WIDDERS WRITES: The Knockout returns and a big battle for the Blue

There's a showdown looming between two great young players, while some very exciting news this week should have us all cheering.

Kotoni Staggs and Siosifa Talakai have both put their hand up for the Blues jersey, with a showdown between the two coming this week. Source: Supplied

It's the time of year when the rumblings for State of Origin begin.

With Latrell Mitchell sidelined, all eyes are on Siosifa Talakai and Kotoni Staggs for the Blue jumper. 

The face-off on Thursday with the Broncos hosting the Sharks in Brisbane.

I think it will all come down to this game. Staggs said over the weekend his was ready to give the Sharks' left side Talakai a run for his money. 

Kotoni has size on his side, where other players have failed. You need a big player going up against Talakai, someone who loves the aggression, and Kotoni's got that. 

So I'll be keen to see how Kotoni puts the physicality on him, but Talakai is really on form at the moment. They've had some good tussles in the past: last time they went head to head, it was a try each. 

But for me, Kotoni has shown his class. He's been building his case for the Blues for a long time, having played for Tonga and done well.

Community Team of the Week

For fans of The Dot, we're going to diversify a bit this year, not only looking at NRL and NRLW, but broadening our coverage out to community football as well, and shine a spotlight on the great things those teams are doing. 

We'll be implementing a new segment, Community Team of the Week.

We want nominations from all over Australia, NT Rugby League, Queensland, WA, and all the community comps.

Individual players who are standing out in their teams and doing amazing things will get a showing as well. Over the weekend we had Tamika Upton, who scored three tries for the Central Queensland Capras, and Latrell Robinson, who was a standout for the Redfern All Blacks.

Tamika Upton of the Broncos during the Round 1 NRLW match between the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos. Source: AAP

Keep your eyes peeled for staunch players who deserve a shout-out.

Knockout returns

And it's the right time to be supporting community football!

Just yesterday we've had the great news that the Knockout is definitely back on, with the South Coast Black Cockatoos posting the confirmation on social media.

As I wrote last week, community football is coming alive again and it's a joy to see. 

I've dug through the wardrobe and found my boots, I'll be playing for Narwan Eels. I heard Georgey Rose will be playing for Walgett too.

I encourage everyone to get out and play or cheer for your local team, and lets get back to this game we all love, and see you in October!