Monday 22 February 2016 12:44, UK
Trent Robinson's tactical masterclass, Mitch Garbutt's punch and the future of the World Club Series feature in this week's Set of Six.
After two years of the World Club Series the NRL are 6-0 up. Once again they came to England and gave our Super League clubs a lesson in clinical finishing.
The average winning margin across all three games was 30 points. Ryan Hall says that the scores were not a true reflection on Super League and Sky Sports pundit Stevo says that the key to getting up to the level of the NRL is investing in youth development.
Despite the one-sided scorelines, Brian Carney believes the World Club Series has a strong future and says the harsh lessons learnt by Super League sides will benefit them in the long run.
"We have progressive clubs in Super League and these games will provide an annual barometer of sorts for them," said Carney.
"Fans in this country were treated to current and future superstars of the world game performing in Super League stadia and on Sky Sports.
"I would of course like more even contests but the chance to see Johnathan Thurston in the flesh would have motivated many in the nearly 20,000 crowd at Headingley to brave the elements and commit financially to the game.
"'The SL players will be better for this.' You often hear that line trotted out after defeat but it is more a truism than a cliche.
"They will have been embarrassed by the scorelines in all cases, and by individual performances in most cases, but if they have any competitive streak and professional pride in them, and I believe most do, then those three hard lessons will motivate them.
"Motivate them to do everything they can to use their limited time in this privileged career to get closer to the standards the NRL clubs displayed."
Fine details
Watching some of the NRL tries was impressive but Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson's interview with Jon Wells at the Sky Pad after his side's 38-12 win over St Helens was a real eye opener.
Robinson gave us a masterclass on the work done off the ball and in support. Robinson talks a lot about vision and movement and how minor adjustments can have a huge impact. Well worth a watch!
Garbutt sees red
Mitch Garbutt became only the second player to be sent off in a World Club Challenge - Ron Gibbs (Manly) was the first in 1987 against Wigan - after the Leeds prop punched Cowboys front rower James Tamou in the Rhinos' 38-4 defeat to North Queensland Cowboys.
Tamou and Keith Galloway were having a bit of a set-to after some extras at the tackle but there was no need for Garbutt to come in swinging.
"There was some provocation and he was defending his team-mate but it was a silly thing to do from him and it was unlike him," said Leeds coach Brian McDermott.
Brothers in arms
Jayden Nikorima was absolutely superb for the Roosters on Friday. He went off early for a concussion check but came back with all cylinders firing and had a hand in five of Sydney's tries.
The 19-year-old's quick thinking and pure speed created a wonderful try for Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
"He's a good player," said his coach Trent Robinson. "I understate him as much as I can - I'd say he has had a good start to an NRL career."
On Saturday we then saw older brother Kodi bag a brace of tries as the Broncos beat Wigan 42-12 at the DW Stadium.
Kodi has already been capped for New Zealand but Jayden has set his heart on playing for Australia. With skills like that it won't be long before we see him in action on the international stage.
Bennett the right man for the job
After watching the Super League teams being demolished by the NRL perhaps it's time for those critics to admit that Aussie Wayne Bennett is the right man to take the England team forward.
Bennett's Broncos were mightily impressive in their win against Wigan.
"Everyone is talking about the next level [England] can go to and that's why I'm here," he said.
"I believe I can help them get to that next level. That's my challenge and that's the players' challenge."
Greatest player in the world
Johnathan Thurston underlined his credentials as the best player in the world with a man-of-the-match performance against Leeds.
The Rhinos thought they had a chance as they went into the break level at 4-4. Thurston had other ideas. He upped the gears and showed his skills by creating three tries and scoring the Cowboys' fifth as they cantered to victory.
Thurston also kicked five goals and gave his kicking tee away to a kid in the crowd on each occasion. With the pile of tees getting smaller and smaller, you could excuse the Cowboys kitman for getting a bit worried!
