State versus state.
Teammate versus teammate.
Friend versus friend.
It's the ultimate clash in rugby league - the State of Origin series is about to kick off, and league fans have been absolutely champing at the bit to watch these titans in action.
The NSW Blues head into the series as incumbent champions, but another victory against the Queensland Maroons is far from a done deal.
The Blues are missing danger man Tom 'Turbo' Trbojevic, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury, and fellow backs Latrell Mitchell (injured) and Josh 'The Fox' Addo-Carr (not picked).
There's debutantes in the outside backs for both squads. Maroon teen Selwyn Cobbo got the call up to the wing after barnstorming his way through defence with the high-flying Brisbane Broncos, while his club teammate Kotoni Staggs heads into the Blues centres on the back of his speed and agility.
The Penrith halves partnering of Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary will be tough to beat, but with Manly veteran Daly Cherry-Evans' kicking game and mischievous Melbourne Storm master Cameron Munster as their counterparts they'll be up against experienced competition.
Things get no less interesting in the sheds - while Brad 'Freddy' Fittler is no stranger to the Blues coaching box, Maroons legend Billy Slater has stepped into the role for the first time this year. He's brought with him a dynamic team of assistants though, with former Queensland teammates Cameron Smith and Johnathon Thurston helping out.
Who comes out on top this year is anyone's guess - but you can guarantee it will entertain from start to finish.
