For every NRL player, there is one moment that changes everything – their first grade debut.
For some it’s a phone call or a team announcement. For others it’s the jersey presentation, their first tackle or a devastating injury.
And long before they become State Origin stars, premiership winners or household names, they are simply young players with a dream to play in the National Rugby League.
But not all NRL debuts are created equal – just ask superstar James Tedesco or son-of-a-gun Jayden Campbell – who experienced the full spectrum of what rugby league can offer in their first top-grade outing.
This is ‘Welcome To First Grade’, a CODE Sports video-led series uncovering the stories behind the NRL debuts of the game’s biggest stars.
JAMES TEDESCO: WELCOME TO FIRST GRADE
ISAIYA KATOA: WELCOME TO FIRST GRADE