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.

4. Latu Fainu (New South Wales)

Club: Manly Sea Eagles
Position: Five-eighth

The other of the Fainu brothers in this match, Latu, is almost a year and a half younger than Samuela but has experience in his game that is well beyond his age.

A five-eighth who is rated as one of the best yet to debut in the game, he is on a long-term contract at the Sea Eagles, and has played above his age group coming through the junior grades.

In what is his first year with the NRL squad training wise, he has made six appearances in the NSW Cup already, withthe Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles winning the last couple he started in.

He averages 88 metres per game to go with a pair of try assists and four offloads from his six games in reserve grade.