In Game 1 of the 2019 series, 8 players will make their State of Origin debuts! With that in mind, Finder has crunched the numbers to reveal the best rookie performances in State of Origin history.

It’s the pinnacle of rugby league. The toughest, fastest, most skilful and most passionate arena you can find for this great sport. It’s where legends are born and reputations forged. If you can shine in the State of Origin cauldron, your name will burn brightly forever.

Such is the physical and mental toll of State of Origin upon its participants, experience is held in high regard. In fact, Queensland has won 11 of the last 13 series, putting faith in the belief that those who have been there and done it before are best suited to do it again regardless of club form. The sky blue and maroon jerseys are not lightly earned and when the time comes to blood a State of Origin rookie, no matter what their NRL club experience, fan scrutiny peaks.

In 2018 we saw a host of changes, especially with New South Wales where 12 players made their debuts on the State of Origin stage. With a further 4 in the Queensland team, we saw 16 new faces take to the field.

Due to injury, retirement and lack of form, 2019 is starting in much the same vein. Game 1 of the 2019 State of Origin series sees 8 rookies make their debuts. There are five from New South Wales and three from Queensland. How will they fare? How will their performances match up against the best State of Origin rookie performances we've seen since the first game way back in 1980.