THE ORIGIN HOPEFULS ON SHOW AT PANTHERS STADIUM.
PENRITH:
* TYRONE PEACHEY – Is the most likely bench utility for NSW if Brad Fittler opts against picking two hookers.
* JAMES MALONEY – The Blues’ incumbent five-eighth and considered a certainty for selection until concerns were raised about his defence.
* NATHAN CLEARY – Racing the clock to prove his fitness. Was impressive on return from a seven-week layoff from a knee injury against the Wests Tigers last week.
* REAGAN CAMPBELL-GILLARD – The Panther who can be most confident of selection. Has been Penrith’s best up front this year.
* TRENT MERRIN – Done it before but has fallen behind the pack in this year’s selection race.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA:
* EUAN AITKEN – Has been a revelation for the Dragons this season, scoring seven tries. Chances haven’t been hurt by James Roberts’ possible Achilles injury.
* BEN HUNT – It’s surely just a matter of where Queensland play Ben Hunt. The form halfback of the opening two months of the competition could also be named at hooker or as a bench utility.
* CAMERON McINNES: Appears to have fallen just behind Damien Cook if Brad Fittler is to only select one hooker.
* PAUL VAUGHAN: Appears that a maiden NSW jumper is his to lose against Penrith’s big men.
* TYSON FRIZELL: One of the few absolute certainties for a NSW jersey this year, barring injury on Saturday night.
* TARIQ SIMS: The man Penrith’s halves should fear. Has done a job on opposition playmakers all year and will push for a bench spot.
* JACK DE BELIN: Has come of age this year to put himself in strong contention for an Origin debut.