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Rugby league fans get a look at the very best crop of young talent coming through when New South Wales and Queensland meet in the U/19's representative arena on Thursday night.

Ahead of both the men's and women's teams facing off at Leichhardt Oval, here are 10 players to keep an eye on. 

10 rising stars to watch in U-19 Origin games

1. Mitch Woods (New South Wales Men)

A hugely talented athlete who excelled in a number of sports through his earlier teenage years, the Bulldogs moved quickly to lock Woods up on a long-term deal earlier this year which will keep him at Belmore until at least the end of 2027. Judged the SG Ball Player of the Series after guiding the Bulldogs to the final in April, the 18-year-old has smooth playmaking skills and a good tactical understanding, with a strong natural running game complimented by a booming long kick. His skillset at a young age has seen Bulldogs GM of football Phil Gould draw parallels to former Blues No.7 Steve Mortimer at the same point of his career. 

2. Jaxon Purdue (Queensland Men)

Having given everyone a strong hint of what was to come in 2024 with a stellar showing in the Cowboys’ Pre-Season Challenge hit out against the Broncos in February, in which he scored a try, broke six tackles and clocked 203 metres, Purdue has impressed at every step since. After torching opposing defences in the Queensland Cup this year, scoring tries in five of his six games for the Cutters, Purdue was called up to North Queensland’s NRL squad in Round 13 and 14 to play at centre and off the bench. An evasive runner with a long stride, he’s a huge problem when given space with ball in hand.  

Jaxon Purdue: Young man who 'knows how to play footy'

3. Maleala Su'a (Queensland Women)

A player who has achieved some remarkable feats long before celebrating her 20th birthday. Su’a made her debut for the Samoa women’s rugby league team against Fiji last year, continuing her fast rise in the 13-person game after proving a sensation in rugby union and playing for the Queensland Reds senior team at the age of 16. Su'a, who captained Mabel Park to the inaugural National Schoolgirls Cup national title last year, has joined the Titans’ top squad on the back of playing nine games for Souths Logan in the Queensland women’s competition in 2024. 

4. Coby Black (Queensland Men)

The likely future Broncos No.7 in waiting, such is Black’s talent he was mentioned as a potential replacement for Adam Reynolds in Brisbane’s NRL side when the veteran was injured earlier this season. The Helensvale Hornets junior hit the headlines earlier this year when he scored a phenomenal 46 points for Burleigh in a Mal Meninga Cup match and earlier in the season he was also impressive in Brisbane’s trial win over Wynnum-Manly. With strong long kicking game and good vision, Black is a game manager who also has the potential to change a contest in the blink of an eye with his individual brilliance. 

Black: Words can't describe putting on this jersey

5. Kasey Reh (New South Wales Women)

A born leader who captained the Australian Schoolgirls in 2023 and this year was skipper of the Illawarra Steelers as they went all the way to Tarsha Gale Cup final in April, Reh was a natural choice to have the ‘C’ for NSW. A composed player who comes from rich rugby league stock, Reh is the niece of former NSW representatives Brett and Glenn Stewart. Judged the top player in the Tarsha Gale Cup for 2024, the 18-year-old will be eyeing off an NRL debut later this year after agreeing to terms with the Dragons on a long-term deal that will keep her at the club until at least the end of 2026.

Adams opens the scoring

6. Skyla Adams (Queensland Women)

Having already well and truly caught the eye of senior Maroons coach Tahnee Norris, who included Adams in her wider squad for both of the opening two Origin games, the talented playmaker is primed to own the U-19 arena in 2024. A try-scorer in last year’s age-group triumph over NSW while playing in the centres, Adams moves into her preferred role at halfback this year after impressing for Souths Logan in the Queensland women’s competition and guiding them to wins in her final four games. Signed to the Broncos for the next two years with an additional club option for 2026, Adams shapes as the long-term heir apparent to Ali Brigginshaw.  

7. Ella Koster (New South Wales Women)

After appearing in eight NRLW games for the Dragons last year, in which she scored two tries and averaged 69 run metres, Koster brings a huge amount of elite-level experience to the NSW pack. A starting prop for NSW Country in this year’s win over NSW City, she’s equally at home on the edge and is a valuable player to have on the interchange. Koster has been a hit since converting to rugby league from rugby union, where she represented the Waratahs at the age of 16.

Ella Koster Try

8. De La Salle Va'a (Queensland Men)

A hulking front-rower who already has the build of an NRL middle forward, Va’a has been progressing well through the Roosters’ pathway this year on the back of representing the Australian Schoolboys in 2023 alongside the like of Wests Tigers ace Lachlan Galvin. Having moved into the Tricolours’ NSW Cup side in recent weeks, he’s edging closer to an NRL debut after being included in Trent Robinson’s wider squad earlier this month when Lindsay Collins and Spencer Leniu were out on Origin duty.

9. Casey McLean (New South Wales Men)

After breaking into the Panthers’ NSW Cup team this year McLean has nailed down a left centre spot alongside his older brother Jesse, with the pair set to carry that combination into Thursday night’s showdown with Queensland. At 18 years of age McLean is already showing an ability to put forward consistent performances against senior opponents, with an eye to emulating 2023 Blues U-19 centres Ethan Strange and Josh Feledy in going on to debut in the NRL on the back of star showings for their state. A busy player who goes looking for work, the Blacktown-born player is averaging over 15 touches and 120 run metres per game this year in the NSW Cup.

10. Jamal Shibasaki (Queensland Men)

Used as an impact player off the bench for Queensland last year, the powerfully built Townsville product – who can play both on an edge and through the middle – gets his chance in the run-on side this time around. After scooping player of the year honours in the Mal Meninga Cup in 2023, Shibasaki has been a revelation at Queensland Cup level this for the Cutters, scoring seven tries in 11 games and averaging almost four tackle busts per game. It’s clearly caught the eye of Cowboys coach Todd Payten, who handed him a first-grade debut back in Round 13.

Who's who: Profiling the 19's Origin teams

Men – New South Wales v Queensland

NEW SOUTH WALES QUEENSLAND
Chevy Stewart
- In the Raiders system
- Debuted earlier in 2024
Jaxon Purdue
- In the Cowboys system
- Debuted earlier in 2024
Jesse McLean
- In the Panthers system
- Debuted in 2023
- Australian Schoolboy
Israel Leota
- In the Broncos system
- Named in NRL team this year

Casey McLean
- In the Panthers system
- Brother of Jesse McLean
LJ Nonu
- In the Dolphins system
- Plays centre and fullback
Hayden Buchanan
- In the Dragons system
- Australian Schoolboy

Sam Stephenson
- In the Titans system
- Son of Paul Stephenson
- Has played for Junior Kumuls
Michael Gabrael
- In the Sharks system
- Previously with Eels/Bulldogs
Tyreece Tait
- In the Roosters system
- One of the fastest on the field
Jake Elliott
- In the Roosters system
- Central Coast product
Stanley Huen
- In the Storm system
- Played U/19's Origin in 2023
Mitchell Woods
- In the Bulldogs system
- Won U/17's Premiership
- SG Ball Player of the Year
Coby Black
- In the Broncos system
- Earmarked as future Brisbane #7

Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
- In the Dragons system
- Won U/19's Premiership
De La Salle Va'a
- In the Roosters system
- Stands close to 2m tall
Matthew Arthur
- In the Eels system
- Son of Brad Arthur
Cameron Bukowski
- In the Broncos system
- In QLD Emerging Maroons squad
Fanafou Seve
- In the Bulldogs system
- Played up an age in U/19's
Beni Allen
- In the Broncos system
- Knocked back offers from union
Jermaine McEwen
- In the Knights system
- Signed from Panthers
Zac Garton
- In the Dolphins system
- Represented QLD Country
Noah Martin
- In the Raiders system
- NSW Country scholarship

Jamal Shibasaki
- In the Cowboys system
- Debuted earlier in 2024
- Brother of Gehamat Shibasaki
Blake Steep**
- In the Roosters system
- Port Macquarie product
Mason Kira
- In the Cowboys system via Storm
- 18th Man for Maroons in 2023
Zane Harrison
- In the Titans system
- U/19's GF Player of the Match
Mutua Brown
- In the Cowboys system
- Talented fullback who played in 2023
Jacob Halangahu
- In the Dragons system
- Australian Schoolboy
Lewis Symonds
- In the Dolphins system
- Silver medalist in athletics
- Represented AUS in powerlifting
Kaiden Lahrs
- In the Cowboys system
- Son of Tom Leaoyrd-Lahrs
Harry Armstrong
- In the Broncos system
- Background in touch football
Sam Tuivati
- In the Eels system
- Won U/19's in 2023
Amare Milford
- In the Storm system
- Keebra Park High graduate
Connor Votano
- In the Knights system
- U/17's Player of the Year
Reece Foley
- In the Storm system
- Keebra Park High graduate
Cody Hopwood
- In the Knights system
- Australian Schoolboy
Ryan Hutchinson
- In the Dragons system
- Talented and versatile forward
Logan Spinks
- In the Bulldogs system
- Australian Schoolboy
 

*** Blake Steep won't play in the U/19's game after being withdrawn to make his NRL debut for the Roosters against the Bulldogs.

Women – New South Wales v Queensland

NEW SOUTH WALES QUEENSLAND
Lilly-Ann White
- In the Knights system
- U/17's Player of the Year in 2023
Montoya Hudson
- In the Broncos system
- NRLW Development player
Tia-Jordyn Vasilovski
- In the Sharks system
- NRLW Development player
Kiarah Siauane
- Mabel Park High graduate
- Won National Schoolgirls title
Indie Bostock
- In the Dragons system
- Sister of Jack Bostock
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala
- Talented athlete across multiple sports
- Logan City Sports Young Athlete of the Year
Lindsay Tui
- In the Eels system
- Represented Fiji in 2023
Mariah Brown
- Hails from Toowoomba
- Capable of playing centre or in the halves
Maria Paseka
- In the Dragons system
- Won the U/19's NSW title
Ebony Raftstrand-Smith
- In the Cowboys system
- Will push for an NRLW debut in 2024
Evie McGrath
- In the Dragons system
- Won the U/19's NSW title
Caitlin Tanner
- In the Cowboys system
- Will push for an NRLW debut in 2024
Kasey Reh
- In the Dragons system
- Won the U/19's NSW title
- Niece of Brett & Glenn Stewart
Skyla Adams
- In the Broncos system
- Named in senior women's Origin II
Manilita Takapautolo
- In the Sharks system
- Player of the Match in City v Country
Matekino Gray
- In the Titans system
- Featured in U/19's Origin in 2023
Chelsea Savill
- In the Dragons system
- Won the U/19's NSW title
Imogen Hei
- In the Roosters system
- Played Super Rugby W aged 16
Hope Millard
- In the Dragons system
- Won the U/19's NSW title
- Daughter of Shane Millard
Lily Peacock
- In the Cowboys system
- Made NRLW debut in 2023
Evah McEwen
- In the Knights system
- NRLW Development player
Reegan Hicks
- In the Broncos system
- Still aged only 17 and in school
Charlotte Basham
- In the Dragons system
- Australian Schoolgirl
- Made NRLW debut in 2023
Jaydah Tofae
- Played for Roosters Indigenous Academy
- Named in 2024 QLD Emerging squad
Ryvrr-Lee Alo
- In the Eels system
-  Promising lock and talented forward
Tiresa Leasuasu
- In the Titans system
- Forward of the Year for Brisbane U/19's
Evie Jones
- In the Knights system
- Played in 2024 NSW U/19's final
Shauna Barnham
- In the Titans system
- Talented ball-playing half
Ella Koster
- In the Dragons system
- Represented Waratahs aged 16
- Made NRLW debut in 2023
Shaylee Joseph
- In the Broncos system
- Previously signed with Cowboys
Claudia Brown
- In Wests Tigers system
- Moved from North Sydney 
Maleala Su'a
- In the Titans system
- Played Super Rugby W aged 16
Bronte Wilson
- In the Dragons system
- Granted exemption to play NRLW aged 17
Relna Wuruki-Hosea
- In the Raiders system
- Signed from National Championships
Abby Aros
- In the Bulldogs system
- Can play fullback or centre
Paityne Johns
- Part of Cutters' U/19's premiership team
- Crafty and deceptive hooker
Waimarie Martin
- In the Bulldogs system
- Can play centre or wing
Hayley Bush
- Wynnum Manly Seagulls star
- Played in QLD City U/17's team
Sienna Yeo
- In the Dragons system
- Cousin of Isaah Yeo

Destiny Mino-Sinapati
- In the Titans system
- Named in extended QLD Origin team
- Made her NRLW debut in 2023
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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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