Indeed, to describe the series as “predictable” in response to Queensland’s ten victories from the past 11 events would be selling the series well short. The ability to generate mass intrigue is perhaps Origin's greatest strength – not knowing what magic and drama this annual state-against-state smash-fest will produce next is what keeps us all, no matter our favourite flavour of sport, coming back.

In that tradition, here are two such unknowns ahead of the 2017 State of Origin series, and some possible answers …

Will it be Origin curtains for BOTH of these greats at the end of this year's series? (Photo by Getty images)

This is Johnathan Thurston’s last year for the Maroons. If the Queenslanders win the 2017 series, will his ageing team-mates Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk retire from Origin alongside him?

It’s a very real possibility for this quartet, who are all approaching their mid-30s. Melbourne halfback Cronk is yet to commit to a Sydney club for 2018 and beyond after announcing he would be relocating to the Harbour City to be alongside his better half, TV presenter Tara Rushton.

Retirement from the NRL would see Cronk bow out of Origin as well, leaving Smith to steer the Maroon boat without the half combo he has worked with across a decade of dominance. In that event, you’d have to question Smith’s motivation for playing on in Origin. If, instead, he is looking for his fountain of youth, this would soon come in the form of an injection of fresh, eager players into the Queensland camp; there’s plenty banging on the door of coach Kevvie Walters’ office.

A series win could very well be the right time to bow out for an aging and increasingly delicate Billy Slater as well, freeing him up for another Storm premiership assault. 

Who will prove to be the new Paul Gallen? (Photo by Getty images)

How will Paul Gallen’s absence affect the New South Wales Blues going forward?

As Inside Sport stated in our feature on Gallen last year, the Cronulla Sharks’ premiership-winner hasn’t been New South Wales’ best or most skilled player over the years, but he has been their most influential. Even just pulling on a jersey alongside such a determined competitor would have added a few feet at least to the spiritual stature of his team-mates.

But now that he’s gone, who will step up and be the new Gal, as it were? The Blues really don’t have another hardman quite like him to call on. Wade Graham is full of running and passion, Josh Jackson is full of intent, Tyson Frizell is pumped up but still young, while Boyd Cordner has been earmarked as a possible favourite to replace Gallen as captain for his own leadership qualities. But is he inspirational enough to lead the Blues to a series win?

For the full version of this story, make sure you catch the June 2017 edition of Inside Sport – ON SALE NOW

(Images by Getty Images)