Billy Brittain may have Aussie Rules in his blood but he looks set to be key to pace-setters South Sydney's fortunes over what shapes as the most taxing representative period in the club's NRL history.
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Wayne Bennett's Rabbitohs have made a flying start to the year and head into Saturday's clash against the Wests Tigers, and former coach Michael Maguire, in top spot.
But on the horizon is a representative drain the likes of which the club has never experienced with the side likely to lose up to six players to state duties.
Dane Gagai is a certainty for Queensland while Damien Cook and Cameron Murray are likewise considered locks for NSW.
Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds are shaping as likely candidates for the Blues while Campbell Graham has been mentioned by Brad Fittler as a possible bolter.
Since Origin's introduction, the Rabbitohs have never contributed five players - though that seems like it could be the case this year.
Last year they had four players receive Origin call-ups, equalling the club record.
And as they get set to be stretched like never before, they look set to rely on their depth.
Back-up half Dean Hawkins, 20, could receive his NRL debut while veteran John Sutton could find himself moved back to five-eighth if Reynolds and Walker are missing.
Brittain, Cook's understudy for the No.9 jersey, is also set to receive his first taste of NRL action.
"Billy's been doing a great job at training and in reserve grade, he's been consistently one of our best players," Cook said.
"He's the captain there, he captained the (NSW) Residents side.
"He's keeping me on my toes and making sure I'm playing well because I understand what it's like to be in his position.
"He's putting pressure on me and it's helping me to stay consistent and keep improving."
Brittain's father Craig played five senior games with AFL side Carlton in the 1980s before going into administrative and coaching roles at Brisbane and the Blues.
His uncle Wayne also coached Carlton from 2001-02.
The Rabbitohs must also deal with a mounting injury toll and they are so stretched they could only name 20 fit players this week, though they have two places to fill on their roster before June 30.
"If anyone knows how to do it, Wayne's the man," skipper Sam Burgess said of navigating the Origin period.
"He's probably coached the most throughout that period, he's coached Origin teams and club teams at the same time so he knows how to manage that period, we've discussed it briefly so we've got a bit of a plan there."
Australian Associated Press
