League: Storm scandal could impact Origin

Melbourne's salary cap rorting will have an impact on rugby league's jewel in the crown - the State of Origin.

As many as five Storm players flattened by the scandal - Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis, Billy Slater and Copper Cronk for Queensland and Brett White for NSW - will have to keep themselves up mentally to earn selection for the first Origin game in Sydney on May 26.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy will have the task of keeping his gutted player's performing while he also plans NSW's Origin assault following four straight series losses.

Smith, Slater and Inglis have been the nucleus of Queensland's record four straight Origin wins since 2006.

The question being asked, and the question Queensland selectors will have to wrestle with is "can they put rugby league's biggest scandal out of their minds" and play their best football?

One theory is that without anything to play for in the NRL this year, Melbourne's players could make Origin their grand final.

Australia's side for its end of year Four Nations defence will be selected largely on form from the Origin series providing Melbourne's players with something to shoot for in a lost season.

The Storm play the Warriors, North Queensland, Brisbane and Canberra before the Origin teams are selected.

- AAP