Ahead of Thursday night's men's Under 19s State of Origin at Leichhardt Oval, we take a closer look at our five representatives.
One of the most exciting emerging talents in North Queensland, Purdue made his NRL debut in the miraculous Round 13 victory over the Roosters. A half throughout his junior career, Purdue has spent significant time at fullback since joining the NRL squad and made his first grade debut at centre. The 18-year-old lead St Patrick’s Mackay to the 2023 Aaron Payne Cup title.
Jamal Shibasaki >>> Highlights
Shibasaki made his NRL debut alongside Purdue in the Roosters game. The recently turned 19-year-old came through Ignatius Park College in Townsville before graduating to the Mal Meninga Cup where he was coined the competition’s Player of the Year in 2023. Shibasaki has been one of the premier forwards in the Queensland Cup in 2024 playing for the Mackay Cutters, splitting his time between second row and middle forward.
Mason Kira >>> Highlights
A product of the Sunshine Coast, Kira relocated to North Queensland immediately after graduating high school late last year. Kira impressed Todd Payten and his coaching staff during a pre-Christmas stint with the NRL squad. An aggressive middle or edge forward, Kira was dominant for the Northern Pride in the Mal Meninga Cup and will be pushing for a Queensland Cup debut later in the season.
Mutua Brown >>> Highlights
A fullback from Cairns blessed with blistering speed, Brown will be injected off the bench for the Maroons. Brown moved to Rockhampton to finish his schooling at TCC where he was named Australian Schoolboys fullback in 2023. Brown spent time with the Cowboys’ NRL squad during the pre-season and will be pushing for a Queensland Cup debut for the Cutters later this season.
Kaiden Lahrs >>> Highlights
The Cowboys’ lone NSW representative, Lahrs is the son of former Blues and Kangaroos prop Tom Learoyd-Lahrs. A fellow 2023 Australian Schoolboy alongside Brown, Lahrs was elevated to the Cowboys NRL squad immediately after finishing school despite not turning 18 until February. Lahrs had a delayed start to the 2024 season due to a shoulder reconstruction, but has already become a Queensland Cup regular for the high-flying Northern Pride since returning from injury.
