They’re the next crop of talented youngsters that are set to go from the under-19's representative arena to the NRL, NRLW and beyond.
Here's eight players to watch across the men's and women's matches in Thursday night’s under-19's Origin clashes at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe.
Latu Fainu (NSW Men)
Signing a four-year deal with Manly at just 16-years-old, Latu Fainu has long been a Sea-Eagle star in the making. Now 18, the fleet-footed five-eighth recently made his NSW Cup debut in Round 8 for the Blacktown Workers and was a revelation in their 46-10 win over the Eels in Round 16. Scoring a try, setting up another, making three line breaks and five tackle busts, Fainu demanded an opportunity to prove he's a State of Origin playmaker of the future.
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Blake Mozer (Queensland Men)
With his name being thrown around Broncos roster conversations, it's hard to believe Blake Mozer is still Under 19s. A member of the Broncos academy since he was 13 and contracted at Red Hill until 2025, Mozer has long been touted as a future star hooker. Patiently waiting behind Brisbane hookers Billy Walters and Cory Paix, Mozer has been a big part of the Souths Logans' 11-2 record this season, scoring six tries and setting up another eight in just 14 games this season. If this year's match is a nail-biter, Mozer's game smarts and slick service out of dummy-half could be the difference come Thursday.
Ambitious Mozer preparing for next steps
Shaylee Joseph (Queensland Women)
Recently signed with North Queensland for the upcoming 2023 season, the 18-year-old Brisbane product is a tough, hard-working prop who will get through a mountain of work in attack and defence. Having played the 2023 NSW Harvey Norman Women’s season with the Central Coast Roosters, the Mabel Park SHS student proved her wares in the forwards alongside international stars Millie Boyle and her sister Keilee. With less than two weeks until the NRLW kicks off, what better way to demand a spot in Ben Jeffries inaugural Cowboys squad than turning heads in the Under 19s Origin.
Losana Lutu (NSW Women)
At 19, Losana Lutu has already achieved so much in the women's game, having lined up for NSW Under 19's, partnering Emily Curtain in the halves to lead the Tigers to Grand Final glory in the Harvey Norman Women's Premiership last year and signing an NRLW contract with the inaugural Wests Tigers for 2023. But after a breakout year in 2022, the Fijian-born playmaker will be looking to take her game to new heights in Redcliffe. Having trained with the likes of Botille Vette-Welsh and Kezie Apps at Concord the past month, Lutu could be the difference between the two sides with her organisation and quality kicking game.
Monalisa Soliola (NSW Women)
Coming off the back of a breakout year in 2022, the 18-year-old old forward is back for the Sky Blues. The Raiders recruit will be an important leader for the NSW women, having five NRLW games to her name after an impressive campaign for the Dragons last season. The barnstorming backrower is a big name for the Blues and will be taking any chance to tear through the Maroons’ defence when handed the opportunity.
Monalisa Soliola makes history at Allianz Stadium!
Charlie Guymer (NSW Men)
Captaining the Parramatta SG Ball side to grand final glory this year, the barnstorming second-rower is set to take his game to new heights in the sky blue jersey. The 2022 St Gregory's College Schoolboys captain is a natural leader on the footy field and is known for his ability to break the game open from the backrow with his strong carries and pace off the mark. Having represented NSW City earlier in the year before continuing to work on his craft in the Jersey Flegg Eels side, you can guarantee the Temora product will leave no stone unturned for the Blues on Thursday night.
Mutua Brown (Queensland Men)
A talented fullback with footy smarts and speed to burn, the North Queensland contracted kid is set to have heads turning in Redcliffe. Since jumping ship from rugby union to league, the Rockhampton Cathedral College schoolboy looks set for a promising future in the Cowboys system. A star for the Central Queensland Capras Hastings Deering Colts side this year, Brown is a dynamic attacking weapon who can score and set-up game-changing tries from anywhere on the field if given some time and space with the football.
Lily-Rose Kolc (Queensland Women)
The Titans Academy squad member is back for a second year in the Maroon No. 9 jersey and will be in good company in Queensland's spine, named alongside Titans playmakers Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Sienna Lofipo. Kolc has formed a core part of Burleigh’s BMD Premiership squad, proving to be a constant threat in the ruck at dummy-half. With an ability to play either side of the ball, a strong running and defensive resilience in the forward line, Kolc is a seasoned No. 9 who will have the Blues’ defence on notice for 80 minutes.
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