Isaac IssaApr 6, 2026, 01:00 PM
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 6.
Slow rise for Bunnies
Despite a strong start to the season, South Sydney have internally maintained that they are still building toward their best football, rather than peaking early.
Campbell Graham revealed the club anticipated a gradual rise.
“We kind of said at the start… we’re not going to be our best selves early on. It was always going to be a work in progress.”
That sentiment was echoed across the group, with players admitting they are still chasing a complete 80-minute performance, particularly tightening up late in halves.
Campbell Graham of the Rabbitohs scores a try against the Dolphins. Bradley Kanaris/Getty ImagesKeaon’s knee and Cheese’s return
South Sydney are quietly managing a knee concern for Keaon Koloamatangi, with the forward playing through injury in the win over Canterbury.
“He went down pretty early… and played the rest,” Junior Tatola said.
Koloamatangi sat out of Monday’s training, though teammates remain optimistic he will be available, underlining his importance to the pack.
There is also growing confidence that Brandon Smith is on the verge of a return, having trained strongly this week.
“Every time he trains, he looks ready to play,” Tatola said.
ESPN will continue updating this column as more storylines develop around the league.