But Shellharbour junior Jai Field provides a potential long-term solution to NSW’s halves woes when he lines up in the under 20s State of Origin game next Wednesday.

The game will be a curtain-raiser at Suncorp Stadium, as NSW try to win just their second series in 12 years. 

However, the NSW under 20s are aiming for their sixth victory in a row, showing the potential for a dominant Blues era.

It also acts as a stage for Field to show why he can be the future for St George Illawarra, even playing in the No.6 jersey, before Josh Dugan leaves for Cronulla next year. Field has already flagged his belief he can make in the NRL as a fullback, as has Dragons recruitment boss Ian Millward.

The Dragons have signed Broncos playmaker Ben Hunt to partner captain Gareth Widdop next year, but Dugan’s exit has opened the door for Field. 

The 19-year-old has played three games this season as a utility bench player.

Gerringong’s Garrick also presents as a potential star of the future for the Dragons, named on the wing, having also played centres and second-row, as well as a goalkicker.

Coached by former Origin great Danny Buderus, young Dragons hooker Reece Robson and prop Blake Lawrie have also been selected as stars of the future to take on Queensland.