Aaron Woods' State of Origin aspirations are in tatters with the Blues incumbent unlikely to play another NRL game before Laurie Daley announces his team in 19 days time.

Sydney Roosters co-captain Boyd Cordner has grown comfortable with leadership in a short space of time.

Josh Dugan's Kangaroos jersey shows how far the former Canberra Raiders fullback has come.

Penrith lock Trent Merrin believes he has the credits in the bank to be part of Anzac Test.

More than 50 NRL players knocked back offers from the NSWRL to play in the final instalment of the City-Country clash in Mudgee on Sunday.

Pick me at six: that's the message from Blues incumbent Matt Moylan to NSW coach Laurie Daley and may just be the tonic to cure Penrith's early season woes.

The legitimacy of the City-Country clash diminished years ago, however, it has now plunged to a farcical new low.

Laurie Daley says the NRL must take more games to the bush after City v Country is discontinued next month.

​The sight of NSW hopeful James Roberts being carried off the field has soured Brisbane's 32-18 NRL win over Penrith at Suncorp Stadium.

Paul Gallen, you suspect, is just waiting for the green light from Laurie Daley. He doesn't want to say he's in, but neither is he saying he is completely out. But will Daley go there?

Jarryd Hayne has made himself unavailable for the upcoming representative round as he buckles down on preparing for a fairytale State of Origin return for NSW.

• ANALYSIS

A month out from the naming of the first Origin teams, both Kevin Walters and Laurie Daley have some thinking to do as veterans depart and players jostle for key jumpers in both states.

Wade Graham knows he's probably unlikely to pip Blues captain in waiting Boyd Cordner for the NSW left backrower position but has sent coach Laurie Daley a reminder of his versatility.

The Test winger knows his best opportunity of playing State of Origin this year may be through the misfortune of another but he is determined to tick off his No.1 bucket list item.

Queensland State of Origin great Justin Hodges has been named coach of the Maroons under 20s.

​Luke Keary says he's now happy to be considered for NSW at State of Origin time but it doesn't mean he thinks he's ready to pull on the Blues jersey just yet.

There is anger north of the Tweed about Arthur Beetson being an inaugural inductee at a dinner in Sydney next month. In reality, he must be picked.

He is one of Queensland's favourite sons but Arthur Beetson is set to become one of the NSW Rugby League's inductees into their inaugural Hall of Fame.

The Storm know their undefeated run will end if they again produce errors against Penrith Panthers on Saturday night.