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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3. Ryan Matterson
Has everyone forgotten about Ryan Matterson? I'd guess that they have because he should very much be at the forefront of selector conversations.
Matterson is equally at home in the back row or at lock and I have no doubt he could play at prop, much in the role of Jake Trbojevic.
Cam Murray has one second row spot parceled up.
An injury to Keaon Koloamatangi and a late start to the season for Angus Crichton means Haumole Olakau'atu looks the best option on the other edge.
Sifa Talakai has adjusted his body and movement to suit the centre role.
Liam Martin's availability is very much in doubt, but even if he were fully fit, I'd still be leaning toward Matterson.
Murray and Olakau'atu are both 80 minute players so Matterson would likely join the middle rotation, which is his best role anyway.
A quick search through all the major websites sees Ryan Matterson mentioned just the once ... here ... by me!
Matterson is the very definition of "bolter". That said, I'd be shocked if he wasn't named in the extended squad at very least.
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.