NRL Talking Points: Greg Inglis, Gareth Widdop and Ryan Sutton

Jenna Brooks has the latest from the NRL as Greg Inglis suffers alleged racial abuse, while Gareth Widdop is on track for a sensational season. Plus, is Ryan Sutton on the move?

Inglis abuse

The NRL has rallied behind Greg Inglis as the investigation into the weekend's alleged racial slur during South Sydney's 18-14 defeat to Penrith continues.

Inglis was leaving the pitch early in the second half for a concussion check, when he was booed by fans and reported that he heard someone from the crowd yell a racial slur.

Sam Burgess says his team-mate remains in good spirits: "Greg has been great. He's not kicked a fuss up, he's not said too much about it, it's not causing a distraction among the team."

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg says he will "throw the book" at the person who is alleged to have made the comment.

"The message is simple, we don't tolerate that sort of behaviour and nor does the community," Greenberg said.

"We will do everything we can to make sure that person is not welcome inside the game."

Penrith, who issued an apology to the Rabbitohs player, have handed over the evidence to the NRL Integrity Unit, as they work on identifying the party responsible. Inglis will also be interviewed by the NRL Integrity Unit on Thursday.

The act has also outraged Australia head coach Mal Meninga, who has called for a life ban to the person responsible.

"I reckon Greg will be hurting, and I applaud him for his actions and hopefully they find the perpetrator and kick him out for life."

Former Australia captain Darren Lockyer believes all sports can lead the way in educating people.

"I think the game has put its hand up for a while now saying it is just not acceptable and it is not just our game, it's all sport," Lockyer said.

Inglis will need to pass concussion protocol in a bid to play against Manly on Saturday.

Widdop magic

Gareth Widdop has made a sensational start to 2018. The St George Illawarra captain has led his side to two wins in as many games this season.

The England international has a new half-back partner in Ben Hunt and the pair have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, as the Dragons sit at the top of the NRL ladder.

Widdop finished third in the Dally M Medal count last year, but his performances so far in 2018 has former Newcastle, Wigan and Cronulla five-eighth Matthew Johns predicting a big year for the player.

"He's having some kind of season," Johns said. "It's just two rounds in, but barring injury, Widdop's going to have an enormous season and go very, very close to the Dally M Medal."

Sutton on the move?

He's in his fifth Super League season and has played almost 100 games for Wigan, but is Ryan Sutton's time with the Warriors over?

There have been numerous reports this year linking the prop to the NRL, but there is fresh speculation surrounding the 22-year old.

Sutton, who is out of contract at the end of the year, has told me he has had a brief conversion with Parramatta, but he is not going to rush into anything, despite reports suggesting the Eels are trying to make an immediate move for the player.

Sutton says he wants to see what his options are and make his decision around what's best for him.

Grand Final rematch

On Thursday, fans will be treated to a Grand Final rematch live on Sky Sports Arena when Melbourne host North Queensland.

The Storm are eighth in the ladder, while the Cowboys are ninth, both securing a win and a defeat.

Both sides will have a point to prove after Melbourne suffered a shock 10-8 loss to the Wests Tigers, and the Cowboys were beaten 24-20 by Brisbane in the Queensland derby.

Live NRL

North Queensland look to receive a timely boost, with playmaker Michael Morgan set to return after sitting out the opening two rounds with an abdominal injury.

But it's the Storm who have the measure over their opponents, with 26 wins from 36 games. Melbourne have also won their last five encounters.

Pearce v Roosters

Mitchell Pearce is excited to take on his former side the Roosters on Sunday.

Pearce, who spent 11 years playing for the Sydney club, left for Newcastle at the end of last season after the Roosters signed Cooper Cronk from the Melbourne Storm.

"It's exciting (playing the Roosters), it will be funny against some of my best mates who I have known for a long time," Pearce said.

The Knights have had a perfect start to 2018, with two wins from as many games and Pearce poked fun at the Roosters home attendance figures, and suggested there will be more traveling fans than home supporters.

"Hopefully it will be a big crowd, I'm sure we'll get plenty of Knights fans to come down, we seem to get more than the Roosters fans."

He has a point. Last year the Roosters average home crowds were less than the Knights. And it's worth remembering, that the last three years Newcastle have finished bottom of the ladder.