Two rounds on from the COVID-19 shutdowns and we're back into the swing of things!
How good is footy? How good were the Roosters? How about the Titans? Dean Pay vs Paul McGregor.
We're covering all the press conferences on Monday, delivering you all the untold tales from around the grounds.
BULLDOGS VS DRAGONS - PAUL MCGREGOR REFUSES TO QUIT AFTER LOSS
Dragons coach Paul McGregor is refusing to stand down as coach, although admitted that he would understand if the board decided to part ways after the club's 22-2 loss to the Bulldogs on Monday.
Check out what he had to say post-game here.
COOPER PRAISES SACRIFICE BY NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Whilst the Cowboys prepare for a difficult trip down to the Central Coast on the back of a short week, second-rower Gavin Cooper believes it pales in comparison to what the Warriors have done in ensuring the competition's restart.
As part of the strict biosecurity measures, the Cowboys will be forced to fly to Newcastle on game-day before travelling down to Central Coast to face the Warriors.
Whilst Cooper believes that it will be their toughest trip so far, he is adamant that there will no excuses for a poor showing.
"Yeah, I think so, haven’t done any flying since round two," he told media on Monday.
“It will be challenging but teams they flew up here at some point so it is a challenge, but there will be no excuses from us with the short week and travel but we’re down there to do a job.”
The Queensland representative made the admission as he praised the sacrifice of the Warriors, who he believes are making the most of the tough situation
“People throw the word sacrifice around but what they have done in moving away from their families is a massive commitment to keep the comp running,” he said,
“Hats do have to go off to them not only just them being here in Australia but also leaving their families at home,
“I know it’s not ideal at the moment but they are making the most of it."
JOSH MCGUIRE LAUDS YOUNG BULL TOM GILBERT AFTER DEBUT
After a disappointing loss to the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday, Cowboys enforcer Josh McGuire has praised the efforts of debutant Tom Gilbert, believing that he will be a major part of their future.
The Cowboys have had a nightmare run with injuries, with second-rower Coen Hess and lock Jason Taumalolo joining captain Michael Morgan on the sidelines for last Saturday clash.
This allowed the 20-year-old firebrand to make his debut, with McGuire full of praise after his impressive 30-minute stint, urging him to back it up when they face the Warriors on Friday.
“Tommy’s earned his opportunity, probably the thing up here is that you have to bide your time with Greeny, he’s had to work very hard and he’s definitely a first grade player of the future," he told reporters.
“He’s a hungry young man whose ready to play some footy,
“He goes hard, does his job and he is very fit and I think with the way the new game is going, having a young mobile forward is only going to help us going forward.
“He’s definitely a player of the future and he’s earned his stripes,
“The hardest part of playing first grade is backing it up and that’s something that only takes time and Tommy’s going to have to learn that."
ADAM REYNOLDS KEEN TO HAVE CODY WALKER BACK ON DECK
The Rabbitohs had a tough draw after the break, playing the Roosters and Storm back-to-back.
With five-eighth Cody Walker and speedster James Roberts both out of action, South Sydney lost both matches, but Walker will return in time for the side's round five match against the Titans next week.
Reynolds is looking forward to having him back, believing that he makes up him a vital part of their attack.
"He's excited and itching to get back out there," Reynolds said on Monday.
"Pretty disappointing to have him on the sidelines, but Troy Dargan has done a good job for us.
"It'll be good to get Cody Walker back on the left edge there though because he's a vital part of our team.
"He's done his time and he's ready to get our there and play some good footy.
After a string of poor performances, Reynolds is eager to have Walker back on the edge to take the pressure off his game.
"Just the way we get around the field together," he said.
"We both organise the edges. Through the middle we have certain plays that we work together on.
"It's just the comfort of having each other there. We're both comfortable about how our games pan out, we complement each other.
"If he's doing one percenters it takes pressure off me."
BRISBANE BRONCOS LACK LEADERSHIP, SAYS PAUL GALLEN
Two big losses in their first two games back is a terrible look for the Broncos.
One of those, a 59-0 thrashing by the Roosters on Thursday night, was the worst loss in club history.
Retired Sharks captain Paul Gallen says the side is lacking leadership.
Read more of Gal's comments here.
