Tackle 1: Origin Balance Has Shifted

Ricky Stuart was right. His decision to play "small-ball" against Queensland brought New South Wales not only a victory but a psychological advantage heading into the game three decider at Suncorp. Stuart played only two props for a total of 52 minutes and it wore the big Queensland pack down as they constantly had to change angles and move laterally. These change in tactics have brought about a fundamental shift in the Origin balance, one that could ruin Darren Lockyer's farewell to Origin football.

Tackle 2: Paul Gallen Becomes a Great

Paul Gallen has always had plenty of talent and a whole heap of heart. His career, however, has been marked by acts of ill-discipline, be it giving away penalties, getting suspended or throwing an unwarranted and high-risk offload. Gallen has sought to harness his aggression over the last 18 months, however, and it was capped with perhaps his finest week where he led his Blues team to an historic win before guiding the Sharks to an upset win over Canterbury. Gallen's performance in Origin II was one of the great Origin showings and his willingness each and every week has elevated him to genuine talk of Gallen being the finest forward of his generation along with Gorden Tallis, Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva and Nathan Hindmarsh. Gallen is a star and this new aggression-harnessed Gallen is one of the great forwards of the NRL era.

Tackle 3: Origin Must Stay on Wednesday

The NRL needs to stand firm on keeping State of Origin on a Wednesday night. There has been much bleating in recent times from players about the difficulty they have in backing up from rep football. Origin is the centrepiece of the NRL empire and it has been ultra-successful located on a Wednesday night. It has been tried every night of the week yet Wednesday has proven successful in terms of rating, popular appeal and crowds. If quick backups are a concern, the NRL should look at instituting a "flexible schedule" that will allow the NRL to move games around after Origin teams have been announced to allow those flush with players to play Sunday or Monday. Conversely, the NRL could look into a "Millenium Magic" like deal where the round is played at one or two venues on both the Saturday and the Sunday, which would eliminate the Friday backup.

Tackle 4: Canterbury in Crisis

The Bulldogs are a club in crisis after they fell to a humiliating home loss to Cronulla, Canterbury have lost five of their last six, Kevin Moore is possibly days from being the first Canterbury coach fired mid-contract since they entered big-time rugby league in 1935, their star centre was suspended because he couldn't be bothered turning up to training, the club captain has not been offered a new contract and the team is playing without enthusiasm or direction. Changes need to be made and now if the Bulldogs are to salvage 2011 and avoid missing the finals in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1990.

Tackle 5: Expansion Plans Halted

It was extremely disappointing to hear David Gallop say on ABC Radio on Sunday that time was running out for expansion in 2013 with Gallop signalling it was more likely to take place in 2015. This is an opportunity lost. Expansion needs to start in 2013 to give the new franchises the best chance of winning early and to give the NRL the best possible outcome in the next television deal. There will be a huge influx of players onto the market in 2013 with player-managers forecasting a rise in the salary cap due to a large television contract. New clubs must be able to establish themselves with early success and the NRL is missing a big opportunity by delaying expansion as well as leaving cash on the table with the new television deal. The NRL should be planning for expansion in 2013 right now.

Tackle 6: The Tigers Make the Wrong Call

The Wests Tigers' reported pursuit of Adam Blair that has led to a forward exodus at the club looks far from being the right call. The Tigers have already lost Bryce Gibbs and Andrew Fifita to the Sharks with Liam Fulton also expected to be moved on. When the Tigers met the Storm on Sunday, Blair certainly came off second best even though the Storm got the win. Bryce Gibbs nearly found the tryline twice while Andrew Fifita was tough to tackle all day. Adam Blair was hardly spotted despite 67 minutes of game-time. It has been a similar story all season as Blair again takes the mantle of the most overrated forward in the NRL. The Tigers have reportedly lured Blair on big money but their forward pack in 2012 will be worse off because of it.