The competition within the competition, which started the day of Origin selection and finishes when full time is called in the third match of the inter-state series.
It’s the six-to-seven-week period where the quality teams are pretty much handicapped by either losing star players or getting them back injured, while those a little further down the ladder get to the chance to ‘pinch’ points against depleted sides and climb upwards.
It’s long been the case and while it’s not a perfect system, it sure does make things interesting this time of the year.
With Melbourne (nine players and coach) and Brisbane (with six) deliver the bulk of players to Origin duty, they’re in most danger of slipping down the ladder and the weekend results were evidence of that.
Without doubt, the Sea Eagles have a great chance to cement themselves in the top four.
Already in second place, they’ve lost just one player to the opening Origin and if that remains for the series they could very well be way out in front come the run towards the semi finals.
Just have a look at their draw for the next four weeks and you would have to say it’s all good.
First up are the Dragons who incredibly have more players (3 to 1) involved in Origin than last year’s beaten grand finalists.
Following are the Raiders away – a tough trip yes, but very winnable – while they’ll host a Roosters team the Sunday before Origin Two.
If selections remain it’ll mean Manly will only be missing Brett Stewart while the Roosters will have half their pack on Blues duty and watching from the sidelines.
Enjoying a bye the week after that, Manly could very well pick up eight straight competition points and that’s with a third Origin match to play.
While the rest of those in the tough six will be crossing their collective fingers and toes over the next month and a half, hoping they come out of the other side of Origin still in tact to mount a premiership charge, there’s a stack hoping this could be the time to get on a roll.
One of the few clubs actually welcoming back their best players this time of year, Wests-Tigers are certainly one of those well positioned to make a move the right way.
After a horrible start to the season, Penrith are actually now in the top eight and could well firm that up if they also take advantage.
In the same breath, so too should Parramatta.
Indifferent is probably the best way to describe they’re opening 10 rounds and sitting on the fringe, they are not heavily effected by Origin selection and may just get the sort of kick needed this time of year.
They will want to do better than their first up ‘pseudo’ competition effort though against the Roosters, otherwise a season that began with so much hope could slip away from the Eels.
So let’s just see where all these teams sit in six weeks time, for now it’s time to claim your seat on the couch, take the phone off the hook and watch the best football there is – State of Origin.
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