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 heading into Week 1 of the NRL finals.
Holmes set for World Cup despite injury
KL Iro has revealed Valentine Holmes is expecting to play for the Cook Islands, despite suffering a syndesmosis injury in the Dragons' last game of the year.
"I saw him yesterday," Iro shared.
"He had a moon boot on, but I think it's a low grade [injury].
"He told me he's sweet to go."
Both stars are expected to suit up for Cook Islands in this year's World Cup
Latrell feared season was over
Latrell Mitchell has revealed there were genuine doubts over whether he would play again this season as he battled the back injury that threatened to derail his finals return.
Mitchell revealed a bulging disc, which he had unknowingly carried for some time, flared during South Sydney's clash with Newcastle and left his return this year in doubt.
"To be fair, I didn't really know if I was gonna play again this year," Mitchell said.
"There were some times there where it definitely was questionable."
The Rabbitohs superstar said the issue became particularly painful during the Newcastle game, despite playing through the second half.
"Apparently I've had it for a very long time," Mitchell said.
"At half-time of the Newcastle Knights game, it was burning me."
Fifita feared career was slipping away
David Fifita has opened up on the "dark days" that left him questioning whether he could return to his destructive best following a string of ankle problems.
The Rabbitohs forward has rediscovered some of his most damaging football heading into the finals, but admitted multiple surgeries across 2024 and 2025 had him second-guessing what his future in the game looked like.
"I had some dark days, second guessing myself and thinking, 'Do I still have it?'" Fifita said.
"I had a few issues with my ankle at the end of 2024 and then... two or three surgeries in that period of time.
"You understand what goes through my head as a 24-year-old. People telling me this and that about my future in the sport."
Fifita said Wayne Bennett's faith has played a major role in rebuilding his confidence since joining South Sydney.
"I've just got a coach that backs me and loves me. I feel the love," he said.
"People thought I was done... and Wayne trusted me, believed in me."
Now preparing for his first finals appearance since 2021, Fifita believes his recent performances have provided the reassurance he needed.
"It reassured me that I still got it."
Finals take on special meaning for Fifita
David Fifita will carry extra motivation into South Sydney's finals campaign, with Friday marking an emotional period for the forward as the first anniversary of his father's death approaches.
Fifita revealed his father tragically passed on September 12 last year, describing the period as an incredibly difficult time for himself and his family.
"It was a very emotional time for my family and myself," Fifita said.
"People don't really know what I went through. To come down here at such a young age and leave all my family... it's very tough."
Fifita had initially planned to return home for the anniversary before South Sydney's finals qualification changed those plans.
"I was supposed to go up there and celebrate the one year, but obviously we're in finals now," he said.
"I'll be doing it for my family and my dad.
"I know my dad is looking [from] above, he's with me every step of the way... I do everything for him."
