Trbojevic, Vunivalu, Va’a: 20 fastest tries on debut in NRL history

Every kid dreams of a try on debut. Roosters rookie Xavier Va’a waited just 49 seconds for his, topping a Fox Sports Lab investigation for the 20 fastest tries on debut since records began. See all the famous names and watch the clips of their rapid first tries.

Roosters rookie Xavier Va’a sits atop the mountain for the NRL’s fastest try on debut in the last 18 years. Pictures: Getty Images

Sydney Roosters young gun Xavier Va’a has enshrined his name in rugby league folklore with just the second touch of his NRL career.

The hulking front rower’s 54th minute try, just 49 seconds after running onto the field, is the fastest debut try in recorded history, according to statistics compiled by the Fox Sports Lab team.

Precise timekeeping for interchange player movements only began in Round 1 2007, so records for when players entered the match prior to 2007 are lost to time.

In the 18 years since no player has waited less to cross the white stripe than Toowoomba product Va’a.

More than 100 family members and friends were on hand to witness the Queensland under-19s representative’s magical moment in the Roosters 42-16 win over Cronulla Sharks in Gosford last Saturday night.

The crowd rose tall and roared when Daniel Tupou batted back a Sandon Smith bomb to help Va’a cross the line.

Here’s a look at the Top 20 fastest debut tries since 2007.

1. Xavier Va’a, Sydney Roosters

Debut: Round 12, 2025

Time taken to score first try: 0:49

2. Suliasi Vunivalu, Melbourne

Debut: Round 7, 2016

Time taken to score first try: 0:59

3. Andrew Everingham, South Sydney

Debut: Round 3, 2012

Time for first try: 1:08

4. Dylan Phythian, Newcastle

Debut: Round 25, 2016

Time for first try: 1:19

Dylan Phythian of the Knights is congratulated after scoring a try on debut during the Round 25 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Hunter Stadium, Newcastle, Sunday , August. 28, 2016. Picture: AAP

5. Tom Trbojevic, Manly

Debut: Round 5, 2015

Time for first try: 2:03

6. Trent Hodkinson, Manly

Debut: Round 2, 2010

Time for first try: 2:07

7. Sua Fa’alogo, Melbourne

Debut: Round 27, 2023

Time for first try: 2:13

8. Kieran Foran, Manly

Debut: Round 15, 2009

Time for first try: 2:32

9. Poasa Faamausili, Sydney Roosters

Debut: Round 18, 2018

Time for first try: 2:57

10. Dean Matterson, Manly

Debut: Round 20, 2023

Time for first try: 3:19

11. Brayden McGrady, Dolphins

Debut: Round 17, 2023

Time for first try: 3:26

12. Siosifa Talakai, South Sydney

Debut: Round 13, 2016

Time for first try: 3:58

13. Jack Reed, Brisbane

Debut: Round 1, 2011

Time for first try: 4:10

14. Dean Whare, Manly

Debut: Round 12, 2010

Time for first try: 4:19

15. Rhyse Martin, Canterbury

Debut: Round 9, 2018

Time for first try: 4:47

16. Fletcher Baker, Sydney Roosters

Debut: Round 2, 2021

Time for first try: 5:09

17. Junior Vaivai, South Sydney

Debut: Round 24, 2009

Time for first try: 5:10

18. Constantine Mika, Newcastle

Debut: Round 12, 2009

Time for first try: 5:17

19. Jordan Rapana, Gold Coast Titans

Debut: Round 18, 2008

Time for first try: 5:19

Jordan Rapana scores on debut during NRL Round 18, Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast Titans, at Sydney Football Stadium, Friday, July 11, 2008. Picture: AAP / Colin Whelan

20. Jamie Humphreys, Manly

Debut: Round 19, 2024

Time for first try: 5:21

Originally published as Trbojevic, Vunivalu, Va’a: 20 fastest tries on debut in NRL history