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.
In 2024, Zac Lomax could do no wrong. He was elite for the St George Illawarra Dragons in his last season with the club, which earned him the call-up from then-Blues coach Michael Maguire.
Some doubted Lomax's place in the Blues side, but after Game 1, those concerns were silenced.
The Parramatta-bound winger was electric for his side, posting the most runs on the field with 224 metres. His speed and agility were rewarded when he scored his first Origin try in the 44th minute.
Not only were his stats impressive, but his confidence was inspirational for a 24-year-old in his first Origin match.
Blues were defeated by the Maroons, 38 to 10.
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 ill 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.
Maroons were victorious over the Blues, 22 to 12.
Matt Burton's debut for the Blues sparked various talking points for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs star.
As discussion brewed about whether he was a centre or a five-eighth, comparisons to Brad Fittler and the virality of the 'Burton Bomb', only one thing was known for sure: Matt Burton was made for Origin.
Lining up in the centres for New South Wales in Game 2, Burton's presence was felt throughout the entire match.
His damaging ball-running and playmaking on the edge made him lethal whenever he touched the ball, not to mention his devastating kicks that sent the Maroons backline into a frenzy.
In five kicks, he racked up 198 kicking metres. He also claimed a try, a try assist, and two linebreak assists.
Blues were victorious over the Maroons, 44-12.
Although Damien Cook made his NRL debut in 2013, it wasn't until 2018 that he cemented himself as one of the game's best hookers.
His quick feet and evasive running style terrified ruck defenders, traits that then-Blues coach Brad Fittler saw as the missing piece to his side.
'Cookie' was sensational in his Origin debut. The number 9 was the epitome of mind of matter, raking in a monster 55 tackles and only missing one.
His efforts were enormous on both sides of the ball, with quick runs from dummy half leading to his 91 run metres. Cook was also responsible for a linebreak assist and two tackle breaks.
Blues were victorious over the Maroons, 22-12.
Many fans have debated whether Camerons Munster's debut for the Maroons was the best Origin debut, period.
There's certainly validity to the argument, as Munster's debut was so impressive that he played the next 12 games in a row for Queensland.
'Munny' stepped into the Origin arena in a Game 3 decider. Similar to Tom Dearden, who would find himself in the same situation five years later, Munster refused to let the moment pass.
His belief in his ability to be a game-changer was awe-inspiring, running 148 metres with 45 post-contact metres and six tackle breaks.
His ball-playing skills were also on par with some of the best, recording a linebreak, a linebreak assist, and two try assists.
It was in this match that he not only proved that he was the future for the Melbourne Storm and the Queensland Maroons but would be a formidable force in the NRL for years to come.