Could this be the Maroons Origin team in 2027 - and beyond?
Could this be Queensland’s State of Origin squad in 2027 - and beyond? What other rookies will join Reece Walsh and Sam Walker in future Origin teams? Revealed here
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As Queensland State of Origin fans lick their words after two record breaking losses, be rest assured help is on the way.
This NRL season we have seen young superstars Reece Walsh and Sam Walker emerge, and last year Harry Grant was introduced to Origin.
The likes of TC Robati, Tesi Niu, Selwyn Cobbo (both Broncos), J’maine Hopgood (Penrith), Xavier Savage (Raiders) are among others who have also been glimpsed in the NRL in 2021.
So what other elite young junior players are lurking and what might a Queensland team 2027 look like?
We name two teams, a possible Queensland team 2027 and also a team of Boom Boys on their way toward the NRL - and beyond.
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Queensland 2027
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Xavier Savage, 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 4. Deine Mariner, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. David Fifita, 12. Jack Howarth, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
Interchange
14. Jai Arrow
15. Xavier Willison
16. J’maine Hopgood
17. Reece Walsh
18. Jaydn Su’A
19. AJ Brimson
20. Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha
21. Xavier Va’a
22. Karl Oloapu
23. Brendan Piakura
24. T C Robati
25. Jake Simpkin
Some key emerging players in this squad include:
Brendan Piakura. A Coombabah SHS and Keebra Park SHS product, Piakura is a boom back row prospect who Broncos fans will see the best off once Brisbane gets its act together in 2022 when experienced hands like Adam Reynolds and Kurt Capewell arrive.
Karl Oloapu. A Redcliffe junior with speed and lightning footwork who plays five-eight, but could end up at No. 13 or even No.9. The Brisbaner Broncos acted early to sign him.
Jack Howarth. An edge backrow or centre (Melbourne Storm) whose progress toward being blooded in the NRL this season was curtailed by injury. But he is a thrilling prospect.
Deine Mariner.Mariner was the player of the QRSSL state carnival in May and in the Queensland schoolboys merit side. A centre from PBC and Tweed Seagulls, Marirner is a young gun who has been signed by the Broncos.
Xavier Willison. Observers of Intrust Super Cup (Norths) rightly rave about the tall, athletic prop. And this kid Willison is worth the hype. He is being expertly managed by Devils top coach Rohan Smith who knows when to play him in the top side, then bring him back to colts.
Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha. A big, tall long striding middle forward originally from Wavell SHS who is working his way through the Sydney Roosters system.
Xavier Va’a. Another Dalby product, front rower Va’a is the real deal. Signed by the Broncos from St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, he is steadily maturing and looks an excellent prospect.
In addition, below is a Boom Boys side made up exciting talent, most of which are still school students.
Boom Boys team
1. Bailey Trew. A brilliant young outside back from Logan, Trew has had NRL clambering to make contact. He will be playing term three rugby at Brisbane State High School
2. Tesi Niu. Don’t give up on this Marsden SHS product. Niu has entered the NRL when the Broncos are a shambles but has the goods. Note his best position is fullback.
3. Ben Allen. Primarily an edge forward, Allen is a Brisbane Tigers (Easts) development player currently at school at John Paul College in Logan.
4. Mikael Ibrahim. An Brisbane Tigers (Easts) junior who helped St Laurence’s College win the AIC First XV rugby competition.
5. Israel Leota. From Logan City, Leota is a multi-talented athletes with a great vertical jump. He schools at Ipswich Grammar School in the GPS rugby system but is a league hot prospect.
6. Will Herbert. From the rugby league rich Dalby region, Herbert is a gifted No. 6 who plays junior league for the Brisbane Tigers and rugby for Anglican Church Grammar School.
7. Ezra Mam. Devotees off the Intrust Super Cup (Souths Logan) would have seen Mam score three tries on debut earlier in the season. A cousin of Edrick and Brenko Lee, the Broncos-signed Mam has more skill than most and importantly digs in hard in defence.
8. John Radal. A raw boned safe of houses prop who has come through the Wynnum Manly system to be signed by the Broncos.
9. Shaun Packer. A nice mix between Andrew McCullough and Cameron Smith. From Dalby and St Mary’s College, Packer is Broncos’ signed and currently in the Wynnum Manly system.
10. Jamal Shibasaki. An Ignatius Park young gun contracted to the Newcastle Knights. His brother is Gehamat
11. Jack Cullen. PBC talent from the Tweed who recently made the Queensland 16-18 years team
12. Dirhys Sefo. Mobile Logan Brothers talent who can play middle or on the edge.
13. Lykhan King-Togia. A ball-playing five-eight or No. 13 from Dalby who has all the skills. Don’t be surprised to see him transition to No.9.
Interchange:
14. Blake Mozer. Keebra Park SHS No. 9 who is the best dummy half in this season’s Langer Cup. Broncos contracted.
15. De La Salle Va’a. The younger brother of Xavier Va’a, front rower De La Salle is playing in his first season of Langer Cup for St Mary’s. One for the little black book for sure.
16. Coby Black. From the Helensvale club, halfback Black is been identified by the Broncos and is learning is trade at Marsden SHS
17. Cameron Bukowski. A Brisbane Tigers (Easts) junior who plays in the halves or at hooker. Skilful sportsman who played both First XV and First XI for Villanova College this season.
18 and 19.Dudley Dotoi and Ragarive Wavik. Thrilling Kirwan SHS talent in a similar vein to The Hammer, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. You certainly can’t right these kids off.
20 and 21.Xavier Chatfield and Tom Duffy. Both North Queensland boys, Chatfield has serious wheels while Duffy is a class half.
One for the little black book: Prestyn Laine-Sietu. Mobile Wavell SHS middle forward who is currently in the Wavell SHS Walters Cup (year 10 team). Was recently named player of the carnival (14-15 years) at the state trials.
There is also an army of supreme young players either at school or having just left school.
Just some of these players include Kuli Finefeuiaki (Ipswich SHS backrower, Cowboys signed), (Matthew Hill (St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon), Jo Jo Fifita (Titans), Ethan Coccco (St Pat’s Mackay),Will Semu (Marsden SHS, signed by the Titans), Tom Weaver and Oskar Bryant (PBC half-hooker, signed by Titans), Ryan Rivett (Sharks) and Josh Billing (Raiders), Corey Thomas (Tigers), Leon Te Hau (Marsden SHS), Josiah Pahulu (Ipswich SHS, Titans), Herman Tofaenon (Keebra Park), Prinston Esera (Wavell SHS, Raiders), Luke Jack, Jye Grey (Bears). Jayden Clarkson (Raiders), Ryan Foran (PBC), Alex Leapai (Mabel Park SHS), Chris Faagutu (Marsden SHS) and Jai Hansen (The Cathedral College, Rockhampton).
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