrants a penalty and there's a danger players will start milking contact Cristiano Ronaldo style.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary made his thoughts clear after his side's loss to Brisbane.

"It's become a farce in my view. If you're kicking the ball, what's the difference between when you kick it and then the fullback who stands under it can be hit by four blokes as soon as he catches it?

"If it's about safety, that's hypocrisy in my opinion."

5. Predictable? It sure ain't

Round three highlighted how tough it is to pick a winner in the NRL.

Penrith upset Manly, the injury-hit Titans beat out the Bulldogs and Brisbane spanked the favoured Warriors.

This week also revealed to brutal nature of the sport with a scary incident involving Trent Barrett.

The Cronulla playmaker had to be stretchered off the field and had no feeling in his limbs for several hours. Thankfully he was later cleared of serious injury.

NRL round three snapshot (courtesy of AAP)

THEY SAID IT: "He was more worried about telling his wife because it was a delayed (televised) game," said Cronulla doctor Dave Givney when asked about the mental state of Trent Barrett who was rushed to hospital in a neck brace with no feeling in his limbs.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Two tries to South Sydney star Craig Wing. Five hours after being told his grandmother had passed away, Wing inspired a lost Rabbitohs attack to a 22-12 come-from-behind win over Newcastle.

MAN OF THE ROUND: Benji Marshall. The highly-criticised Wests Tigers star produced what coach Tim Sheens called his best performance for the club in their 40-24 Friday night win over the Sydney Roosters.

MAGIC MOMENT: Canberra winger Justin Carney's disallowed 50m try from a scrum. He picked the ball up from lock and ran straight through the middle as his forwards split the scrum down the centre. If only the video referee didn't see his forwards act like NFL blockers moving Parramatta props to the side.

TALKING POINT: The referees protection of kickers. Warriors coach Ivan Cleary and captain Steve Price claim the issue has become farcical that no physical pressure can be put on kickers.

JUDICIARY WATCH: None

UNDER PRESSURE: Newcastle. Wilted in the Sunday heat for a second time this year - and face three more afternoon games over the next four weeks. An ankle injury to second rower Cory Paterson, taking the toll to nine first graders, doesn't help their cause.

KEY INJURIES:
Warriors: Brent Tate (knee)
Newcastle: Cory Paterson (ankle)
Cronulla: Trent Barrett (neck)