Lunchtime Wrap

The NRL match review committee has a busy morning following a spate of high tackles in matches over the weekend.

Melbourne's win over Parramatta on Friday night is likely to attract most attention.

Three Eels - Timana Tahu, Nathan Hindmarsh and PJ Marsh could all be in hot water along with Melbourne backrower Michael Crocker.

Newcastle's season threatens to go from bad to worse with stand-in captain Steve Simpson placed on report for a high tackle on Penrith winger Mark O'Halloran yesterday while Cronulla's Reece Williams was also put on report for a high tackle in Saturday night's loss to Wests Tigers.

Nine NRL teams remain in the hunt for the five remaining berths in the finals after North Queensland joined Melbourne and Manly in booking their September tickets over the weekend.

St George Illawarra, Cronulla and Newcastle dropped out.

Two rounds remain with the Bulldogs, Parramatta, New Zealand Warriors, Wests Tigers, Brisbane, South Sydney, Gold Coast, Canberra and the Sydney Roosters still in contention for the playoffs.

Souths take on high-flying Manly tonight and will be eyeing off a spot in the top eight when they take the field at Telstra Stadium.

The Bunnies can leapfrog Brisbane into eighth spot with a win against the Sea Eagles who've won their last six matches. Souths chances of springing an upset were dealt a blow yesterday when backrower David Fa'alogo was ruled out due to injury.

Officials are hopeful of a crowd in excess of 20,000 but the forecast rain could be a problem.

The Roosters stayed alive despite slumping to a four-point loss to the Titans yesterday, ending Brad Fittler's unbeaten coaching run. Penrith flogged Newcastle 46-12 to leave four teams battling for the wooden spoon.

The Panthers are just two points behind the Knights, Dragons and the Sharks.