The story coming into round 13 was which players would back up from the mid-week Origin fixture.
Most that did put in big efforts, some more than others.
Regardless, some old names had rippers, while some young heroes again threw themselves into the conversation.
Check out Sporting News' team of the week from round 13.
FULLBACK
He's making a big impression in 2019, and last weekend was no different for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad as the Raiders kept the Tigers scoreless.
WINGERS
Against the Roosters, Josh Mansour was excellent with 201 run metres and seven tackle breaks. Fijian flyer Mikaele Ravalawa made the spectacular look easy for the Dragons, and left the Bulldogs smarting with a two-try, 196-run metre performance on Monday.
CENTRES
He's only 18, but Bronson Xerri is playing above his years, the teenager busting 10 tackles and scoring two tries against Parramatta in Cronulla's big win. In the Gold Coast's upset of the Broncos, Brian Kelly impressed with a brace of his own to go with 169 run metres.
HALVES
He lost his Origin jersey this year, but James Maloney demonstrated just how good he can be against the Roosters. Another former Rooster - and former Origin half - Mitchell Pearce continued his dazzling form against the Rabbitohs.
HOOKER
His career to date has been about chop and change. At hooker against South Sydney, Connor Watson looked right at home, scoring a try and making 43 tackles.
PROPS
In 50 minutes against the Warriors, Jesse Bromwich scored a try, ran for 129 metres and made 26 tackles. Manly enforcer Martin Taupau, meanwhile, had his running boots on. In 48 minutes against the Cowboys, the Kiwi forward amassed 190 run metres. Huge.
SECOND-ROW
It took mere minutes for Viliame Kikau to drive a nail through the Roosters with a big run, scoring a try. He added a second, ran for 152 metres and made 26 tackles. Another sensational import, John Bateman, was brilliant for Canberra as the Raiders shut out the Tigers at Bankwest Stadium.
LOCK
Few weeks go by that Jake Trbojevic or Jason Taumalolo aren't named at lock in our team of the week. This week, it went to the former, who was impressive for Manly despite backing up from Wednesday's Origin fixture. Trbojevic played all 80 minutes, made 52 tackles and ran for 166 metres. Huge effort.
