The NRL rarely stands still.
Between training sessions, media appearances, and behind-the-scenes conversations, new storylines often begin to emerge before the weekend arrives.
Throughout the week, ESPN will be gathering notes, insights, and updates from around the competition as clubs prepare for Round 8.
Fresh Panthers eyeing improvement
Kalani Leuluai-Going and Billy Phillips have had blistering starts to their respective seasons, however, both admit they're ongoing projects.
I think for me, [I've been trying to] work on my fitness as much as I can," Leuluai-Going said.
"The game's getting a lot faster, so if I can try to do that, it'll put me on the right positions to do my job a lot better."
Phillips echoed his teammates sentiment of wanting to get better, but said that he simply wants trust in his own ability and improve off that.
Liam Henry is another young Panther that has been rapidly improving, but was not named in either NRL or NSW Cup. Despite that, Casey McLean revealed his teammate has not been affected by injury.
"He's all fine," McLean said when asked about Henry's health.
"I think the club's being a little bit cautious on him coming back, [he just needs to] tick a few boxes."
Student vs. Master
They may be battling each other on the field this Sunday, but the recently-suspended Casey McLean has nothing but love Kiwis teammate Dylan Brown, revealing he's been a bigger mentor than people think.
"He's a great player, but probably an even better person," he said of Brown.
"He was kind of one that took me under his wing in (Kiwis) camp, so it'll be a really cool challenge to go off against him."
Meanwhile, Billy Phillips shared that Scott Sorensen has been a huge influence on his development, identifying the veteran as a key mentor in his transition into the NRL.
"Scott Sorensen has been a big one for me," Phillips admitted.
"All of his experience has just been helping me in a way. Our lockers are next to each other in there as well, so it's good coming in every day and seeing him."
No Tommy? No worries!
The Manly Sea Eagles may be without their star fullback against the Eels this weekend, but the players believe his replacement is just as lethal.
"Tolu Koula's not a bad replacement," Jason Saab said chuckling.
"Obviously, [he has] very different play style, different running style [to Tommy]. He's a lot quicker, but he's a lot quicker than pretty much everyone."
Siua Taukeiaho admitted that he and leadership group are "trying to take the pressure off" their injured captain and replicate his support for the group.
Kobe's Knees
Kobe Hetherington has revealed he is completely removed from any rehab training, following meniscus tears in both knees in 2025 with the Broncos.
"I've never felt better to be honest, I had a pretty good preseason," he admitted.
"Obviously, I do with my extras here and there, but I'm just [training] with the team 100% [of the time] now."
His complete return to full-time training has meant he gets to spend more time with Kierans Foran, who he said is different to his past coaches.
"Every coach is sort of different, and every coach brings their own attributes," he said.
"Foz brings that sort of heart and soul Manly attitude... We want to run through a brick wall for Foz."