Brandon Tumeth says tonight will be extra special for him wearing a sky blue jersey in his 'own back yard'.
Tumeth, who is a Balmain junior, is one of three Wests Tigers pathways players in action for NSW in the Under 19’s State of Origin at Leichhardt Oval.
Justin Matamua is the other Wests Tigers representative in the men's team, while Losana Lutu will line up for the Blues 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.
A 'local' who played Concord Burwood Wolves, Tumeth is expecting to see a few familiar faces in the crowd tonight.
"To represent my state in such a big game it is definitely something very special.
Playing at Leichhardt Oval is also really exciting. I played & trained many times at this ground during my junior years."
A lot of my family and friends will also be coming along to cheer me on so that's always really nice."
Brandon Tumeth
Asked if 19's Origin is anything like the senior men's series, Tumeth was quick to point out the similarities.
"The most important thing tonight is definitely having that Origin mentality."
It’s going be a grind but we need to keep turning up for each other and do whatever it takes to get the win."
Brandon Tumeth
The Macarthur region will also be well represented in the NSW teams.
Matamua played his junior football for the Campbelltown City Kangaroos in the Western Suburbs competition.
And Lutu, from Leumeah, will pull on her first NSW Blues jersey after representing City at the Women's National Championships last week.
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.
