Matty Johns has given his tips and predictions for the New South Wales State of Origin side, tipping James Maloney to fall out of the halves race.
Withe 2019 series just six weeks away, the race for spots in Brad Fittler's side is already heating up.
Speaking on the Matty Johns Podcast this week, the former Knights and Sharks half said fullback James Tedesco and hooker Damien Cook are certainties.
But there are other spots in the spine up for grabs.
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Johns also said Parramatta Eels halfback is a favourite of Fittler's after pair worked together with Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup in 2017.
But he doesn't think the Eels star will get the nod.
“I think it’s Cleary-Keary at the moment," he said.
"It’s a short priced favourite. (Cody) Walker and Moses are applying pressure there."
Johns, who played four matches in the blue jersey, also mentioned a few smokeys who could be in with a chance of selection.
“Bolters, I’m going to throw three names in there - two to start with - Cam Murray and Victor Radley," he continued.
“Murray’s first half against the Dogs was absolutely exceptional. The variation in his game, his footwork, his passing, his option plays.
“My hunch is that Murray has a little bit more ballplayer than Victor, but Victor doesn’t get enough wraps for this.
"We go back to this time last year and the Roosters were struggling to bed down their combinations. And when Victor came in and the football intellect in the middle, he really bridged Cronk and Keary."
With Tyrone Peachey's form drop, Johns backed Eels fullback Clint Gutherson for a utility spot on the bench.
“Here’s another one for a 14, what more has Gutho got to do to be in discussions? He’d be a great 14," he said.
“It’s interesting where Freddy plays this, because the last 15 years we haven’t had to think about incumbency too much, but I think there’s some players banging the door down.”
