Rugby league fans, we can no longer deny it! State of Origin is on the horizon.
Two rounds seperate us and the representative period, with teams set to be selected after Round 11s Magic Round festivities.
The predicted sides are flowing. For the first time in many years, there doesn't seem to be a clear consensus on either team's best line-up, this year expanded to 19.
Both coaches have a series of selection headaches caused by either availability or form. In same cases, two players are demanding selection but only one spot is available.
Here are six major State of Origin selection questions:
2. Extended bench: Luxury selection?
The extended, six-man bench could provide another tactic for a brave coach to try and implement.
You're obviously going to pick your four forwards, a utility and ... dare I say, a luxury pick?
Imagine being 14-12 down with 25 minutes to go, only three bench players have been used and having James Tedesco sitting on the bench?
Or 30 minutes in, Tedesco is having a nightmare and you know you have the ever safe Dylan Edwards to bring on to stabilise?
I can't imagine the Roosters or Panthers would be happy with their player being selected to potentially sit on the bench for 80 minutes but it's happened for many series in a row now.
There are huge questions with regards to the bench make ups of both sides given this is the first Origin series under such a set up.
This may be where an Ethan Sanders or an AJ Brimson, a quick player who can fill multiple positions, will obtain an otherwise unlikely Origin call.
DCE for Munster. This year he has shown he can play 6 without trampling over the 7, and if the 7 goes down injured then Queensland will have the best possible replacement already on the field.
NSW Full back ? Depends on how the coach wants the team to play. If he has no idea (don’t laugh) then he should go with the Panthers connection.
Ponga or Walsh for Queensland ? First question should be “who is fit”.
For the bench, he should pick the fastest set of forwards, with the best endurance, that he can identify. I don’t know who they would be. That is a reflection of how the game will be refereed. I would not select AFB. He would have been great in the years before six-again, but he doesn’t look like a million dollar player under the new regime.
AJB ? Maybe. I wouldn’t object to him in a “bench utility” role. Last year, both teams put four forwards on the bench for both games, so we can’t look back and see who was the favoured candidate. Maybe Matt Burton – he scored an 18th man spot – but he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the Dogs this season. Connor Tracey could put his hand up – he’s played everywhere from 1 to 7. Like Burton, he has had a quiet season with Canterbury, but in a better performing team he shouldn’t let any one down.