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.
3. Toby Winter (Knights)
Winter has a huge opportunity on Thursday night, filling the shoes of NRL-debutant Rex Bassingthwaite, who has withdrawn. The local Newcastle junior and 2025 Australian Schoolboy has quickly risen through the pathways after starring with the Knights in SG Ball this season, as they finished runners-up.
The young fullback prospect has made a transition into the centres already at the open-age level in the NSW Cup. The 18-year-old has already played a handful of matches in the second-tier since his successful season in the U/19 competition.
A strong carrier of the football, Winter has creativity at the back with silky hands and an ability to cause carnage from nothing. He is a prospect the Knights have big plans for, and with Dane Gagai's future seemingly in doubt, a transition to first grade could happen sooner than you think.
