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.
Bassingthwaighte shows promising signs as Tedesco's successor
Rex Bassingthwaighte showed promising signs as the next in line to succeed James Tedesco for the Sydney Roosters.
Playing a full first half before coming back on later, he did enough to make a tangible impact on Robinson and the Rooster's' attack.
A live wire in the backline, the 19-year-old impressed with both his running and passing game, linking seamlessly with Tom Rodwell for a try, keeping the Tigers on the back foot.
He showcased excellent defensive awareness, saving a try in the first half and getting back into position to make crucial coverage plays, retrieving the ball in a critical moment.
Confident under the high ball, the young gun may not have put points on the board himself, but his composure and skill were instrumental in keeping the Roosters competitive, providing a glimpse of his potential as Tedesco's eventual successor.
Kyle Flanagan will have a charmed life, while his old man is coaching the team. It’s only natural. Shane won’t give him the bullet unless he is diabolically bad.
Reed may potentially be the best 7 and Atkinson may potentially the best 6, but I can’t see the fans finding out unless Shane is prepared to write off the pre-season and try that combination, with Kyle at 14.