Hynes shines, Panthers choke at Magic Round

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Nicho Hynes played a starring role in the ladder-leading Sharks' win over the Roosters in Brisbane. (Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOS)

SNAPSHOT OF ROUND 11 OF THE NRL SEASON:

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PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Nicho Hynes. There can be no doubting either Hynes' State of Origin credentials or Cronulla's heavyweight status after the halfback starred in the 38-30 defeat of the Sydney Roosters. On return from a calf injury, Hynes inspired the ladder-leading Sharks to their second win over a competition heavyweight in as many weeks. The stage is now set for a mouth-watering clash against Penrith in round 12.

QUOTE OF THE ROUND: "Try every day of the week. The Bunker ... it's crazy". Des Hasler fumed after Gold Coast were denied what could have been a game-winning try in the 28-24 loss to Newcastle, the bunker ruling Brian Kelly lost control as he attempted to ground the ball in the 76th minute.

TALKING POINT: Who will replace Cameron Munster if the Queensland five-eighth is unavailable for the State of Origin series opener? Munster aggravated his groin injury in Melbourne's 48-16 thrashing of Parramatta on Sunday and was pictured in tears in the Storm dressing sheds. Tom Dearden, Ezra Mam and Sam Walker are all options to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves if Munster is ruled out.

MAGIC MOMENT: After the undermanned Warriors pulled a stunning upset on his former side Penrith, 200-gamer Dallin Watene-Zelezniak performed the Haka with friends and family who had made the trip to Brisbane in support. It came after stand-in fullback Taine Tuaupiki, in just his ninth NRL game, slotted a tough conversion to seal the 22-20 result.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Canterbury's 24-20 loss to Canberra leaves the Bulldogs as the only team never to win at Magic Round after playing in all six editions. St George Illawarra have also not tasted victory at the NRL's showpiece event but had the bye this weekend.

CASUALTY WARD: Sea Eagles - Matt Lodge (bicep); Broncos - Payne Haas (toe); Titans - Jaimin Jolliffe (pectoral); Knights - Bradman Best (hamstring); Eels - Ryan Matterson (illness); Warriors - Tohu Harris (finger), Wayde Egan (head knock); Storm - Cameron Munster (groin)

JUDICIARY WATCH: Raiders - Josh Papalii (dangerous contact); Panthers - James Fisher-Harris (dangerous contact), Matt Eisenhuth (high tackle); Warriors - Jackson Ford (dangerous tackle), Tom Ale (dangerous contact), Bunty Afoa (dangerous tackle); Tigers - Justin Olam (dangerous contact), Brent Naden (high tackle); Storm - Nelson Asofa-Solomona (dangerous contact)

UNDER PRESSURE: Parramatta's finals hopes are fast slipping through their fingers, with the side copping a 48-16 flogging from Melbourne. The Eels have now lost six of seven games since Mitch Moses went down with his foot injury and if they can't take care of fellow strugglers South Sydney on Saturday, the drums will start beating even more loudly for coach Brad Arthur.

Australian Associated Press

Rizwan Ali (ap Sports Writer)