We are five weeks into the 2026 NRL campaign, and plenty of talent are introducing their names in the State of Origin conversations.
With the introduction of the six-man bench, many players' chances of being selected in the squad have sky-rocketed.
The focus here will be on the players who haven't been made eligible because of the change in Tier 1 restrictions earlier this year. So players such as Addin Fonua-Blake, Jason Taumalolo and Briton Nikora will not feature.
Here are some players who could make their Origin debut in this year's series.
1. Jackson Ford (NSW)
The absence of Mitch Barnett to start the year has allowed Ford to blossom into the tear-away prop that we've seen in the past month. Hailing from the Gerringong Lions, Ford notched up his 100th NRL game in round 3 against the Newcastle Knights. In the clash, he ran for 238 metres, making 44 tackles, and scored a try.
Ford was sitting on top of the Dally M table after the first three weeks, and wouldn't look out of place in the sky blue NSW jumper if he is to continue his potent form with the Warriors. With plenty of confidence in his playing ability, Ford's work rate through the middle is Origin material.
