The shadow or State of Origin 1 is looming large. We now head into May which means it's official Origin 1 month - it's a thing, I promise!
Unfortunately for Brad Fittler and his selection team, players are dropping like flies for the blues.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Jake Trbojevic are both likely to miss Origin 1, while everyone south of the Tweed is sweating on the fitness or a certain Manly fullback.
With every 'likely' player who becomes unavailable, we are forced to look further and further down the line.
Cue the calls for NSW to name 'bolters'.
For those unaware with the term, at least in reference to Origin selection, a "bolter" is a player who is picked from out of nowhere.
A player who raced into selection due to either injuries elsewhere, brilliant form heading into the series, or most likely a mixture of both.
Brad Fittler is known for raising eyebrows with his selections so it's impossible to rule anything out.
That said, I believe the below "bolters" are a very real shot of an Origin call up for the May 31st contest in Adelaide.
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4. Spencer Leniu
Penrith's Spencer Leniu is another player who has largely been glossed over due to potential confusion over eligibility.
He was massive for Samoa in the recent World Cup but having played for the NSW Blues in the Under 20s, you'd have to imagine he would take a phone call also.
As close to a bench specialist as you will find, Leniu could very easily join Tatola on the bench for Origin One.
Currently nursing a shoulder injury, he did miss the Tigers loss last weekend. That said, he has been named on the extended bench for the Panthers Magic Round game and should be back for Round 11 at worst.
Leniu is absolute no brainer, if available, for mine. Haas and Paulo will play big minutes allowing the Panthers monster to play his natural club role.
The Saifiti boys are always in discussion but Tatola and Leniu seem like the way forward.
If I were Brad F, I would be putting the pencil through Turbo’s name right now. He was slow and ineffective against the Ponies last night, and on his _performances_ this season, he looks like he hardly belongs in the Manly side, let alone the Blues.
Campbell Graham or Steven Crichton to replace him – they are both playing well. Garrick for Addo-Carr ? Well maybe – I can’t see any other wingers standing out, so give him a go, unless Campbell Graham is to be made into a winger for the match.