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.

5. Benjamin Te Kura (Queensland)

Club: Brisbane Broncos
Position: Prop

Te Kura played in this game last year off the bench, and this time around earns a promotion to the starting side, where he will be expected to get the game off to a fast start in the middle third alongside Dolphins' youngster Ryan Jackson.

Te Kura might still be under 19s, but he has impressed at QLD Cup level for the Souths Logan Magpies this year alongside Mozer, making 15 appearances and crossing for seven tries - a mighty impressive record for a prop.

To go with that, he has made 52 tackle busts, 14 offloads and averages 99 metres per game.

Hard to control in reserve grade, he could make all the difference for the Maroons in this one, and it must be only a matter of time until he is a chance of featuring on the bench for Kevin Walters.