The first bye round of the season saw teams without Origin stars, with some sides forced to blood rookies.
Other teams were lucky to hold onto big-name players that missed rep selection, while others performed with aplomb to shake up the fight for the Dally M.
Check out Sporting News' team of the week from round 12.
FULLBACK
He has already impressed in 2019, but Saturday was Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad's coming of age. The Canberra recruit was brilliant against the Dogs, saving two tries - including one that sealed the game - and running for 296 metres. He also broke five tackles. Huge game.
WINGERS
On Friday, Maika Sivo crossed for a try and also put on 149 run metres as the Eels downed the depleted Bunnies. On Sunday - in a week of try-savers - Kyle Feldt was brilliant at the death, and also ran for 167 metres.
CENTRES
Another vintage Michael Jennings helped the Eels to victory over South Sydney. The veteran ran for 152 metres, was solid in defence and put on a try assist. Another Cowboy in Tom Opacic jumps into the side, the ex-Bronco putting on 133 run metres in an exhausting defensive effort.
HALVES
He was on debut in an undermanned side, but Connor Tracey was brilliant for the Rabbitohs. He finished up with 205 run metres, 15 tackle breaks and a line break in a losing cause. It was another strong Mitchell Moses performance on the other side of the fence, with Eels playmaker recording three try assists, 150 run metres and 350 kicking metres.
HOOKER
Canberra were without the injured Josh Hodgson, but up stepped Siliva Havili, who made 40 tackles and put in a gut-busting dummy-half effort.
PROPS
Manly didn't get the win, but Addin Fonua-Blake was again a standout with 221 running metres, 27 tackles, seven tackle breaks and five offloads. Jordan McLean also put on one of his best games in Cowboys colours with 140 run metres and 44 tackles against the Titans in a shootout of a game.
SECOND-ROW
Another debutant stood tall, with Panthers rookie Liam Martin scoring a try, making a try assist and 35 tackles, and running for 100 running metres in a smart showing. He even got headbutted for good measure. A player nine years his senior, Manu Ma’u, was strong for the Eels with 216 run metres and 36 tackles in just his sixth game for the season.
LOCK
He had a crack at 80 minutes, and didn't let his side down. Jason Taumalolo was at his rampaging best against the Titans, scoring a try and running for 204 metres. He also made 41 tackles, eight tackle breaks and four offloads. King.
