The NRL's best showcase of junior talent is upon us, with the under-19s State of Origin to take place in Redcliffe on Thursday evening.

In a match that was played at Leichhardt last year, a number of players have gone on to make their NRL debuts in the following 12 months, including the likes of Paul Alamoti, Jack Bostock, Jonah Pezet, Justin Matamua, Trey Mooney, Jojo Fifita and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. A number of others are likely close to debuting.

Now, the next crop of youngsters gets their chance to shine in front of the bright lights that come with any interstate battle.

Here are the players to watch, with all on this list a strong chance of debuting in the NRL over the next 12 months.

2. Samuela Fainu (New South Wales)

NRL Rd 8 - Wests Tigers v Sea Eagles
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 23: Samuela Fainu of the Sea Eagles celebrates victory during the round eight NRL match between Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Stadium on April 23, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Club: Manly Sea Eagles
Position: Prop

A prop who can also line up in the second row, Fainu is one of two brothers in this match, and was in the under 19 Blues extended squad last year.

He has been with the Sea Eagles since the age of 14, playing through the junior grades before making his NRL debut in Round 8 against Wests Tigers.

In five appearances, which includes a start against the Knights in Round 13, Fainu has averaged 74 metres per game, and added 7 tackle breaks to go with a pair of offloads.

Watch for him to lead from the front for the Blues in this one.