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The race for the NRL finals is back in focus after the State of Origin period, with the NRL's big guns recording wins and Brisbane regaining their form.

SNAPSHOT OF ROUND 20 OF THE NRL SEASON

PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Reece Walsh. Showed just how dangerous he and Brisbane can be after tearing apart Newcastle. Scored a try and set up two others as he bounced back from his State of Origin disappointment.

QUOTE OF THE ROUND: "It feels like three years, but it's been 60-odd days." - Brisbane coach Kevin Walters after his team snapped their six-game losing streak in that same game.

TALKING POINT: Should State of Origin bans carry over to club football? Both South Sydney and Manly were fuming that they lost Cameron Murray and Haumole Olakau'atu respectively the Suncorp Stadium brawl. But the NRL are adamant their current approach is the right one.

MAGIC MOMENT: Nathan Cleary's golden-point field goal against the Dolphins. From 42 metres out, the Penrith halfback nailed the shot in his first game back from a long hamstring layoff.

STAT THAT MATTERS: Melbourne have now won six straight, keeping their four-point advantage at the top of the table. A home final now appears inevitable, with the Storm having the chance to not leave Melbourne during the finals until the decider. 

CASUALTY WARD: Warriors - Taine Tuaupiki (concussion), Adam Pompey (knee); Storm - Grant Anderson (knee); Broncos - Brendan Piakura (groin); Rabbitohs - Richie Kennar (concussion); Sea Eagles - Lehi Hopoate (eye socket); Knights - Bradman Best (hamstring); Panthers - Paul Alamoti (arm).

JUDICIARY WATCH: Tigers - Aidan Sezer (dangerous contact); Storm - Joe Chan (dangerous contact).

UNDER PRESSURE: Wests Tigers. They are now firmly on track for their third straight wooden spoon, with halfback Aidan Sezer's second suspension of the year for a hip-drop tackle adding to their woes.