Whilst the men and women have dominated the Origin arena in 2026, the next generation of players get their chance to strut their talents in the U-19 Origin arena at North Sydney Oval on Thursday night.
Since the fixture was introduced in 2022, the concept has produced Origin stars such as Ethan Strange, Casey McLean, Robert Toia, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Jojo Fifita, who are already representing their state on the biggest stage.
Also, the likes of Paul Alamoti, Jack Bostock, Toby Couchman, Jack Howarth, Jaxon Purdue and Jye Gray have become established first-graders in the NRL level after representing their respective states in the U/19 Origin arena since the fixture was introduced in 2022.
In preparation for the contest, we are looking at five prospects per state to keep a close eye on in the contest.
6. Taj Lateo (Cowboys)
Being based in QLD typically works against a junior player. Given the limited focus of the QRL junior representative competitions by the media in Sydney, some players fall through the cracks.
One of them to emerge in the small market is Taj Lateo. Playing with the Townsville Blackhawks and being contracted to the Cowboys. The young five-eighth guided the Blackhawks to the Mal Meninga Cup title with a clutch game-winning field goal against Wynnum. His strengths in 2026 were dominating teams with his strong ball running and impressive playmaking, and he is one who has high wraps on him by the club.
Lateo is already training with the Cowboys full-time and will move on to a development deal in 2026. Lateo's strong form has seen him captain the North Queensland Cowboys NRLQ side.
