NSW's halves combination remains the biggest conundrum as State of Origin hopefuls from both sides prepare for the final chance to be part of the biggest squad revamps in years.
Queensland could have as many as 12 different faces from the series-opener last year, while there's a possibility NSW's list of debutants could reach double figures.
But the Blues' search for new halves is nothing new.
NSW have used 21 halves pairings since the start of Queensland's winning run in 2006, and are almost certain to add another one to the tally this year with Nathan Cleary, James Maloney, Mitchell Moses and Luke Keary all in contention.
Cleary made an impressive return from injury in Penrith's win over the Wests Tigers on Thursday night, while Moses experienced an up-and-down Friday night in Parramatta's loss to the Warriors.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
James Maloney was also prominent in the Panthers' victory, but Blues coach Brad Fittler confirmed on Sunday he'd spoken with the incumbent five-eighth about his defence.
"They were really obvious (deficiencies)," Fittler told Nine's Footy Show.
"The teams that went at him. The Cowboys went at him, Canterbury went at him. All the tries were coming down that side because James wasn't defending as a side and as a team."
James Roberts and Latrell Mitchell also made their case to be the centre pairing when they both scored stunning tries marked up against each other in Brisbane's defeat of the Sydney Roosters in front of Fittler on Friday night.
Incumbent centre Josh Dugan also returned in Cronulla's 22-16 win over Canterbury, but would be considered long odds to retain his spot.
One thing is certain, Curtis Scott won't be there. The Melbourne centre faces a two-game ban for punching Manly's Dylan Walker in the Sea Eagles' controversial 24-4 win.
Tom Trbojevic also pushed his cause in the upset, as he outgunned Billy Slater with one try and an assist to push his challenge for James Tedesco's No.1 jersey.
St George Illawarra's stars also made their case to dominate the Blues' pack and bench for the June 6 clash in their win over Canberra.
They kept their two-point lead at the top of the ladder as Jack de Belin scored a try and busted six tackles, while fellow Origin aspirant Tariq Sims racked up 161 run metres.
Meanwhile Queensland were given another concern on Saturday night when Matt Scott limped from the field with a knee injury in North Queensland's last-minute loss to South Sydney.
Maroons officials were hopeful on Sunday the veteran prop would still be fit for the series opener, crucial given the experience they lost last week following Cameron Smith's retirement.
Jai Arrow's hopes of joining the forward pack received a boost in his successful return for the Gold Coast in their 33-26 defeat of Newcastle, while young star Kalyn Ponga scored a length-of-the-field try for the Knights.
