LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The article highlights the success of Under 19s graduates in rugby, focusing on Robert Toia's rapid rise to the State of Origin level.
Toia, selected for the Queensland team by coach Billy Slater, made his debut just after ten NRL games.
He previously represented Queensland in the Under 19 State of Origin in 2022, illustrating his existing experience in interstate competition.
The Under 19 State of Origin concept was introduced in 2012, initially as an Under 20 fixture for boys, before becoming an Under 19 match in 2022 after a cancellation in 2021 due to COVID.
Notable players like Kurt Mann participated in the inaugural game and, after 13 years, is now set to make his Origin debut wearing the number 14 jersey for Game Two in Perth.
Similarly, the girls' pathway began with an Under 18 match in 2019 and transitioned to Under 19 in 2021.
Players such as Jaime Chapman, who captained New South Wales in the inaugural Under 19 game, and Queensland's Jasmine Peters, have also successfully advanced to senior Origin representation.
This reflects the program's effectiveness in nurturing talent for future competitions.