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:
5. Does Daley go with the hot hands?: Jackson Ford
Jackson Ford should be leading the Dally M medal count right now. He's been the best forward in the competition across the opening nine rounds.
He should be the first prop picked for NSW, especially given the injury to Payne Haas.
All's I've heard though is how you need to pick "Origin players" like Spencer Leniu.
Compare their stats this season. Compare their form. Compare their roles. Jackson Ford beats any forward in the game right now on all three factors.
Does Laurie Daley cash in and pick the Warriors forward?
Last year Daley seemingly picked forwards using a random button. If he does overlook Ford, you have to believe he has lost the right to coach any further.
I guess the question here is, how does Laurie Daley possibly overlook the form players for recycled options!?
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.