It is a time of great upheaval.

The NRL.. obsessed with its quest to flood players' veins with hyperdrive fuel and create the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy, have created a paradox of umbilical proportions. Referees are afraid not to blow the whistle, while also being terrified of its piercing shrill.

The Get Square narrative around football means penalties not blown in one game are now blown in another. One might describe the approach as utterly Sith-house.

Meantime.. rumours abound concerning a rebel faction dropped by their clubs and plying their craft in state league. The Imperial senate will move to quash any chance of them speaking out about their fortunes, while also unearthing a good news angle around the disturbance in the force that is Ezra Mam returning.

In the Outer rim of non-rugby league content: Oscar Piastri has completed the Kessel Run in 4 parsecs, collecting a chequered flag at each checkpoint. Comparisons are being made on his stature in the all time stakes.

Amid it all.. an echo in the force. An awakening. And two idiot padawans are dispatched by the Jedi Council to investigate.. or be investigated. We’re not quite sure.