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 11.
Another Warrior leaving?
New Zealand Warriors halfback Luke Hanson has been linked with an exit from the club, with the Gold Coast Titans named as a potential suitor.
While the Warriors have said they're unaware of Hanson's desire to depart, sources close to the 22-year-old have indicated to ESPN that he could be on his way out.
Hanson is yet to officially declare his intent to leave New Zealand, but a move elsewhere could emerge if opportunities arise.
May day for Blues, Benji says
Tigers coach Benji Marshall was reluctant to discuss State of Origin or any of his potential stars making the rep team on Thursday, but did make one thing clear: Terrell May should be a Blue.
"I thought he should've made [the Blues side] last year," Marshall said of May.
"I think he's been great for us."
He also said that he believes Api Koroisau is "having one of his best seasons to date" when asked if the star hooker deserved an Origin recall.
"Selfishly, I hope he's with us," he added on Koroisau.
An NRL debut inbound
Tigers youngster Ethan Roberts is set to make his NRL debut in Magic Round, with his head coach giving him a massive wrap ahead of the clash.
"We're really impressed with what he's brought to the to the club, both on the field and off," Marshall said.
"Saw a few things in the New South Wales Cup game on the weekend that I asked for from him... and he responded really well with the things I asked for.
"He's aggressive, big guy, great skills, great footwork, and very aggressive in defences."
Liddle a ready-made replacement for Cook
Damien Cook is officially leaving the Dragons at season's end, and while his departure will certainly leave a hole in his side moving forward, the seasoned hooker says the club won't have to look far for his replacement.
"Lids was doing the job really good before I got here," he said of Jacob Liddle.
"[The Dragons] made it clear they wanted to go in a different direction, they'd be looking elsewhere for younger hookers... no doubt Lids is your man and he'll get a job done."
One star who won't be leaving is Loko Pasifiki Tonga, who has revealed why he decided to retract his leave request from the Dragons.
"Them giving me the opportunity [to play first grade]," he said when asked why he changed his mind.
"I asked them to give me an opportunity and they gave me an opportunity."
'I got lucky': Dragons' scary moment
Loko Pasifiki Tonga has recounted a traumatic moment in training earlier this season, in which he suffered a serious neck injury at training that resulted in a trip to the hospital.
While he conceded that he still "gets little twitches" in his neck, he's confident that he's moved past the harrowing experience.
"I was scared," he admitted.
"It's the neck, it's very serious... I got lucky."
Reed's injury opens door for Flanagan
Rookie Dragons halfback Kade Reed is unlikely feature in this week's Magic Round clash against the Panthers, after sustaining a finger injury over the weekend.
Reed could be sidelined for up to three months, opening the door for Kyle Flanagan to once again don the red-and-white No. 7 jersey.
Jacob Liddle is meanwhile one week away from returning, despite hopes he could re-enter the Dragons lineup in Round 11.
"I've been a bit off him lately because he's been injured, so I've had to do a lot of reps of training," Dragons captain Damien Cook joked.
"It's gonna be great to have him back. I thought it was this week but it's the week after."
Return of the King
Max King was seen in contact training at Belmore today, and there's a strong belief he could feature for the Bulldogs in their Magic Round clash against the Sharks.
Leo Thompson admitted King was a big reason why he signed with Canterbury.
"Signing to the Dogs, [Max King] was a big reason why I decided to sign," he admitted.
He also revealed King "wasn't far off" making his return.
The one-two punch of Thompson and King is something fans are yet to witness, but is expected to be a lethal combination once they suit up together.
Thompson's O'Brien insight
Leo Thompson has revealed that Adam O'Brien, who was his head coach at the Newcastle Knights in 2025 and his Canterbury's current attack coach, had very little to do with the wooden spooner's offensive strategies last year.
"Our attacking coach handled our attack, [O'Brien] didn't really have much of a say on our attack at the Knights," he admitted.
While many fans have ridiculed Canterbury's decision to sign the coach of the worst attacking side last season to steer their offence in 2026, Thompson has said this is the first time he's ever really "experienced" O'Brien's structures from that side of things.
Fittest team in the comp?
Harry Hayes has brushed off the notion that the Bulldogs have gone down a notch since last year, particularly on the fitness side of things.
"I believe we are [still the fittest team in the NRL]," Hayes declared.
"The game's different [and] it's a lot faster, but we can be the fittest team and we can work hard."
He also admitted that there are positions to be played for this week.
"There [are] boys that are in [NSW] Cup that are all trying to get in that [NRL] position," he said.
"That makes [the team] go out in training and work harder."