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 heading into Round 26 of the NRL.
Turuva to miss Tigers starting lineup
Sunia Turuva will remain on the Tigers' bench against North Queensland, with Benji Marshall reluctant to tinker with the side that snapped an eight-game losing streak against the Roosters.
Turuva has been dealing with leg soreness but is available for the trip to Townsville, with Marshall confirming the premiership winner will instead be tasked with providing impact from the interchange.
"He'll be on the bench," Marshall confirmed.
"It's hard to change a winning team after the weekend.
"He'll have to give us energy off the bench and do what he does, bring good energy, but you can't fault the way the guys went on the weekend to take that away from them."
'It took nuts": Benji praises clutch Tiger
Benji Marshall believes Jock Madden has proven he belongs in the NRL after playing a decisive role in the Tigers' upset victory over the Roosters.
Madden delivered in the clutch against one of the competition's premiership contenders, with Marshall revealing he always believed the halfback possessed the tools to control an NRL side.
"I thought he showed on the weekend that he's a true first-grade player," Marshall said.
"If you look at all our wins this year, he's been heavily involved in those.
"It's credit to him because he's had a bit of a tough road and hasn't had a lot of consistent first grade.
"For him, it was a moment where he can draw [confidence] for the future and understand that he belongs."
Marshall was particularly impressed by Madden's willingness to take responsibility with the game on the line.
"As a halfback or a player, you want to have those moments where you get to be clutch," Marshall said. "It took a lot of nuts for Jock to do that."
Cook tips Liddle to bounce back in 2027
Damien Cook has backed Jacob Liddle to produce a strong campaign next season after another frustrating year interrupted by injury.
There were initially concerns Liddle had suffered an Achilles injury, but Cook said the eventual diagnosis was more encouraging than first feared.
Despite the setbacks, Cook believes Liddle's recent form showed where his game is heading.
"I really love where his game is at," Cook said. "I've got full confidence that next year he's going to have a really good season with the boys."
Lykhan King-Togia has opened up on the impact Cook has had on the Dragons' younger players, saying the biggest lessons have come from watching how the veteran prepares away from game day.
King-Togia pointed to Cook's diet, recovery, stretching and extra training as an example of what is required to build longevity in the NRL.
"The main thing from him is consistency," King-Togia said. "You see what he does away from the field, his preparation, his diet, the extra stretching he does and the extras on the field."
King-Togia comfortable with selection pressure
King-Togia says he has embraced the pressure surrounding his place in the Dragons side after earning more consistent NRL minutes late in the season.
The young playmaker revealed coach Dean Young has made his selection policy simple: perform and keep the jersey, or risk losing it.
"If you perform, you stay in the side. If not, then you're out," King-Togia said.
After spending parts of the year watching from the sidelines, King-Togia said he was grateful to be back in the team and determined to make the most of the final two games.
Galvin relishing Cleary rematch
Lachlan Galvin will take lessons gathered from Nathan Cleary during his time in New South Wales camp into Canterbury's season-defining clash with Penrith on Friday night.
Galvin played a leading role when the Bulldogs handed the Panthers their first defeat of the season in Round 6, but the young halfback knows another major performance will be required as Canterbury look to keep their finals hopes alive.
"I spoke to him a little bit when I went into Blues camp," Galvin shared.
"He's the benchmark for halfbacks in the competition. Anything I can learn off him is pretty cool, and it'll be a pretty cool contest against him again."
The Bulldogs claimed a convincing 32-16 victory in their previous meeting, although Galvin insisted the result would count for little four months on.
"That's a fair while ago," he said.
"We'll do our video, look at their weaknesses and strengths and prepare for them like we prepare for every team.
"If we can bring our best again next week, we know we can go toe-to-toe with any team. When we're at our best, we can beat anyone in the competition."
Kiraz confirms Lebanon plans
Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz has confirmed his intention to represent Lebanon at the end of the season, provided his body emerges unscathed from Canterbury's push towards the finals.
"Yes, I'm playing for Lebanon at the end of the year," Kiraz said.
"Obviously, hopefully the body pulls up, but it feels pretty good now. I'll worry about this season and hopefully going all the way with the Dogs, but I'm keen to put the Lebanon jersey on again."
Lebanon are expected to be without Adam Doueihi, who is set to undergo surgery, with Kiraz identifying promising playmaker Alex Conti as a potential option in his absence.
"Adam has to get the surgery and it is what it is," Kiraz said.
"It's upsetting because he's one of our leaders, but at the end of the day it's next man up.
"We've got Alex Conti, who will hopefully be in that jersey.
"He's a weapon."
Kiraz also revealed he has continued attempting to convince Mitchell Moses to return to the international arena with Lebanon.
"I've been telling him a lot," Kiraz joked.
"I don't know if the guy is [reading this], but hopefully he makes a good decision."