Welcome to The Fair Dinkum Department - a weekly deep dive into rugby league's hottest issues and whether or not we think they are real or ridiculous.
Canberra's struggles continued with a loss to the Broncos and with their finals hopes hanging by a threat, Ricky Stuart has called in some powerful buddies to help silence the negative noise.
On the flip side, Newcastle have continued to cement themselves as the NRL surprise packets, while the futures of two talented young guns remains clouded.
Here's your weekly look at the biggest issues in the NRL, courtesy of The Fair Dinkum Department.
Check out the full episode in the YouTube links below.
Is Jared Waerea-Hargreaves a liability for Roosters?
Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will miss the remainder of the NRL season, with two separate incidents in a chaotic brain snap against the Tigers set to have a major impact on the side's finals hopes.
The 34-year-old has been suspended for seven matches and many have branded him as a 'liability' for the club in the wake of the incident - but that might be a bridge too far.
FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Does Ricky Stuart need to stop whinging?
Canberra are on the verge of missing the NRL finals series, with another disappointing loss to the Broncos over the weekend coupled with another meltdown from head coach Ricky Stuart.
From swearing at a cameraman to blasting the officials, Stuart has somehow escaped any sanctions and has even received a bizarre apology from the head of Fox Sports.
FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Did the Canterbury Bulldogs back the wrong horse?
The late-season woes for the Bulldogs continued in Round 26, with another poor performance against an injury-riddled Manly side placing the blowtorch on the players.
But as is always the case in rugby league, the coach could find himself under the microscope sooner rather than later.
FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Is Cameron Murray the right captain for South Sydney?
Despite the struggling Rabbitohs having a much-needed week off in Round 26, the continued drama internally at Redfern has continued, with the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Jason Demetriou in the firing line.
There has even been criticism of captain Cameron Murray, with some sections of the media questioning whether he is the right man to lead Souths on and off the field.
FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Does the NRL minor premiership even matter?
Despite sitting in the box-seat to finish atop the NRL ladder, Brisbane will rest a host of players for their final-round clash with Melbourne, calling into question the significance of the JJ Giltinan Shield.
FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
