We are now just weeks away from Origin One and NSW eligible players are dropping like flies.
Latrell Mitchell has long been ruled out while Ryan Papenhuyzen's recent injury has robbed him of a near certain Origin debut.
Origin mainstay Cameron Murray joins the aforementioned stars in the casualty ward following a serious injury. He was certain to run out for the Blues on June 8th.
Murray's loss will be someone else's game, with both Origin second row spots up for grabs.
Looking at the list of names there are plenty of options but I certainly wouldn't want to be in Brad Fittler's shoes come selection.
Below are the players most likely to run out to represent New South Wales in the Series opener in Sydney.
3. Tariq Sims
Tariq Sims played a big part as a run on second-rower in the Blues' 2021 series win.
Strangely, the Dragons seemed to shop their wide running weapon to multiple clubs during the 2021 off-season. They've also allowed him to move to Melbourne for 2023 onward.
The fact Sims isn't currently running out for the Red V and is playing a part-time role from the bench probably sees him fall down the pecking order.
That's not to say that Sims wouldn't do the job just fine of course.
Sims is averaging 51 and a half minutes, which is about what he'll likely need to produce at Origin level, so there's nothing to suggest he couldn't run out.
My only fear is that if the Dragons brass don't rate him as a run on second-rower over Jack Bird and Jack Gosiewski, it says he probably isn't in the Origin discussion.
