It's been an unusually quiet build up to Origin One, and both sides have been content to go about their respective business before the Wednesday night opener. The trash talking has been on the down low, but there's no doubt that both sides will be fired-up come kick-off time - and the greatest rivalry in Rugby League will be underway for another year. We're expecting a fiery opener filled with bone-crunching hits...anything less just wouldn't be Origin footy, now would it?

In NRL news, it was an action-packed weekend as the teams tried to make-do without their Origin stars - which had a lot to do with some of the surprises from the round ten action.

The biggest win (form-wise) came from the struggling Dragons, who beat the Storm 36-12 - although it must be noted that the Storm were without nine of their stars who were away on Origin duty. It certainly would have looked bad for the Dragons if they had failed to beat the "baby" Storm, and they'll be hoping Wendell Sailor makes his return within the next few weeks to help bolster that backline.

The North Queensland Cowboys were handed a 38-6 thrashing at the hands of the Manly Sea Eagles, which has led to coach Graham Murray's resignation - as of immediately. Murray was due to step down as coach at the end of the season, but the Cowboy's poor form has forced his hand earlier than expected. Quite an unfortunate turn-around for the man who has helped build the Cowboys into a dominant force over the last three seasons.

The Warriors once again failed to make any sort of impact away from home, as they were pounced on by the Penrith Panthers, who ran away with a 48-22 victory. If the Warriors can't find a way to win in Australia, their hopes for a top eight finish will fade rapidly - it just isn't enough to win only your home games in the NRL.

In Monday night action the Canberra Raiders went Bunny hunting, and came away with a solid 38-10 win at home. The South Sydney boys looked ordinary, and their defense was almost non-existent. After such a great year in 2007 it seems as though the Rabbitohs are falling into old habits (whipping boy, anyone?). Coach Jason Taylor must be starting to sweat, despite calls that his job is safe.

In player news, Brett Kimmorley is on the move again - this time to the Bulldogs, where he'll take up a contract as of 2009. This will be his sixth club in the NRL, having already played for the Newcastle Knights, Hunter Mariners (who no longer exist), the Melbourne Storm, the Northern Eagles (now the Manly Sea Eagles), and the Cronulla Sharks.

Brett Hodgson is on the move to the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League, while Mark "Piggy" Riddell is also off to England, where he'll front up for Wigan. Two big losses for the NRL, and for us League fans - best of luck, boys.

Finally - here's how your teams went in Round 10:

Titans 24-20 Bulldogs
Roosters 32-12 Eels
Sharks 13-6 Broncos
Sea Eagles 38-6 Cowboys
Dragons 36-12 Storm
Panthers 46-22 Warriors
Tigers 38-26 Knights
Raiders 38-10 Rabbitohs