Why Moore can't wait for emerging stars to take over North Sydney Oval
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Queensland and Bears legend Billy Moore has declared next week’s State of Origin Under 19 matches are a taste of what’s to come as elite rugby league returns to North Sydney Oval.
The historic venue will host the brightest young players in the game, with the NSW Under 19 women to take on the Queensland Under 19 women before the Under 19 Men take to the field.
For loyal North Sydney fans, the event also serves as a precursor to the return of the club’s famous logo next season when the Perth Bears join the NRL.
Perth Bears unveil inaugural logo
The new franchise is set to play a pre-season game at North Sydney Oval and there is potential for regular-season matches to also be held at the ground.
“I love Origin and Queensland,” Moore said. “It’s one of two things I really care about in rugby league. The other thing is the Bears. North Sydney Oval is our ancestral home ground and the old lady gets put under lights next week.
“It’s where the Bears come from and it’s been such a long time but when it gets showcased next week people will see how good the ground is.
“We’ll have a trial game there next year but we’re only eight months away from the Perth Bears playing their first game. We’re not far from the starting gates now.
“The grand old lady will be put under lights for Under 19 State of Origin and then next year she’ll go back to what she does best and that’s hosting the Bears.”
Match: NSW U19s v QLD U19s
Round 1 -
home Team
NSW U19s
away Team
QLD U19s
Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
The Under 19 State of Origin game has long acted as a platform for future success for the young stars who participate.
NSW outside back Casey McLean played in the match just two years ago, while Ethan Strange scored a hat-trick in the Blues 2023 victory and Queensland centre Rob Toia featured in 2022.
If you look further back, Cameron Murray captained a NSW Under 18 side also featuring Reece Robson and Payne Haas in 2016.
Three years later, Sam Walker steered the Maroons to a 34-12 win at Suncorp Stadium. Joining him in the Queensland line up were current Maroons Reece Walsh, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Trent Loiero and a host of players who have developed into regular first-graders.
Match Highlights: U18 Maroons v U18 Blues
It’s not just the men who have played in the Origin Under 19 match before going on to become household names.
NSW outside back Teagan Berry burst on to the scene when she took an intercept and ran 95 metres in the 2019 women’s clash. Current Blues teammates Jaime Chapman and Olivia Kernick also featured in the match at North Sydney Oval.
Phoenix-Raine Hippi played for Queensland in last year’s game before going on to make her senior Origin debut this season, while Destiny Mino-Sinapati and Chantay Kiria-Ratu lined up for the Maroons Under 19 side in 2023.
Berry goes 100m for the opener
Moore is famously known as the man who coined the iconic ‘Queenslander’ chant back in 1995 and has addressed multiple junior Maroons teams over the years.
This match, he said, is a chance to introduce youngsters into the Origin spirit and lay the foundation for success at the senior level.
The 'Queenslander' chant is born
“It’s in the blood for Queenslanders,” Moore said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s rugby league or table tennis, representing Queensland is an honour. I talk to all different sports and they’re so proud to represent this great state.
“For these under 19s it’s a dream come true and they will play the best they can for their state, their families and themselves.
“The Queensland system quickly lets them know the past, who’s walked in those shoes before you. The legacy of the past rests on your shoulders now. It’s not about putting pressure on the kids but it allows them to know what it means and the history of the jersey.
“The first thing any Queenslander learns about sport is the Maroons. It’s the biggest team by a mile in this state and kids grow up hearing stories from parents, uncles, grandparents. That adds to the intensity and the excitement of the moment and is why this is such a special experience for these young men and women.”
Witness the next generation of NRL and NRLW stars live in the State of Origin Under 19 at North Sydney Oval. Tickets are available from just $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Click here to get yours today.
