Over the next couple of years, we can expect to see the changing of the guard in the NSW state of origin team. Maybe sooner rather than later if the Blues don’t start to improve on their recent record, which sees the Maroons not only winning 14 of the last 20 series played, but also leading 1-0 in 2024.

NSW stalwarts like James Tedesco, Angus Crichton, Jake and Tom Trbojevic, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Jarome Luai and even Nathan Cleary will eventually succumb to either injury or fading form, forcing the Blues’ selectors to introduce some young blood into the Origin arena.

So, what does the future hold for NSW, and who are the players we might see don the light blue jersey for their state in the years to come? Here are ten players who, with a little more development, have the potential step up when the opportunity arises in, and there isn’t a player among them currently older than 23 years of age.

Mark Nawaqanitawase (Age 23) – “Marky Mark” will join the Roosters next year and comes highly credentialed, having spent six years in the Wallabies development system -from Australian Under 20s, then Australia A ,and finally 11 Test matches for the green and gold plus 58 games for the NSW Waratahs. He’s big, fast, has great aerial skills, knows the way to the line, and he has all the physical attributes required to establish himself as one of the best outside backs in the game.

Jacob Kiraz (age 22) – Kiraz played two World Cup matches for Lebanon before making his first grade debut with Canterbury in 2022, and is rapidly building a reputation as a quality outside back. He’s a willing worker in both attack and defence, is big, quick, has good footwork and possesses the grit and determination to go all the way in the game. The Blues may come calling on Kiraz very, very soon.

Izack Tago (age 22) – Tago already has two premierships and three World Cup caps for Samoa under his belt and is a key man in the Panthers’ backline. He’s a powerful ball runner, has deceptive pace, and is a punishing defender. Tago’s 29 tries from 61 games with the Panthers, including seven try doubles, underlines his value in attack.

Jack Bostock (age 20) – At 194cm and nearly 100kgs, Bostock is the prototype of the modern day winger. After debuting for the Dolphins last year, he now looks to have locked down the left wing spot and continues to impress, crossing for 13 tries in 17 first grade games. If he continues to develop at his current rate, the sky’s the limit for the big winger.

Lachlan Galvin (age 18) – Every now and then a young player like Galvin comes along who looks the goods from his very first game, and he has already shown enough in his 10 first grade games to suggest that he has the potential to be one of the game’s future stars. Tall, athletic and skilful, the former Australian Schoolboy 5/8 was somehow cut by the Eels before joining the Tigers and grabbing his top-grade opportunity with both hands.

Isaiya Katoa (age 20) – Wayne Bennett certainly knew what he was doing when he plucked Katoa from Penrith reserve grade and gave the young playmaker the keys to the Dolphins. Katoa hasn’t let the old coach down, and unless he ends up playing for the Kiwis, it’s hard to imagine that Katoa won’t come into contention as the Blues No.7 at some time.

Liam Henry (age 22) – After playing a couple of games off the bench for the Panthers in 2022 and 2023, Henry has now firmly established himself in the defending premiers’ 17. He’s a no-nonsense, big, raw-boned forward who just doesn’t stop in either attack or defence. Made for origin?

Shawn Blore (age 23) – At 188cm and pushing 110kgs, the big Melbourne backrower is a likeable lad, and he doesn’t take a backward step on the field. He struggled with both injury and form in his stint with the Tigers, but should reach his full potential now that he’s in Craig Bellamy’s sights.

Samuela Fainu (age 20) – There’s just something about this giant backrower who stands 194cm tall and tips the scale at over 110kg. He debuted for Manly in 2023 and has really shown his potential with the under-performing Tigers this year, using his size and mobility to great effect in both attack and defence.

Jacob Preston (age 22) – Preston looks to be one of the best backrow prospects to come along in years and has found a home at the Dogs after spending his development years at both Manly and then the Roosters. He looks to be the complete package, good with the ball, can score a try, a dogged defender, and very fit.

What do you think, will any of these young guns be turning out for NSW in the near future?