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Greg Inglis and Daly Cherry-Evans are the two best players in rugby league at the moment.
Come State of Origin 1, thank God Mal Meninga won't pick them in their preferred positions.
Meninga stated to me last Sunday, "Billy Slater will definitely be fullback, with Inglis in the centres. Thurston and Cronk will be the halves and Daly will wear number 14".
It's clear that Meninga will not even consider change unless a series loss forces it. And why would he?
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On the other hand if Inglis and Cherry-Evans continue to put in performances like they have done in recent weeks, how can he not.
I've never seen a player improve like Cherry-Evans.
WHY THE HALFBACK IS STILL KING
After playing Queensland Cup in 2010, Manly coach Des Hasler gave Cherry-Evans his first taste of NRL in a 2011 trial game against Cronulla.
I was at that trial and Daly played an equal amount of time with two other young halfback hopefuls.
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Like any young rookie getting their first chance, he looked nervous and at times a little lost and indecisive. He didn't stand out by any means.
Hasler none-the-less picked him for their opening round game vs the Melbourne Storm, which they lost 18-6. Daly was again solid but not spectacular.
STORM AND MANLY HATE EACH OTHER
By October he was spectacular; in fact he was named Rookie of the Year, was close to the best on the ground as Manly beat the Warriors to win the NRL Grand Final and was named in the Kangaroos' squad for their Four Nations Tournament.
I can't remember a better rookie year, and since then he's gotten rapidly better.
Andrew Johns with Daly Cherry-Evans after winning the Clive Churchill Medal in the 2013 Grand Final. Source: News Limited
His performance against Canberra two weeks back was the best by any player this year, including seven try assists.
My brother Andrew works with Daly on a weekly basis and it makes sense because Daly's game is frighteningly similar.
That robust build, the ability to do the unorthodox, the step, the pass, the thoughtful kick and of course the confidence. It's more than confidence, it's a healthy arrogance.
HOW WILL YOUR CLUB COPE WITH ORIGIN?
You can't just keep getting better and better without that healthy dose of arrogance.
The niceness of Daly conceals the supreme confidence well.
Andrew Johns has worked with many playmakers since he retired but none understands Joey like Daly.
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Cherry-Evans can turn theory into practice immediately and understands the subtleties that Andrew teaches.
Cherry-Evans deserved better than the seven minutes he got in last Friday night's Test.
I've got no doubt Australian coach Tim Sheens felt the awkwardness of the situation just after half time with the Kangaroos behind and in need of a lift.
Cherry-Evans would've been the ideal injection, but for who?
You see, if Australia had been comfortably in front, not an eyebrow would be raised if Sheens had brought off Thurston or Cronk.
But replace one of these men with Cherry-Evans when the side's behind and struggling, and the earth shakes.
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Daly's seven minutes had nothing to do with concerns of him doing the job. It was all about the man he would replace and the reaction.
This player deserves more than just a few minutes here and there at hooker or back row.
Thurston and Cronk's strengths and attacking tendencies have been analysed and observed by opposition defences for a long time now and it's testimony to their talent and toughness that they can still dominate.
But Cherry-Evans' improvement and unpredictability is now causing a new level of problems for defences.
For our sake let's hope Meninga doesn't find the answer to the Thurston, Cronk and Cherry-Evans puzzle.
Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Cherry-Evans, Inglis ... How can Queensland fit them all in? Source: News Limited
Likewise, Queensland's decision to keep Greg Inglis at centre suits the Blues just fine. Last Friday night's Test match not only showed that the centre position doesn't get Greg anywhere near enough ball, but it allows the defence a better chance of shutting him down by rushing both he and his playmakers.
Mal's problem is this: Slater is still the world's best fullback when you get into the attacking quarter. His combination with Cronk, Thurston and Cam Smith is almost telepathic and the subtlety of his movement and pass, priceless.
Greg Inglis is in great shape for South Sydney and the Maroons. Source: Getty Images
Where as Inglis is the most devastating ball-returner of all time.
Both men must be in the team, so I suppose the question is, 'How does Mal manage the team structure to get more of Inglis on kick returns, while not losing Billy in attack?'
The ability of Queensland to get enough ball to Inglis is one of the biggest factors in deciding who wins this series.
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I caught up with Greg last Monday night at Fox Sports and not only is he rock-hard fit, but he is beaming. Not hard to work out why he's in career-best form. I've never seen Greg so happy or self-assured.
He is due to become a father in the next month, and while my strongest emotion is to be extremely happy for him, I'm also praying for the bub's arrival to be at about 8.30pm on the night of Origin I, and as we know being at the birth of your child is far more important than a mere football game.
New South Wales fans would hope he feels the same way.
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