Compiled by Michael Brown
Passport to success
Boffins might have tightened the rules around State of Origin eligibility, but it still doesn't mean England prop Sam Burgess might not one day play for Australia. Rules introduced last December mean a player must have lived in NSW or Queensland before their 13th birthday or, if born overseas, have elected to play for Australia before December 2012. Burgess indicated to Aussie media this week he's applying for Australian citizenship so he can, according to him, stay in the Lucky Country after his playing days. Others are jumping to the conclusion he might one day wear the green and gold. Perish the thought.
Match the bans
It was hard not to feel some sympathy for Cronulla after they missed out on Paul Gallen's services last weekend due to suspension. Gallen was banned for one match for his unprovoked attack on Nate Myles in the first State of Origin game. Rugby league should follow football's lead with player bans served in the competition they are earned. That would mean Gallen would be suspended for game two of the origin series in Brisbane. Not sure the Sharks agree with NSW coach Laurie Daley that it was "a great Origin moment". Cronulla went down 38-6 to Melbourne as Gallen watched on.
Private matters
Even in this era of media training, and social media training, Chad Townsend made an error in judgement on Wednesday. The 22-year-old changed his status on his Facebook page to say he was a Warriors player before the club had officially announced it and it forced them to issue a press release ahead of schedule. Townsend's defence? He thought his Facebook page was private.
Benny and the vets
Sydney's Daily Telegraph doesn't mind stirring things up from time to time and they had fun this week when they headlined a story on Newcastle with, 'Benny and the vets'. Behind the jibe - "Wayne Bennett promised to build a premiership-winning outfit at the Newcastle Knights. Instead he's come up with a retirement village," the paper wrote - were some interesting facts. If they secure Craig Gower (35), he would be the ninth player Bennett has used this season over the age of 30. It would also bring the average age of the squad close to 30. Compare that to the average age of premiership-winning sides over the last 10 years, which has ranged between 24 and 26.
X games
Plenty of people think Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell has the X-factor - especially on attack - but he got a taste of a different kind of X-factor recently when he bumped into X Factor contestant Whenua Patuwai. Turns out the pair are fans of each other. Hurrell sheepishly asked for a photo with Patuwai, who replied he was just about to ask for one with Hurrell. Hurrell has been practising his singing of late, given the Warriors blurt out a rendition of their victory song after each game. Not sure it would get many votes, though.
Homesick
Speaking of Twitter, Sonny Bill Williams took to the social media site earlier this week bemoaning the fact the Roosters' game against the Warriors wasn't in Auckland so he could play in front of his "fambam". It drew one sharpwitted response with someone pointing out he would get to do that every second week if he played for the Warriors. Small problem with that, aside from the fact it would be too far away from Channel 9 HQ, is that last year Warriors owner Owen Glenn called SBW a "show pony" and questioned his loyalty.
Today
Dragons v Cowboys, WIN Stadium, 9.35pm, Refs: Jared Maxwell, Phil Haines
TAB: Dragons $1.52 Cowboys $2.40
Sea Eagles v Bulldogs, Brookvale Oval, 9.35pm. Refs: Shayne Hayne, Gavin Morris
TAB: Sea Eagles $1.65 Bulldogs $2.15
Tomorrow
Raiders v Panthers, Canberra Stadium, 7.30pm. Refs: Ben Cummins, Adam Gee
TAB: Raiders $1.20 Panthers $4.20
Sharks v Eels, Sharks Stadium, 9.30pm. Refs: Jason Robinson, Adam Devcich
TAB: Sharks $1.17 Eels $4.60
Sunday
Rabbitohs v Titans, Cairns Stadium, 4pm. Refs: Matt Cecchin, Gavin Reynolds
TAB: Rabbitohs $1.28 Titans $3.40
Storm v Knights, AAMI Park, 5pm. Refs: Gerard Sutton, Henry Perenara
TAB: Storm $1.18 Knights $4.40
Roosters v Warriors, Allianz Stadium, 8.30pm. Refs: Ashley Klein, Chris James
TAB: Roosters $1.30 Warriors $3.30
Monday
Broncos v Wests Tigers, Suncorp Stadium, 9pm. Refs: Gavin Badger, Alan Shortall
TAB: Broncos $1.30 Tigers $3.30
