The PNG Chiefs' signing fanfare of the past few weeks has left serious questions circulating about the Perth Bears' recruitment. With the Bears set to join the NRL next year – a year before the Chiefs - can coach Mal Meninga secure a marquee player for the Bears?

And with the State of Origin teams to be selected at the end of the NRL round this weekend, the biggest question for NSW selectors is who will play fullback for the Blues: the incumbent Dylan Edwards or veteran James Tedesco who is in sparkling form?

This week Sydney Morning Herald rugby league writers, Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko discuss those questions and preview Magic Round.

The PNG Chiefs' signing fanfare of the past few weeks has left serious questions circulating about the Perth Bears' recruitment. With the Bears set to join the NRL next year &ndash; a year before the Chiefs - can coach Mal Meninga secure a marquee player for the Bears? And with the State of Origin teams to be selected at the end of the NRL round this weekend, the biggest question for NSW selectors is who will play fullback for the Blues: the incumbent Dylan Edwards or veteran James Tedesco who is in sparkling form? This week Sydney Morning Herald rugby league writers, Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko discuss those questions and preview Magic Round.

From newsroom of The Sydney Morning Herald, NRL podcast 40/20 gives you press pass access to the latest news, controversies and performances in the rugby league calendar. Each week, hear the best analysis in the business from Neil Breen, Christian Nicolussi, Channel Nine's Zac Bailey and a host of guest stars.

Follow, and review our show on Apple or Spotify, and for all the latest sports news, go to smh.com.au.

From newsroom of The Sydney Morning Herald,&nbsp;NRL podcast 40/20 gives you press pass access to the&nbsp;latest news, controversies and performances in the rugby league calendar. Each week, hear the best analysis in the business from Neil Breen, Christian Nicolussi, Channel Nine's Zac Bailey and a host of guest stars.
Follow, and review our show on Apple or Spotify, and for all the latest sports news, go to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl">smh.com.au.</a>