Anthony Milford and Valentine Holmes have more reason to regret their Queensland camp indiscretions now that they are among the NRL's form players, according to Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan. Holmes, like Brisbane's Milford, was banned from Origin selection after a late night in Brisbane, but scored four tries in the 62-0 demotion of Newcastle at Hunter Stadium and probably should have got five. "They probably go home and go. 'Wow – the stuff-up's probably an even bigger stuff-up now' with the form that they're showing," said Flanagan. "They would have probably got a rep jumper in the next couple of weeks but the Queensland Rugby League made a decision and we've got to stand by that. The game is more important as a whole. We educate these blokes that your behaviour has got to be top notch off the field. If it is, they'll play rep footy." Quote of the afternoon came from Paul Gallen, regarding the Knights' inexperienced line-up. "There wouldn't be too many blokes who played for Newcastle today who would make any other first-grade side," said Gallen.

Too little, too late?

Some NRL officials have been trying to clear the way for Origin players to represent other countries since the 2013 World Cup. What they keep hearing from NSW and Queensland is that "you have to be Australian to play for an Australian state". This is based on a 1970s idea of what being "Australian" is. While local officials have dragged their heels on the issue, the needs and expectations of other countries have moved on. Getting a good player back for a game or two is still considered a good outcome for Pacific countries but the likes of the US and South Africa consider constant swapping a bad look for rugby league in their markets. Better the NRL pay at least one Test appearance fee a year and take money out of the equation when players choose or, as a cheaper option, make Anthony Milford and Semi Radradra NRL ambassadors to Samoa and Fiji and let them commit to those national teams for life.

More bunkum

Set Of Six understands the new policy for foul player and the bunker will mean Eveleigh intervenes very rarely. If you saw Joel Thompson's hit on Blake Austin on Thursday you'll agree with Canberra coach Ricky Stuart that the new policy has been introduced without anyone being told. The previous protocol had it that the Bunker could only intervene if the incident in question was worthy of being placed on report. The new policy, recommended by the coaches, has the Bunker butting out except in extreme circumstances. In other words, if the referees miss something that is not worthy of, say, a send-off, then, regardless of the incident being beamed into lounge rooms repeatedly in the minutes afterwards, it's "play on".

City life is Peachey

Three-try Tyrone Peachey says playing under the uber-chilled Brad Fittler has made him enjoy his football again. Speaking after the first hat-trick of his NRL career in Christchurch on Saturday night, Peachey told the Panthers website: "I think it just brought back to have fun with footy. Freddie's a good coach and he gave me a free rein, to do whatever I wanted. I just took [out of it] to have fun and to love footy again." Speaking of fun, Brisbane's Sam Thaiday had some at the expense of Manly's Nate Myles on Saturday night. When the two packs were warned to put their heads in a scrum or be penalised, Myles said: "His head is too big. It should be a penalty."

Having fun: Tyrone Peachey. Photo: Getty Images

Quite contrary

Paul "Mary" McGregor can't take a trick. After his players were accused on Anzac Day of diving, he said Sydney Roosters' complaints were aimed at getting a result from referees. Sure enough, at the next coaches meeting, measures were introduced (it seems) to discourage diving. Then came Mary's DIU charge. In round nine, Canberra coach Ricky Stuart complained about Penrith using a "wall" to protect would-be field-goal kickers. Next game, McGregor is up against his former NSW teammate Stuart and, low and behold, the Dragons are penalised for a wall while lining up a field goal. Post-match criticism of referees is banned by the NRL – but still sets the agenda for how the game is officiated.

Sironen cleared

Play during the NSW Cup game between Newcastle and Illawarra on Sunday was held up for 10 minutes while the Cutters' Damien Sironen – nephew of Paul – was attended to and carried from the field. Sironen complained of a pain at the top of his spine but while the delay was unsettling, later on a medical officer at Hunter Stadium said the youngster had not suffered any neurological damage. Sironen wasn't allowed to leave the venue until a specialist was brought in to make sure it was safe to do so.