While all the attention is on the upcoming do-or-die State of Origin clash, the reserve grade competitions rolled in at full speed over the weekend.
The likes of the Dragons and Roosters produced massive wins from both a scoreboard and ladder perspective, while the points were flowing up north in the Hostplus Cup.
The Sporting News has highlighted five standout reserve grade performers during NRL Round 16.
Siua Wong - Sydney Roosters
One of the most highly-touted young forwards in the game, Siua Wong further pushed his case for an NRL debut in his side's NSW Cup victory over the Knights.
The 20-year-old played the entire 80 minutes at lock, finishing with an impressive 23 runs for 264 metres, including 78 post-contact metres, two tackle breaks and one offload.
Wong was equally-impressive without the ball, making 41 tackles with just one miss as the Roosters proved far too strong in the 36-12 victory over Newcastle.
Young fullback Ethan King was also a star, finishing with 260 run metres and one try assist, while exiled winger Jaxson Paulo crossed for a try and nailed four conversions.
Jackson Ferris - Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles
A forgotten man in rugby league circles, Jackson Ferris is now plying his trade in the NSW Cup competition for Manly's feeder outfit.
The former Sharks centre - who played one first grade game back in 2020 - was electric for the Sea Eagles on Saturday afternoon, crossing for a hat-trick in a standout display.
Ferris would also finish with a game-high 214 run metres, four linebreaks and a try assist to help Blacktown secure a massive 46-10 win over Parramatta.
Sione Finau - St George Illawarra Dragons
One of two young brothers coming through the ranks at the Dragons, Sione Finau produced his best game for the club in the 46-4 drubbing of the Magpies on Sunday afternoon.
The former Storm product has cemented his spot in the reserve grade lineup throughout the season and scored a double during the victory over Wests.
Finau also finished with a game-high 273 run metres, two linebreaks and a try assist as the Dragons look to push into the top-eight of NSW Cup.
Older brother Haele was also impressive at hooker, while Toby and Ryan Couchman both proved a handful in the middle of the field as they push for a spot in the top grade.
Jesse Jennings - Souths Logan Magpies
A relatively unknown player to most rugby league fans, Jesse Jennings proved to be a major difference in the Magpies massive win over PNG Hunters.
The 23 year-old has been in strong form all season for Souths Logan and continued his try-scoring ways with a double in the 40-10 belting.
Jennings also ran for over 200 metres - more than any player on the field - as well as making two linebreaks and six tackle breaks.
Lining up in the same side were NRL hopefuls Logan Bayliss and Blake Mozer, who are both hoping to earn a spot in the Brisbane Broncos side later in the year.
Treymain Spry - Tweed Heads Seagulls
Speaking of one player making a difference, Treymain Spry did exactly that in his side's high-scoring affair against the Cutters on Saturday.
The 23-year-old has battled back from a horrific off-field injury this year and has been a consistent performer in QLD Cup, and has been included in the Titans squad on multiple occassions.
Spry was at his classy best playing fullback for the Seagulls over the weekend, producing two try assists and running for 125 metres in the 32-28 win at BB Print Stadium in Mackay.
Alongside him in the backline was fellow Gold Coast speedster Jojo Fifita, as well as young playmakers Toby Sexton and Thomas Weaver.
