The NRL rarely stands still.
Between NRL 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 before, and after, State of Origin Game I, and then into Round 13 of the NRL.
Dragons emerge as likely Watson destination
Connor Watson's likely landing spot for 2027 appears to be becoming clearer, with the Dragons emerging as the frontrunners for the experienced utility before his expected move to the PNG franchise in 2028, ESPN understands.
While Canterbury had explored Watson as a potential option for next season, sources with knowledge of the discussions indicated the Bulldogs ultimately decided against pursuing the move further.
It's also understood the Tigers were not viewed as a likely destination despite recent speculation linking the veteran to the club.
Watson is expected to join the PNG franchise from 2028, though the Dragons now appear well-placed to secure his services for the season prior.
Bulldogs Boost with Crichton to play Tigers
Canterbury skipper Stephen Crichton will suit up for the Bulldogs on Saturday, after pulling up unscathed for the Blues in Origin I.
Marcelo Montoya will drop out of the side with a knee injury, and will likely miss just one week.
"Marcelo's knee is no good anyway, so he's going to miss out and Enari [Tuala] will go back to the wing."
He also confirmed Connor Tracey has been rehabbing well from his hamstring injury, which he said has been bothering him for a few weeks.
Injury-plagued Parramatta
Parramatta Eels captain Mitchell Moses could return for the Eels "in a pinch" against the Bulldogs in Round 14, with his hamstring injury being considered a low Grade 1.
Jonah Pezet is nursing his own hamstring injury, and will miss a month of footy.
Benji surprise support for Galvin
Tigers coach Benji Marshall says the Bulldogs are "very good on their day" and will have a lot of strike to subdue this weekend, highlighting his former halfback Lachlan Galvin in particular.
"Galvin's copped a bit of criticism," he said of the 20-year-old.
"But he's actually been going very well for [the Bulldogs]."
He went on to say that Jacob Kiraz has been "very underrated," admitting he poses a big threat to the Tigers' defence, which he believes has dwindled in recent weeks.
"We started the season off with a real grit in our defence," Marshall began.
"Over the past three games we've sort of let that defence intensity slide."
No Blues in Tiger Town
Benji Marshall admits he wants his star players playing for the Blues in State of Origin Game II, after being overlooked in Wednesday night's thriller.
"The guys in contention - Api [Koroisau], Terrell [May], Adam [Doueihi], Jarome [Luai] - it's good to have those guys with us," Marshall said.
"But you always want your players in those rep teams, because they always go over and come back with a new energy [after] learning so many new things.
"Hopefully they put in some good performances over the next few weeks to put themselves in contention for the next game."
Jacob Preston update
Bulldogs star Jacob Preston has undergone successful surgery on a fractured forearm, and is on the mend following the injury in Canterbury's win over the Storm.
"[Preston] is all good, obviously really disappointed, but he knows it's a part of the journey," Sitili Tupouniua shared.
He also said he's using Preston's injury as extra motivation for himself, and is happy to fill in for him in a starting role if required.
Bronson bounces back
Bronson Xerri has admitted he's had to face some tough realities since being dropped early this season, and believes his form has been reflective of the work he's put in.
"I obviously had to come back and ask myself some hard questions," Xerri said.
"I feel like I've been putting my best foot forward since then, so it's nice to show that on game day."
He shared that while being relegated to NSW Cup was "definitely hard," he believes Cameron Ciraldo's decision to drop him helped him regain his form.
"I set some goals for myself, and Ciro and I had a great chat," he said.
"Everything happens for a reason and it's put me in the position that I'm in now."
He also said he's changed his mindset and set his "standards pretty high" as a result.
Meanwhile, Canterbury have unleashed a genuine enforcer in Jack Underhill this season, with the young prop imposing his will on opposing forward packs in his opening 2 games.
His teammates couldn't see enough kind words about him, with the hulking forward hoping to remain in the Bulldogs' NRL squad.
"He's a character - the boys love him," Bronson Xerri said.
"So good to see him [in just] his second game to come out and kill it like he did."
McInnes confirms exit
Sharks skipper Cam McInnes has confirmed he will depart the Sharks at season's end, while also revealing he spoke to the Bears before deciding to move to the Super League.
"This will be my final year at the Sharks," he said.
"I had some good conversations [with the Bears] but it just didn't transpire in the end."
His teammate Tom Hazelton said McInnes is the "heart and soul" of the Sharks, admitting it'll be hard to see his skipper go.
Next Shark Up
Cronulla will have a few stars featuring in the Origin arena on Wednesday.
While Hazelton admitted the Sharks are unsure who will back up after Game I, Braydon Trindall said there were plenty of youngsters knocking on the door to replace them.
"It's just next man up," Trindall said.
"The boys are all keen to get a go and maybe even a debut or two, if things work out that way."
He said that Hohepa Puru is one young star standing out, recalling his efforts against the Bulldogs in Round 11.
"We saw at the end of the game, when [Hohepa] chased Galvin down," he recalled.
"That is what we're looking for in this team - boys that want to compete."
Hazelton the Blue
Hazelton was invited to train with the NSW Blues last week, which he said was a "pretty cool experience."
He revealed it's his dream to play for the Blues, but won't take the invite as a sign that he's on Laurie Daley's radar for an Origin callup.
"It's probably not my nature to read into stuff like that too much," Hazelton admitted.
"I was just pretty chuffed to be able to experience something like that."
He also noted how surreal the turnout of fans was for him to witness, commending the Central Coast-based Blues fans for their support.
"The fan turnout was amazing," he admitted.