LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
On the 30th anniversary of Andrew Johns' State of Origin debut, his protégé Jesse Southwell showcased his incredible talent, leading New South Wales (NSW) to a series victory.
Southwell's outstanding performance in Game Two at Allianz Stadium mirrored Joey's debut in several ways: both were the same age and played on the same ground while exuding a similar level of control.
However, unlike Johns, who lost his debut 2-0, Southwell achieved a triumphant result.
Both athletes share impressive accolades, being two-time premiership winners with the Newcastle Knights and having both secured series wins with the Blues.
Their parallel journeys emphasize the remarkable legacy of Andrew Johns and the bright future ahead for Jesse Southwell in the sport.