NRL 2020: Emerging Origin squad for Queensland Maroons, part six

Two young guns making their mark at St Mary’s, a PBC gun who has learned the ropes alongside Broncos recruits, and a Cowboys contracted rookie doing good things at the Devils. It’s part six of our emerging Maroons profiles.

THE Allan Langer Cup and the Aaron Payne Cup have been breeding grounds for our future NRL stars, and this year will be no different.

The Courier-Mail and associated News Corp mastheads will again livestream matches this year, with increased coverage of the games in print and online.

In the meantime, we continue our look at the 34 players trying out for a spot in the U18 emerging Maroons squad.

Blake Cesari lays the tackle on his Wavell opponent in the Langer Cup last year.

Blake Cesari – Highfields District Junior Rugby League

THE talented Toowoomba back is a stalwart of Queensland representative squads.

The youngster caught the eyes of selectors during the under-15s National Championships and earned a place in the Australian merit side.

The speedy centre proved to be a game breaker for St Mary’s College in last year’s Allan Langer Cup competition. With links to the Broncos, Cesari is one to watch for the future.

Israel Higgins – Currumbin Eagles

HIGGINS has played alongside the likes of Broncos recruits Xavier Coates and Tommy Dearden during their playing days at Palm Beach Currumbin High on the Gold Coast.

“Izzy” shone in the Queensland Secondary Schools competition with his jarring defence and showcased his wide running game with PBC in last year’s Allan Langer Cup.

He is contracted with the NRL powerhouse club Sydney Roosters where he is sure to develop into a top-class backrower.

Braythen Porter – Norths Devils

THE up-and-coming young Cowboys prospect is familiar with the rest of his under-18s Queensland cohort.

Porter was part of the under-16 Emerging Origin squad under the supervision of coach Mick Roberts and continues his form into 2020.

The North Queensland contracted gun has also been a great addition to the Norths Devils club.

Lachlan Adamson (left) with fellow Keebra Park school captains Sahenai Masalawala and Caelan Pascoe.

Lachlan Adamson – Nerang Roosters

THE 17-year-old Keebra Park product was the under-16 Queensland hooker in 2018 and has continued his strong form to join this year’s emerging squad for the under-18s side.

Came to Keebra Park via Canterbury College Waterford and has earned praise for his decision-making and speed. Definitely one to watch.

Shaun Packer offloads during the match between St Mary's and Wavell State High School last year.

Shaun Packer – Southern Suburbs – Toowoomba

THE dynamic hooker has the makings of a promising young star – as evidenced by his under-16 Queensland City outing last year.

The busy dummy half finished the representative match with one try assist, one forced line dropout, three tackle breaks and 24 tackles.

Originally born in Roma, Packer has moved to Toowoomba where he has made the most of his opportunity by starring for St Mary’s College in last year’s Allan Langer Cup.

MORE EMERGING ORIGIN PROFILES

PART ONE: Howarth, Mam, Cobbo, Vandenberg, Wright-Dunrobin

PART TWO: Walsh, Wavik, Savage, Clarkson, Nanai

PART THREE: Hagai, Hunt, Walker, Jenkins, Piakura

PART FOUR: Esera, Uhrle, Va’a, Hall, Chatfield-Mooka

PART FIVE: Vailalo, Shannon, Baigrie, Radel, Parnell