The State of Origin series is now only two weeks away, with sides for Game 1 to be chosen after this weekend's fixtures. We've seen a few near certainties drop away and a few outsides come from nowhere to force their names into contention.
Below we take a shot at predicting the side the Blues will announce next week. For the record this isn't the side I would pick but the one I expect to be named in a little under a week's time. For the purpose of this we're assuming that Fifita will not be selected due to his Tongan commitments.
Fullback: James Tedesco
The current Origin number one has hardly been lighting up the competition for the Roosters but he's the man I expect to don the No.1 in next week's team list. Tedesco has been very strong in his Origin appearances thus far and I can't see anyone else doing enough to displace him. His ball playing ability will be incredibly important.
Wing: Tom Trbojevic
The only real threat to Tedesco's number one jumper but I expect Tommy Turbo to be picked, whether it be on the wing or at centre. I'd tend to go with the wing to combat the aerial abilities of Holmes or Gagai although his performances at centre for the Kangaroos were encouraging. Should start off new sets well returning the ball from his own in goal.
Centre: Latrell Mitchell
There could possibly be a switch here with Turbo but Latrell HAS to be picked. In previous series the Queenslanders have had X-Factor out wide that has won them the series. Mitchell is the kind of player who can bust a game open. He was born for this stage and I believe he will be named in the outside backs. I can't wait to see him run riot.
Centre: James Roberts
James Roberts' incredible try-of-the-year contender iced his first Origin jumper. I'd expect he'll edge out Euan Aitken whose form has slipped over the past few weeks. The Blues need breaks and points from their outside backs and Roberts can produce breaks and tries from anywhere. A potential clash with Inglis has my mouth watering already.
Wing: Blake Ferguson
An injury to Josh Mansour means I expect Ferguson to be picked. For the record his name would not be in my side but the Blues wood be blooding three of their back five and Ferguson is the best option available as far as experienced backs go. I worry he will be drawn out of position in defense. Addo-Carr for mine.
Five-Eighth: James Maloney
I don't buy into the Moses or Keary talk, for mine Maloney's name has been penciled in since round two or three. Surely, the odd miss tackle and penalty aside, Maloney is the only option here. The Blues need to dominate off the boot and Maloney's kicking game is key. He needs to be able to earn repeat sets for the New South Welshmen to be a genuine shot.
Halfback: Nathan Cleary
If you pick Maloney you have to pick Cleary. He was the form halfback, available for selection, prior to his injury and looked good upon his return last weekend. If he plays well this weekend against the Dragons then the jersey is his. It might be a year early but Fittler needs to think about 2018 and in 2018 it's all about the Panthers' young halfback.
Prop: David Klemmer
Klemmer's dominant performances over the past two weeks are enough to lock down an Origin jersey, and I expect him to be named to start. A late switch is likely but for now I think Klemmer is the first prop named. He was immense against the Sharks and kept his team in the game. He's developed a passing game under Dean Pay that should see his value sky rocket. An Origin player.
Hooker: Cameron McInnes
Everyone knows the number nine I'd pick but for mine the Blues will run with two specialist nines, and McInnes is the likely to start. He will tackle his backside off and will provide plenty of early ball to the halves and Tedesco. His form has been incredible and considering the other Dragons plays to be named, he becomes the favourite for the run on spot.
Prop: Paul Vaughan
An absolute lock of a selection. He should have been selected last year but was ridiculously overlooked. Surely the Blues don't make the same mistake this year. Vaughan has been the best prop in the game over the past 12-or-so months and is as a no brainer decision as there possibly could be. He's a monster in every sense and has Origin written all over him. Huge fan.
Second Row: Boyd Cordner
The captain and one of the game's premier back rowers, this is also a no-brainer decision. If the Blues are to win Game 1 they need to win the forward battle and much of the responsibility will fall on the Roosters supremo. Cordner is a magical footballer and an experienced one. His level head will play a big part in keeping his forwards focused in the early battle.
Second Row: Tyson Frizell
One of my favourite players across the entire competition, Frizell is an absolute certainty to be selected, and will start. He will need to dent the Maroons pack early to allow Cleary and Maloney to dominate. He may be given a protector role of sorts in the early stages as QLD will surely target the half on his outside. Has been huge for the Blues in the past.
Lock: Jake Trbojevic
Jake Turbo could be the deciding factor in this series. He's the game's most clever lock forward although could find himself doing a lot of work in the front row. He will be a huge player early in the contest but for mine his true value will show late. An offload or show and go could set the Blues on their way to victory, especially with his brother lurking around.
Interchange: Reagan Campbell-Gillard
The Panther and World Cup winner could be a late shift into the run on squad for Klemmer but I expect him to be named on the bench. RCG is having a monster year at the foot of the mountains and is an absolute certainty. Aaron Woods may be selected but to be honest RCG is head and shoulders ahead in terms of form. The bench has been a weakness in the past, and I expect the Panthers' enforcer to help turn that tide.
Interchange: Jack de Belin
He may give Turbo a run for the lock spot in the run on side but for mine JDB offers more off the bench. He can play big minutes which will be a huge advantage as there is always an impact injury in Origin 1. The Blues have dropped off in the past in this area but de Belin will keep the middle together. I'm looking forward to seeing the in-form middle man debut.
Interchange: Josh Jackson
Wade Graham won't have enough footy under his bet to displace a man who has done the job for the Blues in the past. He won't win a game with a freak play but he will never, ever let you down. One of the Dogs' best for as long as I can remember, Jackson has been the Blues' best in a series before. Angus Crichton for mine.
Interchange: Damien Cook
For mine the man should play 80 from the start as he is in the top three players in the competition in 2018 but I expect he'll be held back. A genuine game breaker, Cook could be the difference coming on late. If there's a tired or lazy forward at any stage Cook will find them and it will be game over. He is so quick and so elusive and I expect a huge series from the first player I'd choose.
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