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The NRL rarely stands still. Between NRL training sessions, media appearances, and behind-the-scenes conversations, new storylines often begin to emerge before the weekend arrives. Throughout the week, ESPN will be gathering notes, insights, and updates from around the competition heading into Round 25 of the NRL. NRL clubs circle former Panther Former Panthers forward Zac Lipowicz has emerged as a wanted man, with a host of NRL and Super League clubs showing interest in securing his services. ESPN understands Perth and St George Illawarra are currently in the box seat for Lipowicz, while Wakefield Trinity, Leeds and Wigan have also expressed interest in the 24-year-old. Lipowicz has been one of the finds of the 2026 Super League season since making the move from Penrith to Catalans, establishing himself as a regular in the Dragons' back row. The forward has started every game for Catalans this season, with his performances in France putting him firmly on the radar of clubs in both hemispheres. With six clubs understood to have shown interest, Lipowicz shapes as a player to watch on the recruitment market as he weighs up his next move. Walsh facing surgery as World Cup hopes take hit Reece Walsh's 2026 NRL season is over after scans confirmed the Broncos superstar suffered a high-grade syndesmosis injury in Saturday night's loss to the Warriors. Walsh will meet with a surgeon on Monday and is expected to undergo surgery, with Brisbane placing his recovery timeline at up to eight weeks. The injury not only rules Walsh out of Brisbane's remaining games but places a major question mark over his availability for Australia's World Cup campaign, which begins against New Zealand on October 15. An eight-week recovery would take Walsh virtually to the eve of the tournament, leaving the Kangaroos with a significant decision to make around the reigning Clive Churchill Medalist. Walsh suffered the injury in a hip-drop tackle from Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who was sin-binned and subsequently charged over the incident.