State of Origin is on the way, with the New South Wales Blues out to hold the crown they so emphatically claimed last year.

This of course means it is time to speculate about the make-up of the teams for Game 1.

Latrell Mitchell's injury and unavailability mean Brad Fittler will be forced into making one large change to last year's victorious side. Will he go back to Clint Gutherson/Jack Wighton or blood a fresh talent?

Does Ryan Papenhuyzen finally make his Origin debut, or does someone else trump him for the utility spot?

All these questions will be answered over the coming weeks, however below are five players I genuinely consider 'Origin bolters'.

That is, players who probably weren't going to be considered in the pre-season but now could fly into selection contention.

2. Victor Radley

Radley has long been touted as a State of Origin player but seems to have fallen down the pecking order in the past 12 months. I'm here to return his name to the discussion.

The Roosters lock is running for over 100 metres per game and tackling at 94 per cent. His stats are skewed by an injury in Round 1. He played the full 80 minutes twice in a row prior to ANZAC Day.

Origin bench spots are all about impact. Radley is capable of that game-changing shot in defence or a line break in attack. He can find the try line or an offload when required.

Isaah Yeo has the lock position (ah-hem) locked up but Radley offers plenty of upside from the bench.

His form is well ahead of Jake Trbojevic while Murray seems to be married to a spot in the second row at the representative level.

There are a few locks in this Origin forward pack (Haas, Yeo, Crichton, Murray) but there are spots up for grabs.

2022 could be the year we finally see the Roosters firebrand unleashed in the sky blue.