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.

3. Casey McLean (NSW)

It has been an outstanding start to the youngster's NRL career, with the Penrith Panthers flying to start 2026 thanks to heavy involvement from Casey McLean. Scoring four tries on Kiwis debut in 2024 as an 18-year-old, McLean is destined for the NSW Blues squad at some point soon. 

With deceptive footwork and raw speed, McLean terrorises his opposite centre and is frightening to think where he will be in five years' time when he develops his game. Similar to Koula, no incumbent is safe coming off a losing series, and if Laurie Daley wants to go down this youthful route, he won't let down his state.