It’s the most hyped footy series in Australia, and tomorrow State of Origin gets underway as New South Wales takes on Queensland in Melbourne.
Both teams are full of big, burly players who will be taking part in what is always a physical and intense three-match competition.
But before they became the stars they are today, the players were just youngsters with dreams of glory.
Daily Mail Australia takes a look back at some famous State of Origin footy players before they made the big time.
Growing up Nathan Cleary had the perfect role model in his own house, as father Ivan forged his own successful NRL career
Now Nathan is all grown up and the 20-year-old is set to debut for the Blues at halfback tomorrow night, having proven his ability with the Penrith Panthers
Growing up Nathan Cleary had the perfect role model in his own house, as father Ivan forged his own successful NRL career.
Now Nathan is all grown up and the 20-year-old is set to debut for the Blues at halfback tomorrow night, having proven his ability with the Penrith Panthers.
In a cute throwback photo, Nathan is shown with a golf club instead of the football he’d be more accustomed to later on.
‘Turbo’ Tom Trbojevic (pictured) and his brother Jake will become the eight pair of siblings to play State of Origin when they run out for NSW tomorrow night
The Manly Sea Eagles duo have already represented Australia together, and now have the opportunity to do the same for their state (Pictured: Tom, left, and Jake)
‘Turbo’ Tom Trbojevic and his brother Jake will become the eight pair of siblings to play State of Origin when they run out for NSW tomorrow night.
The Manly Sea Eagles duo have already represented Australia together, and now have the opportunity to do the same for their state.
Tom shared a throwback photo of himself as a youngster where he ‘dreamed of playing NRL’.
‘Now, through hard work and commitment I have achieved that goal.’
Melbourne Storm speedster Josh Addo-Carr will make his debut for NSW tomorrow night
In a throwback post, the winger said his story began as a child growing up in western Sydney
Melbourne Storm speedster Josh Addo-Carr will make his debut for NSW tomorrow night.
In a throwback post, the winger said his story began as a child growing up in western Sydney.
‘Since playing my first game I fell in love with rugby league,’ he said.
South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Angus Crichton shared a photo of his mother Pip
Crichton is one of the many Blues playing State of Origin for the first time on Wednesday night
South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Angus Crichton shared a photo of his mother Pip.
‘Happy birthday to my number one. The most amazing woman and I’m so lucky to have you,’ he posted.
Crichton is one of the many Blues playing State of Origin for the first time on Wednesday night.
His Rabbitohs teammate Damien Cook (right) will be lining up alongside him for NSW
Cook has impressed with his speed out of dummy half for South Sydney this season and was rewarded with a call-up for Origin
His Rabbitohs teammate Damien Cook will be lining up alongside him for NSW.
Cook has impressed with his speed out of dummy half for South Sydney this season and was rewarded with a call-up for Origin.
A throwback photo shows Cook posing with a young teammate wearing the colours of the Balmain Tigers.
Tyrone Peachey is another NSW player with rugby league in his blood, following in the footsteps of his uncle David
Peachey will play off the bench for the Blues on Wednesday night
Tyrone Peachey is another NSW player with rugby league in his blood, following in the footsteps of his uncle David.
Peachey will play off the bench for the Blues on Wednesday night.
While sharing a photo from his childhood, Peachey made light of the haircut he sported as youngster.
‘Thanks mum for the fresh bowl cut,’ he said.
Bulldogs hardman David Klemmer will be looking to inflict some pain on his Queensland opponents on Wednesday night.
But in 2011, Klemmer was just a fresh-faced youngster chasing a footy dream while playing for the NSW under-18 side.
Talented in both rugby league and AFL as a teenager, Klemmer eventually chose to pursue a career in the former and is now a key member of the Blues’ forward pack.
New South Wales will be looking to reverse a period of Queensland dominance in the series.
The defending champions are in a rebuilding phase, and will be without legends Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater.
Bulldogs hardman David Klemmer will be looking to inflict some pain on his Queensland opponents on Wednesday night
But in 2011, Klemmer was just a fresh-faced youngster chasing a footy dream while playing for the NSW under-18 side