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:
2. Beau Fermor
I thought Beau Fermor was unfairly made the scapegoat following Queensland's Origin One loss.
His performances this season have been very good, despite his team's dire form line.
I wouldn't begrudge him a spot on that tour to back up the likes of Crichton, Martin, Young and Preston.
At 26 year's of age, he has plenty of rep footy in front of him, even if he doesn't make his Kangaroos debut on tour.
The fact he can shift into the centres if needed ads valuable utility value.
22 is a big squad but fringe players will likely have to play more than one role. Fermor can play multiple as I'm sure a shift into lock would provide no issues at all.
