The State of Origin period tests NRL clubs' depth, but also gives the stars of tomorrow the opportunity to shine in the top grade.
There are only four NRL games this week and for some clubs they will have the luxury of a bye.
Probably the most effected team is South Sydney with five players out followed by Manly and Raiders with three, Cowboys with two and Titans one. Injury has created squad carnage for a host of teams as well.
Both Origin teams have been named with New South Wales having five debutantes to Queensland’s three.
A big shout-out to the little bro Felise for being named in the Maroons starting side again this year. We are so proud of you and I hope the whole of Bundy gets behind one of their own.
On that same note, how good is it that Bundaberg will be on show come Origin with the new naming rights sponsor Auswide Bank? What a partnership!
The Auswide Bank originated in Bundaberg and was founded in 1966 as an alternative to the big banks.
Queensland's north v south
My match of the round is the north v south, the Cowboys v Titans.
If the last round was any indication then this game will be a close contest. The Titans are unchanged after their impressive win away against Manly.
On the other hand, the Cowboys side is missing Michael Morgan and Josh McGuire to Origin and injuries to Matt Scott (shoulder) and Justine O'Neil (spleen), which has caused a major reshuffle to the team.
Jake Clifford slots in at half and Bolton starts for Scott and Coen Hess is back from a groin injury that kept him out from last week’s game — what handy replacements.
The Titans will be looking to avenge their round eight loss to the Cowboys in Townsville.
This will be close — Tyrone Roberts and Ash Taylor have hit some form and will guide their team to a victory at home.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys the vast amount of changes will unsettle them too much and won’t have the flow they need in the game to win.
Missing stars could end Rabbitohs' run
My upset of the round is the Eels v Rabbitohs.
The Eels are officially in a form slump by losing four of their last five games. They have also dropped four experienced players in Tim Mannah, Daniel Alvaro, Brad Takairangi and George Jennings.
The Rabbitohs have five missing for Origin and have two debutants named in key positions.
The halves in Connor Tracey and the hooking role will be filled by Billy Brittain.
For me there is a lack of experience there so I'm backing the Eels to finally end the Rabbitohs’ run.
Kaufusi's Call for round 12:
Panthers v Sea Eagles
Eels v Rabbitohs
Bulldogs v Raiders
Titans v Cowboys
