The big questions out of NRL round 21

THE big questions out of NRL round 21, including how big an impact will John Sutton's injury have on Souths' minor premiership hopes?

John Sutton

HAVE SOUTHS LOST THEIR MOMENTUM?

INJURIES to key men John Sutton and Greg Inglis coupled with surprise losses to the Cowboys and the Dragons over the past three weeks suddenly have the Rabbitohs' bid for a first minor premiership since 1989 appearing extremely unlikely.

Their brutal run home starts with a blockbuster against Melbourne Storm this Friday night, before matches against the Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Tigers and a final-round epic against the Roosters.

The Roosters, in contrast, close out with the Raiders, Tigers, Sharks and Titans.

Inglis is expected back within the next two weeks and Sutton is set to miss 2-4 weeks, so the stars are certainly set to return in time for the finals. But will this loss of momentum cruel Souths' premiership chances?

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HOW WILL THE RAIDERS RESPOND?

WHAT a debacle. 68-4. Throw in the fact yet another young Raiders star, Anthony Milford, wants out and it all looks to be coming undone for the Raiders.

But the thing to remember is this is a top-eight side and one that had not lost at home until the weekend's capitulation against the Storm.

It will be a true test of their resolve when they take on the high-flying Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.

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WHO'D WANT TO BE AN NRL COACH?

SO the Cowboys can play good football after all.

After North Queensland confirmed Neil Henry's services would no longer be required at season's end, the Cows pulled off an enormous upset, downing the Bunnies 30-12 in Townsville.

And, even though they pretty much need to win every game from hereon in and need all sorts of results to go their way, there is still a mathematical chance they could make the eight - albeit extremely unlikely.

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IS DUGAN THE BEST VALUE SIGNING OF THE YEAR?

THE Dragons took a calculated risk when they signed Josh Dugan to a try-before-you-buy 15-game contract following his falling out with the Raiders.

It resulted in him being catapulted into the Origin side and ultimately to a four-year $2.8 million contract.

Dugan was at it again on Monday night, scoring a double but it wasn't enough as the Bulldogs ran out 39-20 winners.

You've got to feel for Canberra.

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HOW DO THE STORM DO IT?

MELBOURNE Storm, as they always do, stumbled through the Origin period and now look to be peaking at exactly the right time.

The big three of Cam Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater were all key in the 68-4 win against the Raiders and as long as the trio are firing, the Storm's hopes of defending their premiership remain intact.

Intriguing battle Friday night against Souths.