While most Cronulla Sharks fans will only have eyes for their three senior NSW representatives tonight, three of the club’s next generation of stars will be part of the curtain raiser.
Bronson Xerri, Franklin Pele and Isaac Longmuir will represent NSW under-16s against Queensland in the junior State of Origin clash to precede the main event at ANZ Stadium.
NSW under-16s coach and Origin great Brad Fittler has named Aquinas Colts product Xerri in the centres, with Pele to start at prop.
De La Salle Caringbah junior Longmuir, a skillful hooker, will start from the bench.
Fittler told NRL.com he had high hopes for the Cronulla trio.
“Bronson is from a football family. His older brother played in the lower grades for Cronulla and he’s just a big, strong kid at the moment.
“I think he’s got a huge future in the game.
“[Pele is] just a big, strong kid with plenty of skill who sort of reminds me of Andrew Fifita.
“They have the same style of play, not just running the ball up.
“[Longmuir is a] super skillful kid, he’ll get on early.
“He has a great pass. A really good footballer and looks like he’s been playing footy since he was two-months-old.”
Sharks fans attending State of Origin tonight who want to go and cheer on the club’s youngsters, the junior match kicks off at 5.50pm.
State of Origin I is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm.
