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Five key points from NRL Round 11

Grand finalists turn it on again

The Cowboys and Broncos played out another one-point thriller on Friday night for the third time in as many matches.

And in scenes reminiscent of the grand final, it was Johnathan Thurston stepping up when it mattered most.

JT's field goal proved the difference as the defending premiers clinched a 19-18 win over Brisbane despite appearing to be cooked down 18-6 in the second half.

But the 25,163-strong North Queensland faithful knew better than to write their team off, especially on the night favourite son Thurston was celebrating his 250th game for his beloved club.

And just like last year's decider, Thurston stood tall to sink the deciding field goal and break Broncos hearts - this time in the 75th minute.

Sharks on top for first time in 16 years

For the first time since the year 2000, Cronulla are sitting on top of the NRL world.

Not since the Sharks won their opening game 16 years ago has the view in the Shire been this high, and they head into next week's bye with an eight-game winning streak in tow thanks to a grinding 20-12 win over Manly.

Andrew Fifita produced yet another stat-crunching effort against the Sea Eagles, almost single-handedly turning the game with his second half stint before finishing with 202 metres, five offloads and five tackle busts.

It was no surprise to hear his name read out in Laurie Daley's NSW squad for Origin I, with teammates Paul Gallen and James Maloney deservedly joining him.

Eels in freefall on and off the field

Parramatta's improbable run to the finals took another hit on Monday night, going down 18-4 to the Storm.

Their disappointing performance at home was no surprise given their tumultuous week off the field.

Kieran Foran's return was overshadowed after details of an alleged $75,000 betting splurge from his TAB account were leaked.

The bets were made just hours after Foran was released from a Queensland rehabilitation facility after taking leave for mental health issues.

Corey Norman was then caught up in a police investigation after capsules were allegedly seized at Sydney's Star City casino on Friday.

The 25-year-old reportedly dined with a former senior Nomad bikie and accused criminal before he was allegedly caught in possession of the unknown pills.

Incredible scenes in New Plymouth

Isaac Luke played his heart out for the Warriors against the Raiders and after the game he led the crowd in an emotional Haka as he wiped tears from his eyes.

The Kiwi hooker's teammates lined up behind him as he paid tribute to the home fans that turned out for the first-ever NRL game in New Plymouth. Luke, a Taranak local was overcome with emotion after the Warriors played a home game in his local region for the first time.

The sight of the entire Warriors section joining him in appreciation was truly special.

The Raiders went on to claim a 38-12 win, but Luke definitely created the best play of the day.

Sorry season all but over for Roosters

Trent Robinson conceded the season has all but slipped away from Sydney Roosters after they sunk to their ninth loss of the year, going down 32-20 to Canterbury on Sunday.

The Roosters put in another error-strewn effort early to trail 18-0 after half an hour.

They rallied just before halftime, but mistakes again cost them dearly as the Bulldogs strung together back-to-back wins for just the second time this year.

No NRL side has made the finals from a 2-9 start and the 2016 Roosters are set to be the first minor premiers to miss the finals the following season since they were the last side to do so in 2005.

with AAP