A four-game slate on Saturday in the second week of pre-season injury has thrown up plenty of questions, and some answers, for the eight coaches involved.
While some teams will be concerned about their standing ahead of the campaign, others will be thrilled with young talent on display as the Manly Sea Eagles, Wests Tigers, Canterbury Bulldogs and South Sydney Rabbitohs all claimed victories over the New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons respectively.
Here are all the big talking points out of the four games.
How long does Kyle Flanagan have to keep a spot?
The St George Illawarra Dragons should not have lost on Saturday evening - let's get that point clear.
They ran out a virtually full strength side against what was virtually a reserve grade side from South Sydney, who claimed the chocolates 28 points to 24.
And while yes, it's 'just a trial', that ultimately shouldn't shut off all the alarm bells for Shane Flanagan and his coaching staff ahead of their trip to Las Vegas.
The issue for the Dragons really was a lack of spark in attack. Daniel Atkinson looked as if he is a little way off becoming a halfback, and the fact it was his first competitive game in combination with Kyle Flanagan showed.
Flanagan had a poor 2025 season and the pressure will be on if he doesn't immediately jump back to 2024 standards with the number six on his back.
Lyhkan King-Togia will push for that spot, but Kade Reed was again impressive on Saturday. The argument will be made that Atkinson is a five-eighth, and Reed should be pushed into the seven.
He is too raw for first-grade at this stage, but Flanagan may only have half the season to get it right before change becomes needed.
