Isaac IssaMar 30, 2026, 10:30 AM

CloseIsaac joins the ESPN NRL team with a keen eye on the future superstars of the game. He will be scouring the junior ranks, speaking to the scouts, the agents and the players themselves to bring you all the latest news.

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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 as clubs prepare for Round 5.

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Editor’s PicksBulldogs pick up the pieces after ‘confronting’ review

Canterbury’s review of their Round 4 defeat has centred heavily on mindset, with players conceding the side strayed from its usual standards.

Max King labelled the performance “very un-Bulldogs”, while multiple players pointed to attitude as a key factor.

“I feel like our attitude wasn’t where it needed to be… and where it’s been the last couple of years,” King said.

Kurt Mann added the review was “very confronting”, with players shown clips of where effort areas had fallen short.

The Bulldogs have already responded on the training paddock, with sessions ramping up following the club’s internal review.

Harry Hayes revealed what was meant to be a lighter session turned into a more intense workout as players looked to bounce back immediately.

“It was meant to be a light session, but it turned out a bit more fast-paced and intense… the boys weren’t too happy with the weekend,” Hayes said.

Crichton halves shift pre-planned

Canterbury’s in-game switch between Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton in Round 4 wasn’t a reactionary move, with Kurt Mann revealing the change had been worked on extensively during the preseason.

“Critta has trained there plenty of times during preseason… we’re prepared for all sorts of circumstances,” Mann said.

The Bulldogs turned to the adjustment during their Round 4 loss as they look to address early-season attacking inconsistencies.

Meanwhile, Bulldogs forward Fletcher Baker is closing in on a club debut, but admits defensive improvements remain the final piece of the puzzle.

Baker said he’s been “knocking on the door” with strong NSW Cup form, but is focused on tightening up his defence before earning a call-up.

“I’m pretty pleased with how I’ve been playing… but I think I’ve got to focus on my defence if I want to play NRL,” he said.

Cleary turned down PNG role

Ivan Cleary has revealed he turned down the opportunity to coach the PNG-based expansion side before Willie Peters was appointed.

“I did turn that job down. It didn’t suit me, but great for Willie,” Cleary said.

Freddy Lussick will prove to be a handy acquisition for the Panthers. Albert Perez/Getty ImagesLussick set for call-up

Freddy Lussick is set to replace Mitch Kenny this week, with the Panthers’ hooker not expected to challenge his one-match ban for dangerous contact.

Cleary has heaped praise on Lussick ahead of his return, labelling him one of the fittest players he’s seen.

“He is one of the fittest guys I’ve ever seen… just unbelievable in preseason,” Cleary said.

ESPN will continue updating this column as more storylines develop around the league.