LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Jacob Halangahu and Hayden Buchanan are gearing up for their return to the Under 19s State of Origin arena, a year after their initial experience, where they secured a 14-10 victory over Queensland.
This time, they step in as senior players, learning the ropes of leadership in a high-intensity environment.
Both players have spent most of the season with their club's successful Knock-On Effect NSW Cup team, which they credit for preparing them to return to the Origin scene.
They are set to face Queensland on the Sunshine Coast this Thursday night.
Halangahu noted the significance of his offseason training with the NRL squad, which marked his first experience at that level.
He made his Knock-On Effect NSW Cup debut in Round 1, contributing notably with an impressive average of 108 run metres across nine appearances and completing 226 tackles with a 95 percent efficiency rate.