Every current Super League player to have played State of Origin
With the State of Origin 2023 series just a week away, we take a look at every current player in Super League who has featured for either Queensland or New South Wales.
Mitchell Pearce – New South Wales
Catalans half-back Mitchell Pearce made 19 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and made more than 300 NRL appearances.
He made his debut in 2008 at the age of 19, replacing the injured Peter Wallace in Game III. On the eighth attempt, he won his first series in 2019, having been recalled for the final game of the series and winning 26-20.
Pearce is currently in his second season with the Dragons, and has been linked with an NRL return for 2024.
Chris McQueen – Queensland
2022 Lance Todd Trophy winner Chris McQueen made six appearances for Queensland. He made his debut in 2013, playing in all three games of the 2013 State of Origin series victory.
The back-rower is currently without a contract for 2024, with his future yet to be confirmed.
Will Hopoate – New South Wales
St Helens’ Will Hopoate made five appearances for New South Wales, having made his debut in 2011. He became the second youngest player behind Brad Fittler to play for NSW, scoring a try on debut.
He has since featured for Tonga on the international scene, including the delayed 2021 World Cup in England.
Nathan Peats – New South Wales
Huddersfield hooker Nathan Peats played for the Blues in the 2017 State of Origin series, as well as Indigenous All-Stars and New South Wales City Origin representative sides during his time in the NRL.
The 32-year-old returned to the John Smith’s Stadium following Toulouse’s relegation from Super League at the end of 2022 on a two-year deal.
Paul Vaughan – New South Wales
Warrington’s 2023 recruit Paul Vaughan represented New South Wales on six occasions in Australia, as well as winning two caps for the Kangaroos.
Vaughan became the 1000th player to pull on a Blues jersey during his debut in 2018, going on to win the series 2-1.
An ex-Italy international, Vaughan made an instant impact at Warrington following his move from Canterbury Bulldogs, and has already extended his contract until November 2026.
Josh McGuire – Queensland
Fellow Warrington team-mate Josh McGuire made an impressive 14 appearances for Queensland following his debut in 2015. He won the Ron McAuliffe Medal in 2017, an annual award for Queensland’s player of the series.
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