SIX players who could make their State of Origin debut in 2026

State of Origin is the pinnacle of rugby league. The Origin arena is where reputations are made and legends are born, with every player vying to go to war for their state. Every year, selectors decide who those select few players will be, often favouring stars who have proven they are built for the physicality of Origin footy. However, injuries, suspensions and form can get in the way, forcing selectors to turn to those waiting on the sidelines for their chance. So, let's look at the six players who are realistically in line for an Origin debut in 2026, those who have demonstrated the consistency, strength and mental toughness needed to succeed in the series. Isaiya Katoa The NSW Blues are beneficiaries of the fact the game's best half, Nathan Cleary, represents them in Origin. The issue is that Cleary doesn't play the game's best half in Origin, much to the annoyance of Blues fans. Therefore, the Blues' halves pairings constantly chop and change, so much so that in the last six Origin matches, the Blues have used four different combinations. Mitchell Moses seems to be the best pick at halfback, but as for five-eighth, Luai has been rather lacklustre, and Nicho Hynes seems like he won't ever step foot in the Origin arena again. As a result, it could be time for Laurie Daley to unleash Isaiya Katoa. Only 21 years old, Katoa has demonstrated he has the skill and composure necessary for Origin. Plus, the sooner he debuts, the sooner the Blues can build a dynasty around him. Ezra Mam He's been the 18th man, but Ezra Mam has never stepped foot on the field during an Origin match. A five-eighth, Mam generally has no chance of starting in his preferred position if QLD Maroons captain Cameron Munster is fit and firing. But if Mam's form from the backend of last season were to carry over, head coach Billy Slater may be left with no option but to bring Mam in as a No. 14, similar to the role he has been playing for the Broncos. Also, if Munster or Dearden were to be injured or suspended, the 22-year-old would surely be the preferred replacement, depending on whether Daly Cherry-Evans finds career-best form at the Roosters. Jacob Kiraz The last person who wants to see Zac Lomax back in the NRL isn't Jason Ryles or Eels boss Jim Sarantinos, it's Jacob Kiraz. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs winger has been in the discussion for the past few seasons and with Lomax's departure, Kiraz could be in line to fill the gap. There are other options such as Daniel Tupou and Mark Nawaqanitawase, but Kiraz was the 18th man in the decider last year and if selected, would play on the edge with Stephen Crichton, who he also plays next to at club level. Naturally, if Lomax does sign with Melbourne Storm, it makes things a little more difficult for the 24-year-old. But while form doesn't count for everything in Origin, it still counts for something, so it wouldn't be impossible for Kiraz to force his way into the team. Jack Howarth Jack Howarth would have already made his State of Origin debut if it weren't for injuries. In line to debut for the series opener, a dislocated shoulder ruled him out. He was named in the squad for the second game, but couldn't get a look in. Finally, it seemed destined to be when Kalyn Ponga was ruled out with injury for the decider, but Howarth was struck down with appendicitis days before the squad was announced. The Maroons are hardly short on centres, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Robert Toia, Valentine Holmes and Gehamat Shibasaki all firmly in the mix. However, the centre position is arguably the most volatile in Origin, with selections often changing from game to game, proving that despite the depth, Howarth's window is not closed. Jacob Preston Another pick from the Bulldogs, Jacob Preston probably would've debuted for the Blues in 2025 if he didn't get suspended for a crusher tackle in May, which ruled him out for four games. A hard-working and reliable edge forward, Preston incredibly finished the 2025 season as the Bulldogs' top try scorer, as well as averaging just over 100 run metres per game. There is also no question regarding Preston's endurance seeing as he plays the full 80 minutes each week. As for the 24-year-old, he spoke to Zero Tackle in April last year on a potential Origin debut, admitting that it is an ambition of his. If his form from last season continues and he avoids suspension, it won't be too much longer before we see Preston pulling on a Blues jersey. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is well on track to make his State of Origin debut this season. The young second-rower is eligible to represent QLD and was brought into the Maroons' camp by Billy Slater for the series opener in 2025. Finefeuiaki is only 22, but his 190-centimetre and 105-kilogram frame, combined with an average of 109 metres per game, would be a damaging asset for Slater to have on the bench as an impact substitute. With Slater a clear fan of Finefeuiaki, if he starts this season well, there is no doubt he'll be right in the mix to make his Origin debut.