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 22 of the NRL.
Veterans keeping Dragons standards high
Dylan Egan has praised St George Illawarra's senior players for refusing to let standards slip despite several of them nearing the end of their time at the club.
Egan singled out the experienced members of the squad, including departing hooker Damien Cook, for maintaining high expectations throughout a difficult season.
"I think a lot of the older boys and even the boys that are in their final year at the club have been really important to us," Egan said.
"It'd be pretty easy for them to move onto the next job and not worry about this year, but they've been really good at keeping the standards high and worrying about finishing this year off strong.
"It obviously means a lot to us and certainly can help us in the future."
Egan opens up on tough return from injury
Dylan Egan admits his body is only now beginning to adjust to the demands of NRL football after returning without the benefit of a full preseason.
The Dragons back-rower revealed he was initially pulling up sore after matches but believes he's finally finding his rhythm physically heading into the final month of the season.
"I didn't get a preseason this year," Egan said.
"My body's definitely getting used to the contact.
"At the start of the year when I came back, I was pulling up pretty sore after games, but now I can definitely feel the difference."
He added he's excited by the prospect of a full preseason heading into 2027.
"I'm very excited to get a full preseason under my belt next year and see what can happen from there."
Doueihi returns to training
Adam Doueihi officially made his return to Tigers training this morning, after sitting out of last weekend's loss against Canberra.
His has also been named at halfback for the clash with the Eels on Sunday. This follows peace talks between himself and Tigers officials on Monday morning.
Galvin finding his voice
Connor Tracey has praised Lachlan Galvin's development as an on-field leader, saying the young halfback's organisation and communication have improved considerably throughout the season.
"He's young and he's full of energy," Tracey said.
"But something that sort of goes unnoticed is his organisation and his leadership. It's something he's really grown this year, and it's been good to watch."
Tracey added that Galvin and Stephen Crichton have begun building a strong combination in the halves, with both taking responsibility for directing the side.
"They're both talking a lot," he said.
"Critta is our skipper, so he's always talking no matter what... and Galvin's communication has come a long way."
Bulldogs rediscover their identity
Leo Thompson believes Canterbury have rediscovered the defensive identity that first attracted him to Belmore following an impressive fortnight without the ball.
The Bulldogs have conceded just six points across their past two matches, with Thompson saying their defensive resolve is again becoming the foundation of the side.
"Before I came to the Bulldogs, that's what I knew the Bulldogs for -- strong defence," Thompson said.
"I feel like we're starting to find that again."
After a delayed start to his Canterbury career, Thompson admitted it took time to adjust to the club's defensive system and build combinations with those around him.
"It probably took me a few weeks to find my role in the system and get used to playing with the boys," he said.
"But I feel like we're in a good spot at the moment."