It was a round full of unfortunate injuries, with some of the biggest names in the NRL going down.
Luke Keary, Mitchell Moses and Ben Hunt all suffered injuries in their respective matches, with the former gone for the season after tearing his ACL against South Sydney.
While things are reaching critical stages at the Cowboys and Bulldogs with new coaches Todd Payten and Trent Barrett failing to find a win at their respective clubs to start the year.
There were some great inidividual moments as well - Viliame Kikau and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's try-saving efforts just two great examples.
Here are all the burning questions and key talking points from the weekend.
Mass injuries prove the need for medical sub?
Round three came at a huge cost to most clubs with a staggering 21 players injured throughout the weekend, with debate over an 18th man coming to the fore.
Cronulla were forced to play the entire second-half without any substitutes, while the Raiders were left with only 14 players for 68 minutes.
Much of the debate for an 18th man to be introduced has centred around the potential that coaches will find ways to exploit the change.
However, the Rugby League Players Association has now demanded the change be introduced immediately.
Speaking on Fox League, Matty Johns said the weekend's injury toll, which has possibly correlated with the faster speed and fewer stoppages in play, proved its necessity.
“It’s common sense, I’m surprised it hasn’t happened already,” Johns said.
“But I think the league is concerned it will get exploited.”
Of the 21 players that went down over the weekend, eight suffered concussion.
NRL great James Graham believes the way the game has evolved, the positives outweigh the negatives in the 18th man debate.
“I think it is a good thing especially on issues like concussion,” Graham said on Fox League.
“It takes away the pressure from the player to want to get back out there. If you have got that back-up where you know you can be replaced by a substitute then it really does take away from your mind, I really need to pass this test instead of no I need the best medical advice.
“There is going to be cons to it, but our game is evolving and I think this is one of the steps that can continue on that evolution of our game.”
Panthers built for any type of adversity
Not many teams can take down the premiers without their most important player, let alone two of them.
But that's exactly what Penrith did on Thursday night, rendering Melbourne to back-to back defeats for the first time since August 2018.
The loss of Nathan Cleary to a concussion during the week , which compounded Api Koroisau's long-term absence with a broken hand , presented the Panthers with the ultimate test and opportunity to prove what kind of team they really are and they excelled.
Matt Burton proved exactly why the Bulldogs are so hellbent on getting to Belmore this season, the stand-in halfback composure beyond his six NRL games of experience. Jarome Luai also stepped things up in Cleary's absence.
While Mitch Kenny, who will replace Koroisau at hooker until at least round seven, was also enormous in the No. 9 making a game-high 53 tackles playing the full 80 minutes.
But the entire team performance from the Panthers, who were also forced to overcome the adversity of losing fullback Dylan Edwards midway through the second-half, was simply remarkable.
Ivan Cleary's side are now 3-0 to start the year, but most pleasing is the manner in which last year's runners-up have gone about picking up those wins.
After cruising to victory and not conceding a point in their wins over the Cowboys and Bulldogs to start the year, Thursday's win exemplified the grit and poise the Panthers have developed after last year's incredible climb to the grand final.
It's going to take an almighty effort and some luck to take down Penrith this year.
South Sydney continue to press premiership claims
After their final round thumping in 2020, many expected the Sydney Roosters to come back with a vengeance as they faced their arch-rivals South Sydney.
However, the Rabbitohs gave them nothing as they dominated the contest to take a convincing victory.
In his first game against his old side, Latrell Mitchell was electric at the back, out-pointing James Tedesco as he set up two of the Rabbitohs tries.
Meanwhile, Cody Walker has continued his strong form from the back-end of the season as he toyed with the Roosters defence.
With the Panthers and Storm showing that they will be premiership contenders, the Rabbitohs continue to show why it won't be a two-horse race come October.
Knights' inconsistencies will haunt them again
It's been their weakness for the last couple of years, and a home loss to a struggling Wests Tigers outfit isn't going to alleviate any doubts about Newcastle.
After winning their first two games against Canterbury and New Zealand, they fell on Sunday afternoon in Mitchell Pearce's 300th game.
They had some big names sidelined with injury, but there's no excuse for a side with as many quality players as the Knights to be coming up with 17 errors and losing to the Tigers.
If they want to be a serious premiership contender, these are the types of games Newcastle must win.
Zac Lomax mounting case for Origin selection
After NSW's disappointing series defeat, Brad Fittler should be looking at widespread changes, with Dragons centre Zac Lomax bursting down the door for selection.
In the past, Fittler has opted to select the likes of Jack Wighton, Tom Trobjevic and Clint Gutherson in the position.
However, it's time for Lomax to rightfully get his shot at the position.
He was immense for the Dragons, leaping high to snatch the ball out of the air for their opening try of the game.
Lomax would then bag a double as he remained perfect with the boot, slotting seven from seven.
It continues his remarkable streak from the tee, converting his last 22 shots at goal.
Whilst it may be early to talk about the NSW team, surely Lomax has earned his spot.
