This year's State of Origin series is in the books, with the Maroons claiming their second-straight victory under the guidance of head coach Billy Slater.
As is always the case, NSW and their selection issues have been at the forefront of discussion, with Brad Fittler now under immense pressure to retain his spot.
While the Blues did earn a dead-rubber victory in Sydney, their performances in recent years have been disappointing and there could be some major shake-ups heading into 2024.
The Sporting News cast our eye towards next year's series and who could line up for both NSW and Queensland.
NSW Blues 2024 predicted team
1. Scott Drinkwater
This is going to ruffle a few feathers, but the time has come for NSW to move on from James Tedesco after their latest series loss. Drinkwater has been in tremendous form for the Cowboys, with both his speed and ball-playing tailor-made for the Origin arena. Dylan Edwards and Clint Gutherson could be other options at the back, while the likes of Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell could also factor into discussions.
2. Brian To’o
A no-brainer selection given his performances over the past three years. To'o continued to be one of the Blues' best this year and should retain his spot on the wing.
3. Latrell Mitchell
Selected for the first two games of the series but withdrawn due to a calf injury, Latrell should be an automatic selection in the centres if he's fit next year.
4. Campbell Graham
Was right on the cusp of selection prior to the series opener, but a lingering sternum injury ruined his chances of a debut in the blue jumper. Stephen Crichton and Bradman Best had some good moments this year, but the connection with the other South Sydney players should give Graham the slight edge.
5. Josh Addo-Carr
'The Fox' was under immense pressure heading into the final game of this series, but produced a brilliant display before succumbing to a hamstring injury. Addo-Carr should be back on deck and retain his spot next year.
6. Cody Walker
After a couple of years in the State of Origin wilderness, Walker returned in style for Game III, sparking the NSW attack and setting them up for a victory. While age is not on his side and he's not a long-term option, the 33-year-old is playing the best football of his career and as long as the Rabbitohs are winning games, he deserves to be considered for the Blues.
7. Mitchell Moses
While this could be a tough call, Moses showed enough in his two games - particular in Sydney - to warrant a genuine shot to steer NSW around next year. Nathan Cleary's injury opened the door and this feels like Moses' jumper to lose for 2024.
8. Jake Trbojevic
Missed the first two games due to injury, but his return helped the Blues earn a much-needed victory. Doesn't offer a load with the ball, but his tidy-up work in defence is among the best in the game.
9. Damien Cook
After being dropped for the series opener, Cook played at centre for 78 minutes in Brisbane before finally getting the chance to shine in his preferred role. The crafty No.9 was fantastic and his combinations with his South Sydney teammates made a major difference.
10. Payne Haas
Was the best player for NSW across the first two games and will be back from injury next year. Haas won't be overlooked by the Blues any time soon.
11. Keaon Kolaoamatangi
Produced a memorable debut in both attack and defence, laying on a try and making 34 tackles against the Maroons. His form in club land has been impeccable in recent years and looms as a long-term back-row option for NSW.
12. Liam Martin
His aggression and passion are suited for the Origin arena, even if his lack of impact with the ball could be questioned. Highly unlikely he will be left out next year, despite the likes of Hudson Young and Haumole Olakau'atu breathing down his neck.
13. Cameron Murray (c)
Finally got the opportunity to start for the Blues in the No.13 jumper and proved why he is the best modern-day lock-forward in rugby league. His ball-playing, speed and defensive work rate are second to none, and he will likely assume captaincy duties should Tedesco be moved on.
14. Api Koroisau
Was impressive in the series opener, but missed the next two games due to an untimely broken jaw. Deserves another crack and would work well in tandem with Cook in the hooker role. Reece Robson could be considered unlucky, but an extended run in the Origin arena could come later in his career.
15. Isaah Yeo
Tireless and hard-working regardless of what role he plays. Yeo adds experience and leadership to the side, and will likely retain his spot for NSW for years to come.
16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
After being overlooked for the past few years, the Eels prop returned in style for Game III and proved why he belongs at this level. Campbell-Gillard adds plenty of punch in the middle of the field, and his ability to play big minutes is a major bonus.
17. Spencer Leniu
The wildcard selection heading into next year, Leniu was unlucky to miss out on a debut in 2023 and should force his way onto the bench next year. The firebrand front-rower has the aggression and game-breaking style that could make him an instant hit for NSW.
QLD Maroons 2024 predicted team
1. Reece Walsh
Produced two brilliant performances before being suspended for Game III and looks primed to be the Queensland fullback for the next decade. A genuine superstar in the making.
2. Selwyn Cobbo
Injury saw the Broncos flyer miss out on two of this year's games, but he should return in place of Xavier Coates for the 2024 series.
3. Valentine Holmes
A proven commodity in the Origin arena despite a shaky performance in Game III. Won't be getting dropped any time soon unless there's an unforeseen dip in form at club level.
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
His return to the side was one of the true Billy Slater masterstrokes this year. 'The Hammer' was one of Queensland's best and he looks set to remain in the centres at Origin level long-term.
5. Murray Taulagi
One of the unsung heroes of this year's series win, Taulagi was sublime in defence and always adds punch early in the get-out sets with ball in hand. A strong finisher close to the line and part of a red-hot Cowboys contingent.
6. Cameron Munster
A legend on this stage, Munster won't be losing the No.6 jersey any time in the near future.
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
Stood up once again and continues to age like a fine wine. Cherry-Evans will likely go around for one more year, before potentially handing the reins over to a young gun like Tom Dearden.
8. Reuben Cotter
It would be near-impossible to drop the Wally Lewis Medalist after his performances this year.
9. Harry Grant
Started the final game of the series and performed reasonably well. Queensland lose nothing whichever way they go at hooker, with Ben Hunt also likely to retain his spot in the lineup.
10. Tino Fa’asamaleaui
Has become a leader of the Maroons forward pack and has plenty of big Origin moments ahead of him.
11. David Fifita
Returned to the fold for this year's series and had an impact in all three games. At his best, Fifita is the best edge-forward in the NRL and he will likely feature again for Queensland next year.
12. Jeremiah Nanai
Has become a favourite among the Maroons coaching staff and has a long Origin career ahead of him. Needs to maintain some consistency, but should hold off the likes of veteran Kurt Capewell and Felise Kaufusi.
13. Patrick Carrigan
Last year's Wally Lewis Medalist has cemented himself as Queensland's long-term No.13 and is one of the most reliable players in the game today.
14. Ben Hunt
Could start at hooker, but expect to see Hunt remain in the side and play the bench utility role next year.
15. Lindsay Collins
Was unlucky not to earn Player of the Series honours this year and was tremendous in the middle. Despite his club side the Roosters struggling, Collins has stood up for his state and will be back on deck next year.
16. Moeaki Fotuaika
Was called up for Game II and performed admirably off the bench, despite limited minutes, and his form for the Titans will keep him at the forefront of selectors' minds.
17. Jai Arrow
Has struggled with injury in 2023, but Arrow is a reliable customer and can fill in on the edge or in the middle, making him a valuable asset in Origin.
