Game 1 of the 2024 State of Origin Series is now in the books and it could not have gotten off to a worse start for the Blues if they tried.
Five debutant’s ran out for New South Wales last night with a mixed bag of performances.
One of those performances might’ve been so bad it has inspired us to rehash this article.
Without naming too many names early, here are some of the worst State Of Origin debuts of all time.
Joseph Sua’ali’i – Game 1, 2024
Writing this part of the article took longer than Joseph’s involvement last night.
The highly touted outside back who made his debut for the Roosters as a 17 year old realised his boyhood dream last night debuting for the Blues but it was over in the blink of an eye.
Sua’ali’i rushed out of his line in the seventhth minute of the game and made dangerous and reckless contact to the head of Maroons fullback and NRL poster boy Reece Walsh.
Walsh was unconscious in back play for quite sometime and also took no further part in the game.
Referee Ashley Klein gave Joseph his marching orders immediately, being sent off on debut and will likely have a hefty suspension waiting for him when he returns to the Roosters.
That sort of technique won’t fly at the Waratahs either Joseph, might need to get that out of your game before you go code hopping at the end of the year.
Justin Hodges – Game 2, 2002
Justin Hodges will hang up the representative boots at the conclusion of the 2015 Origin series after an illustrious career in Maroon that could have very well ended after just one appearance.
Possessing some of the most buttery hands of any Origin debutant, Hodges’ first appearance in Game 2, 2002 will forever be remember for two tries gifted to the Blues.
Steve Turner – Game 2, 2008
New South Wales coach Craig Bellamy was forced to find a new winger for Game 2 of the 2008 series after Jarryd Hayne was ruled out through suspension, and copped plenty of flak when adding Melbourne Storm winger Steve Turner to the Blues squad.
Unfortunately for Bellamy, Turner acted only as a speed bump for Queensland’s Greg Inglis and played a key role in New South Wales’ 30-0 loss.
If you skip to 1:00 on the video below, Turner’s performance will be summed up perfectly.
Nathan Merritt – Game 2, 2013
Nathan Merritt was touted by many as the unluckiest man in the New South Wales fold when selectors continued to overlook him, despite his continued good form for the Rabbitohs over several seasons.
When the selection panel finally bowed to the pressure, Merritt did himself and his fans absolutely no favours with a nervy, worst on ground performance in which he was apparently unable to stay on the wing.
Phil Duke – Game 3, 1982
It is a well-known fact that New South Wales were unable to post an Origin series win until 1985; however the Blues may very well have won the 1982 decider if not for debutant Phil Duke.
While scoring for the Blues earlier in the match, Duke fumbled a pass from fullback Phil Sigsworth behind the line which was subsequently scooped up by Wally Lewis for the decisive try.
Special Mention – Aaron Raper – Game 3, 1997.
Best known as the son of Immortal Johnny Raper, Aaron Raper was selected by the Blues on the bench for Game 3 of the 1997 Origin series.
While in great form for club side Parramatta, Coach Tommy Raudonikis seemingly forgot to play Raper, who spent the entire 80 minutes on the bench in what would be his only appearance at Origin level.
We’d add a video, but who wants to watch 80 minutes of a bloke warming the pine?