What an exciting weekend it was for rugby league!
Stadiums were filled to capacity as fans gathered to highlight this crucial regular season weekend.
Off the field, everything was rated a perfect 10 at all venues, but there's plenty to unpack from the games themselves.
This time around, we'll steer clear of referee discussions-I feel like I'm constantly hitting my head against the same issues week after week. We might address a few points, but it won't dominate the focus.
This week, we'll spotlight the positives for the Dragons, the difficulties facing the Sharks, and an unexpected decline that has caught many by surprise.
Here are 20 insights from Round 8.
1. The Dragons enjoyed an exceptional off-field week, proudly announcing the acquisitions of Scott Drinkwater and Phillip Sami for the upcoming season. Drinkwater will instantly become their most dynamic player, while Sami boasts an impressive average of over 200 run metres per game in 2026. A fantastic move!
2. Was Dean Young's decision to include Kade Reed in the Anzac Day match misguided? Possibly. Likely! While he's young, at least he made an attempt. There's little point in keeping this kid on the sidelines in NSW Cup if he represents the club's future. The Roosters did target him, but what better way to grow than to face the challenges of NRL?
3. It has become painfully clear that the Cronulla Sharks are struggling to keep pace with the demands of 2026's rugby league. An entire team rebuild is necessary. Rumor has it they will soon announce their second, relatively unknown Super League player as a new addition. While it's a refreshing change, I can't help but think any fresh face would be an improvement over the current struggling forwards. That speaks volumes.