Taking into account crutches, stitches and nationality switches, you could instigate quite a post-NRL match-up between the Kiwis and Kangaroos players who are out of bounds for Four Nations selection over the next month.
Sure, there would need to be a few positional changes - perhaps Krisnan Inu could move into five-eighth, Kurt Gidley into hooker and Jamal Idris at prop in such hypothetical circumstances - but it would make for quite a clash, as long as a medical crew of M*A*S*H proportions was on standby.
The fact such team lists could be concocted indicates a shadow of farce hangs over the Four Nations - or at least today's pre-tournament test.
The withdrawals and unavailability of 28 Kiwis and Kangaroos means the series risks bordering on irrelevance in Newcastle.
That is not to suggest players are fudging injuries or the often-used "personal reasons" but given they choose to do it now highlights a lack of interest - or maybe even respect - for international league, whether it is driven by the clubs or players. Frank Pritchard, for instance, is in the process of changing allegiance to Samoa.
