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:
6. How many newly eligible stars make Origin debut?
I'm still not the biggest fan of the new eligibility rules but I've come to accept them.
It will be interesting to see if either coach takes advantage.
Addin Fonua-Blake, despite a slow start to the season, looks sure to be selected.
I wouldn't have Briton Nikora anywhere near a QLD side right now, but his name still remains in many predicted sides.
Victor Radley, again someone I wouldn't have close, is another name that continues to show up.
Jahrome Hughes would have been there except he withdrew from consideration.
There is the very real chance we don't have anyone selected from the newly available pool of talent.
AJ Brimson may be the one player who benefits, again given to his utility value. I wouldn't think he'd earned a starting spot but his ability to play 1 through seven probably puts his name right back in the fold.
Having represented England in the Ashes, his Origin days were thought to be done.
He may be the biggest benefactor of two rule changes heading into this year's opener.
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.