We are just six NRL rounds away from the finals series kicking off.
Looking past that though, there's a salivating Test series kicking off in late October.
The first Kangaroos tour of England in 22 years. The rugby league Ashes are on the line!
Kevin Walters has been named the Kangaroos coach and will now oversee the three test match Ashes series against England.
With news that a 22-man squad is set to be named, we're almost assured to see some fresh faces head overseas.
With Roos regulars Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Payne Haas and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow all considering playing for Samoa at the end of the season, there are potential spots up from grabs.
Factor in injuries, post season commitments and the need to refresh the squad, I'd argue we're due a few "bolters".
Now this term is very much up for debate. For instance, I see Lindsay Smith as a bolter, given the fact he was overlooked for Origin.
The fact he represented the Kangaroos recently though means he won't be seen as a bolter by many others. I've not added him here for that one short stint off the bench.
I'm going to assume that Isaiya Katoa plays for Tonga and Terrell May represents Samoa so they're not named below.
Here are the players I consider genuine bolters who may be named in that 22 man Ashes squad:
4. Kaeo Weekes
There are two major factors at play here.
The fact that Weekes is playing lights out footy may see him grab a spot. There's also the fact that Weekes is eligible to play for the Kiwis.
Naming him here would surely end any discussion.
Weekes has reportedly indicated he'd like to play State of Origin for NSW (if selected) and thus would have to declare for the Kangaroos.
I can see Walters naming him here as the backup fullback. Name either Dylan Edwards of James Tedesco as the starter and takes Weekes on tour.
At 23 year's of age, he'll have at least two Finals games under his belt (if fit) by the time the squad is announced.
He's played for the PM's 13 and a full blown Kangaroos jersey looks very much in his future also.
