State of Origin 2023: Seven players to watch in U19s NSW v Queensland clash

From a whiz-kid Parramatta half to a young Bronco compared to Cameron Smith and an electrifying Bulldogs fullback - the under-19s Origin clash features a host of next generation NRL stars.

From a whiz-kid Parramatta half to a young Bronco compared to Cameron Smith and an electrifying Canterbury fullback, the under-19s Origin clash features a host of next generation NRL stars and all roads to lead to Redcliffe next Thursday night.

Seen by many as a launch pad for the lower grade’s youngest stars, the clash has proven to be a catapult for many into the top level.

From last year alone, the game has produced seven current NRL players such as Canterbury’s Paul Alamoti and Gold Coast’s Sofeso Fifita with more on the verge of cracking the big stage.

This year’s game promises to be no different, with players from both teams already touted as some of the best the game has ever seen.

Both NSW and Queensland sides have been afforded the luxury of having two former Origin players in Andrew Ryan and Matt Ballin as coaches.

Both have picked strong sides to compete at Kayo Stadium, but NSW still has a few selection headaches ahead of them, announcing an alphabetical squad over a team.

Seven players to watch in then U19s State of Origin clash.

U19S STATE OF ORIGIN: SEVEN PLAYERS TO WATCH

Blake Mozer (Broncos)

In what could be every Blues fans biggest nightmare, hooker Mozer has been compared to the great Cameron Smith, and expected to be a future Maroon. Playing in his second under-19s clash, Mozer is growing in class and has been getting better with each game he has played for Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup. Expect his class to be a real turning point if the game goes to the dying stages.

Samuela Fainu (Sea Eagles)

The only player from the two sides that has had any NRL experience, backrower Fainu is an intimidating threat who has the potential to tear through the Maroons’ defence when given the opportunity. Bringing a fierce presence on the field the 19-year-old, along with his brother Latu, can really break the game open with their craftiness and X-factor.

Sea Eagles young gun Samuela Fainu. Picture: Matt King/Getty

Tim Sielaff-Burns (Panthers)

Signed by the Panthers from Queensland, flying winger Burns is going to get the opportunity to go home and represent his state. A damaging fullback, the young star is going to lend his abilities to the wing in hopes of gaining bragging rights over his fellow Panthers teammates. Burns has been working on his craft in the Jersey Flegg and S.G. Ball competitions and he will be firing for Queensland next Thursday.

Joash Papalii (Bulldogs)

An absolute gem for the Bulldogs’ NSW Cup team this year, Papalii is a creative fullback who is capable of asking questions of the Maroons’ defence for the entire 80 minutes. A tackle-breaking machine, Papalii is tough to stop, and wherever he is on the field will cause unrest for the Maroons.

Canterbury speedster Joash Papalii. Picture: NRL Imagery

Ethan Sanders (Eels)

An exciting halfback, Sanders led the Eels to the SG Ball (under-19s) premiership in April, scoring a try in the grand final against Newcastle and slotting four goals in the 28-22 victory. He is a terrific game manager with plenty of pace and smarts who has been tipped as a future NRL star. This match provides another shop-window opportunity for Sanders, should the youngster want to shift from Parramatta where they have established halves Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown locked in on long-term deals.

Stanley Huen (Storm)

Working his way up the ranks at Melbourne, Huen is a dangerous five-eighth with great leadership skills that could come in handy for the Maroons on Origin night in Redcliffe. A product of the South Logan Magpies, Huen will have the chance to reunite with some former teammates in hopes of raising the shield and catapulting into higher honours sooner rather than later.

Joshua Feledy (Tigers)

One of the top rising stars at the Tigers, Feledy is a rampaging centre who can score a try from anywhere on the field. Playing in a struggling Tigers Jersey Flegg team, the exciting prospect has scored 10 tries in his 13 appearances this year, with his style of play perfect for Origin football. Expect Feledy to be a handful on the park with this game potentially being a coming-out party for him.

Originally published as State of Origin 2023: Seven players to watch in U19s NSW v Queensland clash