Three Wests Tigers pathways players have been rewarded for their strong performances this season with a place in next Thursday’s Under 19’s State of Origin at Leichhardt Oval.
Brandon Tumeth and Justin Matamua have been selected for the Blues in the men’s game, while Losana Lutu will represent New South Wales in the women’s match.
Tumeth and Matamua are no strangers to the Origin fraternity, having already represented Wests Tigers at last year’s Future Blues camp.
Tumeth is a product of the Balmain junior system and played for the Concord Burwood Wolves while Matamua played his junior football for the Campbelltown City Kangaroos in the Western Suburbs competition.
In the women’s match, Losana Lutu will pull on her first Blues jersey after representing City at the Women's National Championships last week.
Lutu played a pivotal role in the Wests Tigers’ Tarsha Gale Cup campaign earlier this year, scoring the opening try in the semi finals.
She has since stepped up to play in several different positions for the club’s Harvey Normans Women’s Premiership side, deputising at fullback, halfback and hooker.
A new addition to the rugby league calendar, the Under 19’s State of Origin matches are designed to showcase the best young male and female talent coming through the league’s pathways programs.
Each team is permitted to select two marquee players who hold NRL or NRLW contracts and both matches will be broadcast on Channel 9 and Fox League.
The NRL is providing free general admission tickets to all fans.
