The changing of the guard may be occurring on both sides of the border, but which crop of youngsters will most impact the series? Or will we see the vets, the champion players for their respective teams put it on their shoulders? That will all have to wait until the players take the field.

Both squads have been named. One, a familiar crop of blokes who all possess a mutual understanding and friendship that a dynasty has been built upon. The other, a group of blokes who could probably use a few bonding sessions, downing beers and getting to know their comrades. Aidan Guerra is the only new face for Queensland, a tough, rangey forward who will play on an edge in place of Sam Thaiday. Coach Mal opted for a similar player to replace Thaiday, with Dave Taylor and Jacob Lillyman also putting their hands up. Taylor had the ability to be a target of NSW, while Lillyman is a prop. A prop in a rich vein of form and should any Queensland big bopper go down injured, he'll be in. 

The naming of Queensland's squad never really holds much interest. Loyalty is at the forefront of any selection decision north of the border. In a few years I will be eagerly awaiting the selection of the Maroons. I'll be tuned in to Twitter like a thirsty fan boy because places will be up for grabs. For now the brains trust bring in someone they know will do a job only when a place is up for grabs. 

There will be a plan to get Greg Inglis lots of ball, in space. Don't worry.

Every year, a group of players are named to don the sky blue jersey. They are picked for a variety of reasons and thanks to the number of top players coming from New South Wales, there is plenty of discussion about who should get a spot and where. A leader, respected for what he has done in a long career and what he is currently doing, made a pledge.

He told the world that he'd pick and stick with Mitchell Pearce. He was the man. He was the NSW halfback for many years to come. He was the poster boy for the new blues. 

That went up in smoke when a sexy lady in a yellow dress walked past Mitch. Pearce is still the poster boy for the new blues. But not how he or we thought. The blues will now take all the steps necessary to compete. There won't be a drinking ban, but common sense will prevail. 

Common sense is a trait that all too few don't have. Laurie Daley does have it though. The rise of the Bulldogs has allowed for Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds to be selected. Common sense led to them being selected. Pearce may feature at some stage, but giving a sucker an even break is possibly the worst thing you can do as a professional athlete. Mitchell Pearce did just that. 

Common sense and combinations. 

Borris and Jorris on one side and the Tongan Roosters on another. Two Dawgs in the halves and a certain Jarryd Hayne in 09 form. One would look at that and see fragments, sections that need to come together. While they may not bond like in years gone by, this group of backs would be wise to spend as much time together as possible. While a Charlie Sheen bender may not be needed, a few beers or a coffee with some footy talk could do these guys and NSW wonders. 

Despite Queensland's dominance, NSW have never really had an issue in the forwards. In the past few years, NSW have been able to assert their aggressive style and enthusiasm on Queensland. For parts of the sereis and for parts of matches, NSW have looked the more likely side. The difference has been the smarts and class of Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston etc. The inclusion of Aaron Woods in the starting line up along with James Tamou and Paul Gallen who will play through the middle, allows NSW plenty of skill (offload alert) as wells as grunt. 

The edges are where my interest lies. Ryan Hoffman and Beau Scott will start, two tough veterans who will have defensive duties as well as specific holes/lines to run. The excitement will come from Tony Williams and Luke Lewis who will add a spark off the bench. For what it's worth, I reckon NSW will play how the Warriors should play - tough footy, earning the right to throw it around a bit. NSW will try to stick with Queensland and then I can see them having a fair crack, especially at Suncorp where if they are within range on the scoreboard, they'll be encouraged.

In a sense, the guard has already changed. New players have been thrust in to the State of Origin cauldron. The shit-talk has started, punters are sharpening their photoshop skills making witty little memes and the intense media spotlight has been turned on. With the naming of the squads, we have been given a glimpse in to the mindset of the respective coaches. Each year, I tell myself and others that despite the fact that Queensland are knee deep in a dynasty, NSW have come close nearly every year. This seems to be forgotten a fair bit. This year will be no different. 

NSW have named a team high in confidence, eager to get in to the battle and capable of winning at least one game in Brisbane. However, as we have seen in the NRL recently, Queensland's top dawgs are warming up. They've been flexing their muscles. How exciting.