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Billy Slater staked a mighty claim for a return to the State Of Origin scene on Friday and on Saturday it was the forwards' turn.
After getting trampled by the giant New South Wales pack in the series opener, the call has come to introduce some new blood.
With Matt Scott sidelined for the year, Dylan Napa made an impressive debut on Wednesday, but the ageing Nate Myles' position is in doubt.
The 31-year-old has played 32 Origins and was one of the Maroons' most consistent performers up front during their golden run in the past decade, but there is speculation is time may be up.
Three of the prime candidates to step into the squad were in action on Saturday night.
Jarrod Wallace — 71 mins, 13 hit-ups, 124m, 49 tackles
After debuting for the Broncos in 2012, Jarrod Wallace started most games on the bench, but made a name for himself in 2015 and 2016.
Wallace impressed after being elevated to the starting line-up following Josh McGuire's Achilles tear in 2015 and further boosted his stocks with another strong season last year.
He has continued that rise on the Gold Coast in 2017 and, considering he was 18th man for Origin I, he is well and truly in the conversation for a maiden Maroons jersey.
"[Being 18th man] was an awesome feeling and I would love to [play], but I've just got to knuckle down and try and keep in some good form," he told Grandstand.
"If I can do that, if they do have a few changes [for Origin II], at least I'll be on the front foot."
Coen Hess — 35 mins, 14 hit-ups, 140m, 8 tackles, 1 line break, 1 try
North Queensland's Coen Hess is the biggest bolter for the side after enjoying a stunning start to 2017.
Hess, 20, played just one game in his debut season, 2015, and added eight last year, but has played all 12 of the Cowboys' games to start this season.
He has displayed a Steve Menzies-like ability to score tries while wearing double digits on his back, crossing nine times to start the year.
The hard-running Bundaberg native spends has split his time between the bench, the starting back row and starting at prop, but he may be considered too young for a debut just yet.
"I'm not too sure," he told Grandstand on Saturday.
"I'm just focused on playing good footy for the Cows — that's my main priority at the moment."
Korbin Sims — 38 mins, 7 hit-ups, 53m, 19 tackles
The first of the three to play on Saturday, Korbin Sims was a member of extended squads in 2015 and seriously entered Origin selection talk last season.
Now, with options at prop thin on the ground, the newly minted Bronco is in prime position.
While brothers Ashton and Tariq, and sister Ruan, have all pledged allegiance to New South Wales, Korbin is eligible for the Maroons.
Grandstand commentator Ruan asked her youngest brother what he thought of his prospects after the Broncos' heartbreaking loss to the Roosters.
"It's been a goal of mine for a few years now. We'll see how we go," he said.
"I've got a game before the bye I've got to really impress. If it's meant to be it's meant to be."
Topics: nrl, rugby-league, sport, state-of-origin, qld, australia