The annual Under-19s State of Origin match has arrived and with it comes another chance for fans to witness the next generation of rugby league stars.

For many of the game’s biggest names, the Under-19s clash has served as a launching pad to future representative honours and success in the NRL, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures in the rugby league calendar.

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In last year’s match, several standout performers wasted little time making their mark in the NRL with Cooper Bai, Cooper Clarke, Phillip Coates, Jordan Uta and Zane Harrison all going on to make their first-grade debuts.

Now, a new breed of emerging talents is looking to follow in their footsteps.

One of these players is North Queensland Cowboys youngster Archie Mesritz, who has earned his opportunity following a standout 12 months with the Townsville Blackhawks and at St Joseph’s Nudgee College.

“It’s pretty crazy (representing the Blues). There are a lot of quality players in this team and being from Queensland, you feel like you’re sort of on the outer,” Mesritz told foxsports.com.au.

“But the boys have been very good since I’ve come in, so it’s been great.

“I got called by our recruitment guy from the Cowboys and I was just shocked to be honest.

“I wasn’t expecting it, especially with the quality in New South Wales so I was just shocked basically.”

Under 21 game between NQ Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans at Jack Manski Oval. Cowboys Archie Mesritz. Picture: Evan MorganSource: News Corp Australia

Contracted with the Cowboys for another three seasons in a deal that will see him transition into the club’s NRL squad, Mesritz’s journey to the Under-19s Origin arena has been anything but straightforward.

Starting out with the Kincumber Colts in the Central Coast region, he made the bold decision to depart New South Wales and relocate to Queensland by himself in Year 10 to attend the famed St Joseph’s Nudgee College in Brisbane’s north.

“I sort of moved up on my own. It’s what I wanted to do,” Mesritz said.

“I begged my mum and dad a couple of times and it was tough at the start but you find your way a little bit.

“You find your group of mates, especially being in boarding, you’re with each other every second of every day, so I loved my time there.”

Townsville Blackhawks against Sunshine Coast Falcons. Mal Meninga Cup (U19s) at Brothers Leagues Club. Archie Mesritz. Picture: Evan MorganSource: News Corp Australia

The move proved to be a defining moment in his development as a player as he took his game to new heights and was named in last year’s Under-18s Australian Wallabies side alongside former NRL prospects Chayse Geros and Heinz Lemoto.

Despite helping lead Nudgee College to their fourth-straight premiership, in which they scored a record-breaking 417 points, the former fly-half found himself overlooked by Super Rugby clubs.

However, his stellar campaign caught the attention of Cowboys recruitment manager Clint Zammit, who recognised his potential and signed him to the club’s Young Guns program.

“I’ve always wanted to play schoolboy rugby. Our school is very big and our students would come to the game and support,” the youngster continued.

“It wasn’t always union after school. I sort of was just weighing up my options, but if it was union, I’d be happy with that as well, but I’m loving league at the moment.”

“I went to Nudgee in Year 10 to play rugby union, then, sort of by Year 12, I did a bit better than I thought I would.

“And then I was lucky enough to get a chance in Townsville, so I moved up there in November after school was done.”

Archie Mesritz for Nudgee as Toowoomba Grammar School First XV host Nudgee College First XV in GPS Rugby round 8 at TGS, Saturday, September 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin FarmerSource: News Corp Australia

Recruited into the Cowboys system, he has only been at the club for the past four months, but has shown his talents in both the Mal Meninga Cup and the NRLQ competition.

Impressing coaches with his ability in the back-line, the teenager thought that he was brought in as a halfback, but he has quickly transitioned to fullback, where his running game, speed and silky footwork have allowed him to flourish.

“I played for the Kincumber Colts. I’ve always played both, played union for the Avoca Sharks, but coming from school, I was probably more in my own head about it,” Mesritz said.

“The club was really good about making everything simpler.

“I thought I was going to be in the halves, but they want me as a fullback and I’m glad they did because I enjoy that position and they’ve just simplified the game.

“I’ve still got a thousand things to work on. The club’s been awesome”

Under 21 game between NQ Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans at Jack Manski Oval. Cowboys Archie Mesritz and Titans Josiah Clifford. Picture: Evan MorganSource: News Corp Australia

Growing up as a Parramatta Eels supporter who idolised superstar fullback, Jarryd Hayne, he is not only looking forward to representing New South Wales but also remains focused on the long-term goal of making his NRL debut.

“It would mean a lot, especially for them to take a chance on me and give me those opportunities, it’s very cool,

“And to debut would be everything, basically. It’s all you ever dream of so to get it done would be pretty cool.”

Preparing to run out for the Blues on Thursday, he will do so in front of his parents who have been a constant source of support throughout and his journey and his older brother.

“They’ve been massive and sacrificed a lot to get me up to school, which was probably the biggest change of my life, but for the better,” he said.

“They’ve done everything.”