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:
1. Ethan Strange
Every squad needs one genuine bolter. One player taken for experience, with a look to the future.
For me, that should be Ethan Strange.
The halves combination will come from the big four - Nathan Cleary, Mitch Moses, Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden.
Matt Burton will likely be named on the bench for all three tests given the amount of positions he can cover at an elite level.
If they're looking to bring a kid into the system knowing he has plenty of potential to represent in the future, look no further than the super in form number six in lime green.
He's played in the centres, at fullback and in the seven. He'd be there as cover but a youngster with massive upside who can cover multiple positions?
Pack your bags young man.
