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 either side of State of Origin Game II and then into Round 16 of the NRL.
Fitter Critta!
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has watered down concerns around Stephen Crichton's fitness, declaring the star centre fit for their clash against the Sea Eagles.
"He's feeling a lot better," Ciraldo said of Crichton after he was ruled out of Origin II.
"Just having the week off last week, [he] feels refreshed."
Ciraldo admitted the club's "not totally sure" at this stage if Crichton will require surgery in the offseason.
He also shared his admiration for Jacob Kiraz, who has been playing through a torn calf in recent weeks.
"I don't know what the secret is to him, it might be the Lebanese food he gets at home," he joked.
What's Doueihi doing?
Wests Tigers star Adam Doueihi is considered "a long shot" to return for the club this weekend against the Dolphins, as he still needs to tick a few boxes.
"He'll do some work today [Thursday], but we're not banking on it," Marshall shared.
"If it's not this week, it's next week [that he will return]."
His teammate Kai Pearce-Paul is also set for an extended sideline stint, after tearing his pec in Round 15.
Marshall admitted the loss of Pearce-Paul was a blow for the Tigers, who have already been ravaged by injury, but is confident in Tony Sukkar's ability to step up.
"He's a big loss for us, I think he's been outstanding this year for us," he said.
"Added to that injury toll that is already affecting us [and] it's a bit of a disappointing time for him, but at the same time it gives an opportunity for another guy.
"I thought Tony [Sukkar] was excellent on the weekend for us, and he'll get a nice start there."
Api to be there?
Benji Marshall admitted he was surprised to see his captain Api Koroisau tally a total of 0 minutes in Origin II on Wednesday night, which will cause a shake-up to the Tigers' gameplan on Saturday.
"To be honest, we were probably expecting Api play last night," Marshall admitted.
"So we planned a little bit differently, but now that he didn't play, he'll be right to play for us."
He refused to go into whether he believes Koroisau should have played, saying that Blues selection "is not up to" him.
Young's simple formula
Ryan Couchman has credited Dean Young's simplified approach for the Dragons' improved form over the past month, saying the interim coach has stripped the game plan back and restored confidence within the squad.
"Firstly, he's just stripped it all back," Couchman said.
"He's made it pretty simple and clear on our roles and puts a lot of confidence in each individual to go there and do a job."
Consistency remains the next challenge according to Couchman, who admitted the Dragons are still searching for complete 80-minute performances.
"We've got to do it for 80 minutes of the game," he said.
"We came out and showed what we're capable of in that first half and then we went back to old ways."
Egan's team-first mentality
Despite being among St George Illawarra's most consistent performers in recent weeks, Dylan Egan says he'd happily sacrifice personal form if it meant the Dragons were collecting competition points.
"I'd rather play crap and the team win, to be honest," Egan said.
After returning from a lengthy injury layoff earlier this season, Egan says he's finally feeling back to full fitness and believes the Dragons' next generation is embracing the responsibility of helping lift the club up the ladder.
"Us young boys know the club's not where we want to be at the moment and we're just doing whatever we can to try change that," he said.
"I was definitely huffing and puffing... I feel I've got the lungs back."
Liddle ready
Jacob Liddle says he's excited by the prospect of becoming the Dragons' long-term hooker following Damien Cook's departure at the end of 2026.
After a frustrating injury-interrupted season, Liddle says his focus remains on helping St George Illawarra finish strongly, but admitted the opportunity ahead excites him.
"Very excited," Liddle said when asked about potentially taking ownership of the No. 9 jersey in 2027.
The hooker added that while the opportunity appeals to him, his immediate focus remains on helping the Dragons build momentum this season and finish 2026 on a positive note.