Eleven rounds are in the books and the race for the eight has heated up.
Newcastle's crushing of reigning premiers Roosters marked the round's biggest story, Mitchell Pearce running riot against his former club.
Elsewhere, South Sydney kicked clear and improved to 10-1, marking the club's best start to a season since 1989.
If there was any indication of players in form, eight of thirteen players named in our team of the week will feature in the State of Origin opener next week.
Check out Sporting News' team of the week from the eleventh round of the 2019 NRL season.
FULLBACK
Kalyn Ponga took on James Tedesco in a salivating clash of the fullbacks in Newcastle on Friday night. While Tedesco dazzled with 280 run metres, he was pretty well the only Rooster to turn up as the Knights won 38-12. For Ponga, it was just another day, helping Mitchell Pearce slay his old side.
WINGERS
Let's appreciate how good Ash Taylor's pass was. However, catcher and try-scorer Dale Copley made it look even better as the Titans upset Manly at Lottoland. Josh Addo-Carr was brilliant at Belmore, scoring two tries. Addo-Carr also brought up 50 tries for the Storm, the milestone coming in just 62 games for the club since joining from the Tigers in 2017.
CENTRES
Incumbent Maroons winger Dane Gagai was impressive as the Bunnies rolled the Tigers, the 28-year-old breaking six tackles and running for 130 metres. A player nearly ten years his junior, Bronson Xerri, scored a hat-trick as the Sharks downed St George Illawarra in Wollongong. Two vastly different players, two very good showings.
HALVES
An Origin call-up was what Cody Walker deserved, and what he received on Sunday. A day earlier, Walker orchestrated South Sydney's win over the Tigers in a perfect audition for a Blues jersey, made easier when Luke Keary was later ruled out. Mitchell Pearce wasn't as lucky as a groin injury robbed him at a chance of a NSW recall, but against the Roosters, Pearce was unbelievable. Just unbelievable.
PROPS
He's only 19, but Payne Haas is easily one of the form props in the comp. That form was rewarded with a maiden Origin call-up, and with 204 metres in a tight tussle over the Warriors on Saturday, Haas again demonstrated his burgeoning status. The teenager joins David Klemmer in Blues camp, the Knights forward putting 193 metres on the Roosters.
HOOKER
South Sydney rake Damien Cook proved why Brad Fittler has an easy job picking the No. 9 for the Blues. Cook tore the Tigers to pieces.
SECOND ROW
Briton Nikora is likely the find of the season. The Dragons didn't stand much of a chance with the Sharks firing, and Nikora's 107 run metres and three tackle breaks helped Cronulla consolidate their top-eight spot. 31-year-old Alex Glenn was magical for the Broncos in their tight win over the Warriors, running for 103 metres, also breaking four tackles and making 37 tackles of his own.
LOCK
You can't stop Jake Trbojevic. The Manly lock ran for 124 metres in a losing cause, and took his average tackles-per-game figure to nearly 42. Busy boy.
