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.
6. Cooper Bai (QLD)
Since his debut in the closing shadows of the 2025 NRL season, Bai has been a breakaway forward amongst a disappointing Titans pack. Son of PNG legend Marcus Bai, Cooper is paving his own legacy in the NRL, rejecting a big offer from the Melbourne Storm to stay with the Titans in QLD.
With already a PNG Kumuls test to his name, Bai offers aggression and agility for such a big frame. He bends the line with ease, high work rate and has cult hero status written all over him for future years to come.
If Slater wants to inject youth into the extended bench, Bai will put his body on the line and give it his all. He's destined to be a long-term middle for Queensland giving Slater and his selection panel a quality headache.
