Memorable Debuts - Round 11

Welcome to Memorable Debuts, a feature of LeagueUnlimited.com where we take a look at the upcoming matches of the round and see which players debuted in the same game all those years ago.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels
ANZ Stadium - Friday 7:35pm

While his younger brother David has received greater acclaim throughout his career, John Williams proved to be one of the most reliable wingers in recent memory. Starting out with Parramatta in 2005, the well-travelled winger crossed for a try on debut in the Eels 52-16 win over South Sydney. Playing for the Eels, Roosters, Cowboys and Sharks, Williams decided to hang up the boots at the end of 2012, finishing up with 104 NRL games and 45 tries.

Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys
Campbelltown Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm

Living up to the reputation of one of the greatest Tigers of all time is hard enough, especially when your father happens to be Paul Sironen. For Curtis Sironen, the opportunity to join the exclusive group of father-son players occurred in 2012 against the Cowboys. Coming off the bench in the 26-18 win, Sironen began his career in the halves before a serious shoulder injury ruled him out of action after six games in his rookie year. Having moved into the second row, Sironen has represented City Origin on two occasions and has been touted as a future NSW player.

Canberra Raiders v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
GIO Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm

In the same week that they went from leading the competition to being stripped of all their competition points for salary cap breaches, the Bulldogs provided debuts to two young forwards. While largely forgotten considering the circumstances, Adam Brideson and Roy Asotasi came off the bench in the Bulldogs 38-34 loss to the Raiders. While Brideson only managed 22 games for the Blue and Whites across five seasons, Asotasi played a leading role in claiming the 2004 premiership before moving to South Sydney to kick-start the Rabbitohs renaissance. Signing with Warrington for 2014, Asotasi missed out on the Bunnies first premiership since 1971 but will be remembered as a tremendous leader for the Kiwis.

Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos
Hunter Stadium - Monday 7:00pm

While still attending high school, Owen Cragie became the youngest Knights player at age 17 in 1995. Coming off the bench in Newcastle's 32-10 defeat of traditional rivals Brisbane, Craigie went onto play 76 matches in the Red and Blue including the 1997 Grand Final. After stints with Wests Tigers, South Sydney and Widnes; Cragie retired from top level competition at the end of 2005. While issues with weight and gambling plagued him throughout his career, his natural instincts provided numerous highlights for fans.

New South Wales Blues v Queensland Maroons
ANZ Stadium - Wednesday 8:00pm

With the 2015 State of Origin series only days away, let's take a look back at some of the players who managed only one game for New South Wales or Queensland.

Matt Ballin - Game One, 2010
Had Matt Ballin been born in an era where Cameron Smith wasn't a rival, the Manly hooker may well have played more than one game for the Maroons. Following an injury sustained by Smith in the ANZAC Test, Ballin earned a call up for the series opener in Sydney. While Smith swiftly replaced him for the following matches in Queensland clean sweep, Ballin was responsible for leading the way in the 28-24 victory.

Hazem El Masri - Game Three, 2007
Having starred for Canterbury for over a decade, Hazem El Masri finally earned his Origin debut in the final match of the 2007 series. With Jamie Lyon ruled out with a hamstring injury, the Bulldogs winger made his long-awaited debut after years of being overlooked. While the Maroons had already wrapped up the series, El Masri showed his class, scoring the final try and nailing three sideline conversions to help the Blues to an 18-4 win at Suncrop Stadium.

Nathan Fien - Game Two, 2001
While best known for his efforts with the New Zealand international side, back in 2001 Nathan Fien represented Queensland in the Maroons 26-8 loss at Stadium Australia. Despite being named at hooker, Fien played off the bench before being replaced by returning Allan Langer in the series decider. While his Origin career was short-lived, his success with the Kiwis yielded World Cup and Four Nations victories.

Steve Turner - Game Two, 2008
With Jarryd Hayne ruled out through suspension, Melbourne flyer Steve Turner became the tenth Storm player selected in the second Origin match. Falling victim to the class of club teammates Israel Folau and Greg Inglis, Turner never played for New South Wales again following the Maroons 30-0 whitewash in Queensland to draw the series level before claiming the third of eight straight series wins.

That's all for this week, stay tuned for next week's edition of Memorable Debuts where we'll look at two St. George Illawarra legends, the first game for Jarryd Hayne and the debut of a Raiders club veteran.