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 10.
Ivan dismisses McLean for Blues
Ivan Cleary has brushed off any calls for Casey McLean to play for the Blues, saying that the jersey belongs to Latrell Mitchell.
"I thought Latrell's a lock for that spot," Cleary said.
When asked if he could see McLean playing on the wing as a result of a stacked centre combo, he simply replied with "no".
While he doesn't see McLean slotting into the Blues side in Game I, he is aware of many other Penrith stars who will -- as are his young guns who will be filling their roles.
"I think they're all aware of how it goes," he admitted of his younger players who will be expected to step up throughout the Origin period.
"We all know what's coming."
Henry's return
Penrith Panthers youngster Liam Henry makes his return to NRL football this weekend, and his coach says his excitement is palpable.
"Yes," he said when asked if it's been hard to hold Henry back from playing over the last few weeks.
"He's one of those guys who just loves it -- every part of the game."
Cleary went on to say that Henry's role is quite simple heading into their clash against the Raiders this weekend, despite the young forward's eagerness to play hard.
"[I've told him to] just be himself," Cleary shared.
"Try not to play the game too early -- he's a pretty excitable guy.
"[We're] really looking forward to it, he just needs to play his role. He knows what that is."
Key Sharks eyeing return
Cronulla Sharks duo Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jessie Ramien are both gearing up for their return to footy, with Magic Round against the Bulldogs circled on the calendar.
"Yeah I do [think Mulitalo could return in Magic Round]," head coach Craig Fitzgibbon revealed.
"He's out there training now. He's got some hurdles to get through but he's been pretty hard to hold back for a while."
Fitzgibbon went on to say Ramien has "turned a corner" and he is anticipating a return for him next week.
"We thought he could come back this week," he said.
"He's definitely a strong chance for next week."
Sharks keen to keep McInnes
Craig Fitzgibbon has said while he prefers not to discuss contracts this close to a game, Cronulla would "love to keep him" beyond this season.
"We'd love to keep Cam, I don't think that'd be a secret," he said.
"Whether we can or not remains to be seen."
He commended McInnes for his "intensity" since returning, admitting "when he gets into your team, it tends to help."
Val's honest Origin appraisal
Valentine Holmes has made clear he intends to play for the Queensland Maroons once again in 2026, but knows he must improve his form to do so.
"We're coming to the pointy end of those Origin selections... I want to be playing some good footy," he declared.
He added that while he hopes to be featured in this year's State of Origin, he doesn't feel like he's been good enough to don the Maroons jersey in 2026.
"If you asked me a few years ago, it would probably be playing on my mind a fair bit," Holmes admitted. "Playing under Billy, one thing he's always said is 'no matter how many times you've worn the jersey, you've gotta earn it,' and I haven't earned it."
Dragons on office hours?
Dean Young has wasted little time implementing structural changes at the Dragons following Shane Flanagan's departure, with the interim coach enforcing strict working hours onto the playing group.
"[He's] changed the way we structure things around the way we train," Valentine Holmes revealed. "You're in by 7 o'clock, leave by 5 o'clock - and when we're here, we're here to work."
He also said the coaches around the club have been "more available," and that he's enjoying the changes put in place.
Pasifika Tonga's change of heart
Following ESPN's reports earlier last month that Loko Pasifiki Tonga had requested a release from the Dragons, the young star has since seen the club in a new light.
ESPN understands that the emergence of Dean Young as Shane Flanagan's replacement has been a positive one for the star prospect, who has been enjoying his time under the interim coach.
At this stage, Pasifiki Tonga will not pushing forward with his earlier release request.
Teddy for Blues?
Sydney Roosters and NSW Blues hooker Reece Robson has thrown his support behind his skipper James Tedesco's potential Origin selection.
"Definitely," Robson said when asked if Tedesco should be the Blues fullback in 2026.
"There's a lot of great talent out there, but it's hard to go past his form at the moment. He's been unreal."
Robson also spoke on his own Blues ambitions, admitting he is hoping to play Origin once again.
"It's always a dream to pull on that jersey," he said.
"I'd obviously grab it with both hands and run with it."
Roosters injuries
Mark Nawaqanitawase underwent surgery for a syndesmosis injury today, James Tedesco confirmed.
"It's disappointing for him and the team, but if you have surgery it's usually a pretty quick turnaround," Tedesco said of his teammate's setback.
Tedesco also said that Angus Crichton's knee injury "isn't too bad", and expects him to return in 1-2 weeks.
Ramsey's revival
Cody Ramsey returned for his first NRL game in four years on the weekend after suffering a long battle with ulcerative colitis, a feat that he and his teammates were buzzing about on Monday.
"It puts a smile on your face," Tedesco said of Ramsey's return.
"Obviously his journey and the story he's been through to get back playing 1st grade after so long in the game, and what he had to go through physically and mentally -- it's a really exciting, really proud moment for us to see him on the field."
Reece Robson echoed the sentiment, saying "It was unreal".
"For me to hear more about his story since being here at the club with him, it just makes you so happy to see something like that and to see what he's had to overcome to get back out there on the field," he said.
Ramsey admitted that while he's stoked to be back playing footy, he hopes to continue to raise awareness around the condition.
"I think that there should be awareness [around] ulcerative colitis," he admitted.
"I've had thousands of messages, I've spoken to kids, and when I was in hospital, there was a kid that was 12 years old that had the same thing going on.
" So I'd always want people to know what happened to me for sure, just because there are people living like that... it could happen to you."