1. Trent Robinson is not afraid to mix it up

In a bid to combat the bigger Bulldogs, Roosters coach Trent Robinson shuffled his side before kick-off. Boyd Cordner – normally camped on the Roosters' right edge – shifted to the middle of the field, with the ever reliable Mitch Aubusson starting the game. Cordner was arguably the Roosters' best. What the switch did was allow the Roosters to muscle their way into the game, but it also gave the Roosters more thrust off the interchange bench through big man Sio Siua Taukeiaho.

2. The Roosters need room

Despite the wet conditions, the Roosters backs saw more ball than they did in their opening finals loss to the Storm. What the Storm did so well, and what Brisbane will need to do to beat the Roosters next week, is suffocate them: keep the Roosters on the back foot and playing off a slow play the ball. Instead, centres Michael Jennings and Blake Ferguson were given more room, and caused damage on the edges. Quicker play the balls also brought Jake Friend into the game and made him another focal point in attack.

3. Bulldogs concussion drama 

The NRL could again be forced to investigate the Bulldogs' concussion procedures after Josh Reynolds was left on the field despite having wobbly legs. Reynolds came reeling out of a tackle on Cordner, when it seemed like his head made contact with Cordner's hip. A Bulldogs trainer checked on Reynolds – and he looked to have displayed discomfort in his shoulder – allowing Reynolds to play on. The NRL is investigating the Bulldogs' handling of incidents involving Frank Pritchard and James Graham.

4. Kane Evans continues to improve

Evans has been arguably the most potent forward in the game in recent weeks. His second phase has come a long way, while he has found a way to temper his aggression. Evans changed the game on his own in the second half. He turned what looked like a regulation hit-up into a controversial try and then helped add the next points with a late offload to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who exploded past the defensive line to score.

5. Jackson Hastings will still have a role in this finals series

There was a moment where Hastings oozed class. With the protection of a two-try lead, and spotting no fullback at home, Hastings produced an early-tackle kick into the in-goal and forced a line dropout, keeping the pressure on a tiring Bulldogs side. His boot also laid on the final try for Shaun Kenny-Dowall. With halfback Mitchell Pearce all but certain to return from a hamstring injury next week, Hastings is still expected to feature in the finals series as an impact player off the interchange bench.