Under 19s State of Origin 2024: Rising Bulldogs halfback Mitchell Woods named among next gen Origin stars

One year after Ethan Strange announced himself on the Origin stage, a rising Bulldogs half will get his chance, after being named in the Blues’ Under-19s side. See the full NSW & QLD teams.

Rising Canterbury halfback Mitchell Woods has been named to play for the NSW Under-19s State of Origin side. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

A year since Canberra star Ethan Strange announced himself as a player of the future on the same stage, rising halfbacks Mitchell Woods and Coby Black get their chance.

The 18-year-olds are considered two of the game’s best young talents and have been named as opposing No.7’s in the under-19s State of Origin squad to play Queensland at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday week.

Woods, who captained the Bulldogs’ Harold Matthews Cup team to a premiership in 2023 and was named SG Ball player of the series earlier this year, is thought to be the eventual long-term halfback at the club.

He’s been named in a stacked squad to face the Maroons, with Penrith speedster Jesse McLean and Canberra fullback Chevy Stewart among the team.

Rising Canterbury halfback Mitchell Woods has been named to play for the NSW Under-19s State of Origin side. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Raiders five-eighth Strange dominated in a 32-14 win over Queensland in Redcliffe last year, scoring three tries in the rout.

Now the top contender for NRL rookie of the year after an impressive season with the Raiders, Strange’s transition into first grade shows what’s possible for the next generation of Origin stars.

Dragons prop Loko Pasifiki Tonga is considered one of the best young forwards in the game, while Matt Arthur, son of former Eels coach Brad Arthur, is also highly regarded and has been named at hooker

For Queensland, Broncos prodigy Black has been named at halfback after dominating the under-18s competition this year.

He scored a whopping 46 points for Burleigh Bears in a historic 130-0 win over Wide Bay Bulls back in April.

Cowboys rookies Jaxon Purdue and Jamal Shibasaki have also been named for the Maroons.

Kasey Reh is among a handful of Illawarra Steelers stars named to play for the women’s NSW under-19s Origin team. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Meanwhile, Illawarra Steelers have dominated the women’s NSW under-19s Origin team selections after winning the Tarsha Gale Cup back in April.

Player of the series Kasey Reh, who is among a handful to have signed with the Dragons NRLW side this year, is one of 10 players from the Steelers’ premiership-winning team.

The talented young half is the niece of former NRL players Brett and Glenn Stewart, while Steelers teammate Indie Bostock is the sister of Dolphins winger Jack Bostock.

Eight players will return for the Maroons from the 20-14 win over NSW last year.

The under-19s women will play next Thursday night as part of a double header at Leichhardt Oval.

Originally published as Under 19s State of Origin 2024: Rising Bulldogs halfback Mitchell Woods named among next gen Origin stars