News broke on Wednesday morning that Eels, Origin and Kangaroos winger Zac Lomax is looking at six weeks on the sidelines.
This puts his Origin One chances in real doubt.
The series opener is on the 28th of May, meaning he would likely get just the one game to press his claim. At best!
If fully fit, Lomax holds onto his Origin spot on the wing. That said, right now it looks very doubtful that he'll be able to run out onto Suncorp Stadium.
We're assuming Brian To'o is fully fit and picked. I'm also locking Latrell Mitchell into the centres with Stephen Crichton.
Below we look at five potential replacements for Zac Lomax:
1. Matt Burton
Let me start off by saying I fully expect Matt Burton to be named in the number 14 jersey. He's the perfect utility in the Origin arena.
That said, he'd also do an amazing job in the centres. His ready make club combination with Stephen Crichton may also prove too good to pass up.
Again, Crichton would need to shift to the wing, but in 2021 the Panthers enjoyed success with Burton in the centres and Crichton on the wing.
Burton's inclusion also gives the Blues another kicking option. Perhaps the best kicking option in the NRL no less.
Although he's currently out through injury, Burton's start to 2025 has been electric. By all reports he'll be well back before Origin selection.
If the Dogs are still leading the comp come Magic Round, you'd expect there to be a massive push to include Burton in the run on side.
Conclusion: If fully fit, you'd be braver than I am to go past Tom Trbojevic. That said, if he's not 100%, I'm going with Bradman Best in the centres, with Matt Burton holding his spot on the bench.
I can’t believe that Edwards is better than thirty full-time NRL wingers.
Tommy T is too fragile to pick. He may well already be ruled out by injury, anyway.
Reuben Garrick – doesn’t do too much for me, but I think he would be solid.
Xerri – yes I’d like to see him at centre with Crichton moving out one slot. Good idea!
Best ? I haven’t been as impressed with him as with Xerri, but I wouldn’t moan.
Burton ? Same as for Best, but he the optimum #14.
I’d go Xerri.
… and I would also consider Grant Anderson from the Storm, after he ran in three tries playing on the wing, last weekend. Born in Belmont, just outside Newcastle, so he should be quite eligible to wear a blue jersey.