State of Origin has long been regarded as the pinnacle of rugby league. Where superstars shine, where feuds ignite, and where the elite compete.
Only the games best are awarded an opportunity to suit up for their state, so it comes as no surprise that for many young players, the pressure is immense.
Some rugby league players simply get Origin, and in the last 10 years, these few men stood tall the minute they stepped onto the pitch.
4Tom Dearden, Game 3, 2022 (Maroons)
Before 2022, Tom Dearden looked to be a prospect beaming with potential who simply couldn't put it together. That was until the North Queensland Cowboys began to pick up steam, with Dearden steering the ship.
His impressive season bought him a ticket to a Game 3 State of Origin decider, where he would take the place of the illย Cameron Munster.
Dearden was originally called up as the 18th man for the Maroons, but come game time, he was lining up alongside Queensland great, Daly Cherry-Evans.
Dearden would have been forgiven for taking a back seat in such a crucial match, especially in his Origin debut. However, Dearden had other plans, notching one linebreak, one linebreak-assist, one try-assist, four tackle breaks, and a courageous 29 tackles.
