Believe it or not, the moments leading up to State of Origin are quickly approaching.
With the first game set for May 27th, the anticipation for the Blue and Maroon clash is building.
While there remains ample opportunity for players to secure or lose their Origin jerseys, today we evaluate the progress made thus far.
At the start of the season, I compiled two projected squads for Origin, which I revise regularly. It's safe to say these predictions have evolved significantly since their initial presentation in February.
Now, let's focus on five players whose prospects for Origin selection have improved. Their performances or changing circumstances-sometimes both-have bolstered their chances.
Conversely, we must also consider those who have seen their prospects diminish, as we take a look at five players whose chances have decreased.
We invite your thoughts in the comments on which players you think have moved closer to, or further from, an Origin debut since last month.
Here are five players whose chances for Origin selection have risen, along with five who have experienced a decline in their stocks:
Blayke Brailey
Blayke Brailey has emerged as the best hooker in the competition not named Harry Grant.