THE PLAYERS WITH ORIGIN SPOTS ON THE LINE DURING NRL MAGIC ROUND
NSW
* James Maloney – Well and truly in the gun and will need a massive form surge to hold his spot.
* Reagan Campbell Gillard – Like Penrith teammate Maloney, his hopes are remote.
* Tyrone Peachey – Has struggled for form since moving to the Gold Coast and now has several players in front of him for the No.14 jersey.
* Luke Keary – Since last year’s grand final has been the form player of the league and just about has to be picked.
* Cody Walker – Like Keary, is putting massive pressure on Maloney. Could also slot into the bench utility spot.
* Jordan McLean – Seems to be the next in line for a front-row spot.
* Payne Haas – Has been playing big minutes and making big metres. A player of the future.
* Jack Wighton – Can play anywhere in the backline and is being considered as a potential utility.
* Jack Bird – The leading candidate to replace Brisbane teammate James Roberts and has switched to the right side.
* Blake Ferguson – Looks a shoo-in to get a wing spot with Tom Trbojevic out injured.
* Jarrod Croker – Has been a consistent performer for a long time. A bit of a smoky for the left centre spot, considering he plays on the right.
* Cameron Murray – Has a big test in front of him against Jason Taumalolo on Sunday.
* Dale Finucane – Tough as they come. Wouldn’t look out of place or let anyone down.
* Victor Radley – Is covering at hooker at the moment but has put his hand up for a back-row berth.
* Jesse Ramien – Another contender for a centre spot.
QUEENSLAND
* Coen Hess – Currently sits on the edge and must prove to Kevin Walters he deserves to hold his spot.
* Gavin Cooper – Like Hess, if North Queensland can return to form it will be a big help to his case.
* Jarrod Wallace – Unlikely to hold his bench spot.
* Dylan Napa – His return from an ankle injury is a big boost for Queensland, who need him in form.
* Christian Welch – Has pushed himself into the pecking order and now looks likely to be blooded.
* David Fifita – The Broncos back-rower is in line to make his debut off the bench.
* Reed Mahoney – Has 17 games to his credit and is a long shot. But looks tailor made for Origin.
* Michael Morgan – Will be there, it’s just not certain where. Either in the halves or at centre.