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 17 of the NRL.
Bye Bye Bronson
Cameron Ciraldo has confirmed Bronson Xerri has been given permission to meet with rival clubs, after the electric centre was once again overlooked in the side's starting lineup.
"I think he's at the stage where he wants to look what's best for him and he wants to get out of his comfort zone," Ciraldo admitted.
"It's being handled between Gus and his manager."
He also said there have been no conversations around a potential release before the June 30 deadline.
On the open market, Xerri has already attracted interest from rival clubs Melbourne and Parramatta, who are both short on quality outside backs.
With the 12th-placed Bulldogs fighting to remain in the finals picture, a mid-season release shapes as unlikely.
"That has not been discussed at all," Ciraldo said.
"Bronson's a big part of our team. We love having him here. I expect him to play a lot more footy before the end of the year."
Ciraldo is unsure how long Crichton and Burton will remain in their new roles, further clouding Xerri's path back into the starting side.
"Who knows what's going to happen over the next few weeks?" Ciraldo asked.
"But we were really happy with what we saw last week."
On the outer at the selection table, Xerri has Ciraldo's sympathy in wanting to test his options.
"We love Bronson, he's been a great player for us the last couple of years," Ciraldo said.
"He's at the stage where he wants to look at what's best for him and he wants to get out of his comfort zone.
"I fully support how he's doing that, because he's putting the team first while he's here."
Preston update
Jacob Preston has been unable to pass his fitness tests in time for the Bulldogs' clash against the Titans this weekend, and will be absent from the side's game-day lineup.
"He hasn't crossed the line to be able to play," head coach Cameron Ciraldo admitted.
"He'll be back after the bye."
Ciraldo also revealed that Stephen Crichton's move into the halves has been in the works for two years, and believes we haven't seen the best of him in that position yet.
"He's been training [in the halves] over the last two years," he shared.
"We were really confident in his ability to play that position, as it's been in the back of our minds for two years.
"I think we only saw a glimpse of what he can do."
King weighs in on Folau debate
Bulldogs forward Max King has backed the prospect of Israel Folau returning to rugby league, declaring he'd "love to see him back" in the game.
Folau's future has become a major talking point in recent weeks following fresh discussions around a possible return to the NRL.
King, who described himself as a Christian, said players should not be excluded because of their beliefs.
"I'd love to see Israel back," King said.
"I think it'd be great for the game.
"Israel has his beliefs and I think that should be valued as well."
King added that he believes the Christian community remains an important part of rugby league's landscape and should continue to be represented within the game.
Bulldogs secure young hooker
The Bulldogs have signed Queensland schoolboy hooker Jaylan Naleba on a three-year deal from 2027.
Naleba, an Ipswich State High School product, has agreed to join Canterbury as the club continues investing heavily in emerging talent.
The young No.9 is highly regarded within Queensland junior pathways and shapes as another long-term project for the Bulldogs' recruitment team.
Latrell Down!
Rabbitohs players are "devastated" for star teammate Latrell Mitchell, after he left training after just 25 minutes.
"We don't know how bad anything is at the moment," Jye Gray shared.
"But we're obviously devastated for him."
Mitchell wrapped up at Souths' Centre of Excellence and headed home shortly after walking out of training. He had stretched and performed light drills with the team before leaving the pitch at Heffron Park with a trainer, removing his wrist strapping tape as he went.
The fact he did not take part in any ball work, running or contact appears a setback that could also have ramifications for the Blues.
After their game-two humiliation, NSW would have been hopeful of calling on the talismanic Mitchell, who has an excellent record at Origin level.
Kotoni Staggs notably had a tough night in Origin II, while the Blues' other incumbent centre Tolu Koula has played only two games at Origin level.
But unless he faces the Eels in round 17, Mitchell will not have a chance to play before teams are picked following the last of this weekend's games.
Gray when onto say it's unlikely that we will see Jack Winton make his return this week.
"I don't think he'll play," Gray said.
Bulldogs lose Sitili
Canterbury will be without Sitili Tupouniua for the next eight weeks, after suffering a torn hamstring in the final play of their golden point win against Manly.
There is optimism that Jacob Preston could be fit to return in his absence, which would be a major boost for the Bulldogs.
Max King described Preston's chances of returning as "50/50" but believes Josh Curran would do a job as Sitili's replacement if needed.
Mad Murray?
Queensland-born Rabbitohs stars Jye Gray and Lachlan Hubner spoke on their skipper Cam Murray on Monday, following the Blues' loss to the Maroons last week.
"I let him know about it," Hubner joked.
"He's hungrier than ever. He's the ultimate professional and wears his heart on his sleeve."
Gray echoed the sentiment, admitting Murray is "one of the most driven and competitive guys" he's met, and believes he's ready to come back and redeem himself after the devastating loss in Origin II.
