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.
1. Haumole Olakau'atu
If the Blues want a young option who can provide impact off the bench, the Manly second-rower is arguably first up.
His form this season has been incredible, which builds on his outstanding 2021.
Tyson Frizell, Tariq Sims, and Dale Finucane are all playing well but at some stage, the Blues will need to blood a younger option. Olakau'atu is in form that is hard to ignore.
He has played big minutes all season, with 66 his shortest stint. I'd guess he'd come in as an impact player for around 30 to 35 minutes at Origin. That's a scary thought.
If I'm a Queensland forward I'd want Brad Fittler to overlook the 23-year-old.
Perhaps it is a year too soon, more given the amount of big-name, established forwards currently ahead of him rather than anything he has or hasn't done.
The more thought I give it the more I want to see Olakau'atu picked. My guess is he'll be in or around the extended squad and I would not begrudge him a debut.
