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 ahead of Round 14 of the NRL.
Bulldogs injury update
Canterbury star Jacob Kiraz is still yet to train this week, after it was revealed he strained his calf in the warmup before the Tigers game last Saturday.
Head coach Cameron Ciraldo has set Kiraz's status for Round 14 as "50/50," while Stephen Crichton's availability is "a bit more hopeful" after having trained on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Connor Tracey has been cleared to return for the Bulldogs against the Parramatta Eels. Whether he plays at fullback or elsewhere is yet to be decided.
Belmore's best
Ciraldo has meanwhile heralded Sitili Tupouniua and Enari Tuala as Canterbury's best players in 2026, commending the pair for their hard work and reliability.
"They're two guys that have hardly trained over the last two weeks and have still been our best performers," Ciraldo declared.
"They've probably been our best players all year and the physical toughness they show every week to get themselves back on the field is incredible, but the mental toughness as well to miss sessions and miss reps, and [still play in] a number of different positions."
"They epitomise [toughness]."
Young has Dragons' respect
There has been plenty of speculation about the Dragons' permanent head coach past this season, but it seems the players have their pick laid out.
Interim coach Dean Young has seemingly won the locker room in his opening six weeks at the club, with the players backing him to take on the role fulltime.
"I have all the confidence in Young and his coaching staff," Valentine Holmes said.
"[The players] all respect Young a I think that's the main thing.
"You have to respect your head coach and the guys up high and they'll show the way. I think that's what he gets from all the players."
Tyrell Sloan echoed the sentiment, admitting he "loves" Young as a coach and believes he'll deliver if given the fulltime role.
The young outside back also admitted his preference is to play at fullback, despite being thrown onto the wing at times this season and last.
"Yeah, 100% [my preference is to play fullback]," Sloan shared.
"The wingers these days are mobile and a lot bigger than me, so I feel like I fit the mould as a fullback better.
"It's all I've ever played in my whole life, last year was the first time I've actually played consistent year on the wing."
Panthers stars return after sitting for Warriors win
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed that Origin stars in Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Brian To'o will all return for their Round 14 clash against the Tigers.
"They're back," he revealed on Tuesday.
Cleary sr. admitted that it's "super pleasing" to be able to get a win despite missing three Origin representatives, and said he's "confident in the guys that come in."
The coach revealed that son and halfback, Nathan, was a little "banged up" after Origin I, but is now "okay" after having the weekend off.
He also said that Liam Martin is good to go, despite having a "stop-start" opening few months to the season.
"Yeah, [he pulled up good]," Cleary said of Martin.
"I actually spoke to him just then, he's good.
"He's just happy to be back out there. He'll only get better."
Cleary said he wasn't sure if Martin is ready to slot back into the Origin arena, but believes he "wouldn't let anyone down" if he was picked.
Did Nathan dominate in Origin I?
Ivan Cleary has dismissed talks of Nathan "dominating" Origin I, saying the star halfback has played to that level many times before.
"I've always seen him do that," Ivan said.
"I don't even know what dominating Origin is, I've never seen anyone do it.
"Even Wally Lewis back in the day, he's probably the only one who's [truly dominated in Origin], but did he? I don't know."
Murray in for Twal at Tigers
Charlie Murray, who ESPN revealed earlier in the year had extended with the Tigers, will make his season debut in Round 14, replacing the injured Alex Twal in their clash against the Panthers on Sunday.
He is set to start for the Tigers in the No. 13 jumper, after impressing Benji Marshall in NSW Cup.
The 24-year-old spent time in the systems of the Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm before breaking through with the Tigers in 2025, initially arriving on a train-and-trial deal.
Murray is expected to leapfrog the bench to start at lock this weekend.