TEAMS: NSWRL U17 UNE Harold Matthews Cup - 2024 Round 8
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Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers
Brookvale Oval - Friday 7:45pm
Twelve years ago, few would have predicted the illustrious careers which were to unfold for two players making their debuts off the bench for the Tigers. While the Sea Eagles were able to overcome a 12-point halftime deficit to run-out 38-30 winners at Leichardt Oval, for Robbie Farah and Dene Halatau, the game was the first in what would be over 200+ for both players. Both Farah and Halatau featured in the starting side for the Tigers in the 2005 Premiership victory over North Queensland, along with appearances at State and International level.
Canberra Raiders v North Queensland Cowboys
GIO Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm
His time in the nations capital may have been cut short following a string of off-field incidents, but on the field Josh Dugan produced a number of stellar moments for the Green Machine. Having won the prestigious Jack Gibson Medal the previous season, Dugan debuted in Round 4, 2009 at Canberra Stadium. Going onto play 70 games for the Raiders, the NSW and Australian representative linked up with St. George Illawarra midway through 2013 where he has been a major factor in the Dragons revival.
Gold Coast Titans v New Zealand Warriors
Cbus Super Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm
Having retired at the end of 2010, the Titans recalled dual-international Mat Rogers in an attempt to fight off the wooden spoon. The comeback was short-lived however, with the veteran sustaining a foot injury in the 22-6 loss to eventual Grand Finalists New Zealand. Ultimately the Titans were unable to stave off a last-placed finish, although Rogers' sole appearance in 2011 saw him finish his NRL career with 200 first grade games.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers
ANZ Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm
When he finally retires, Johnathan Thurston will likely go down as the greatest player in the history of the North Queensland Cowboys. But for the first three seasons of his NRL career, Thurston played for the Bulldogs, culminating in an appearance off the bench in place of the injured Steve Price in the 2004 Grand Final. Making his debut in Round 13, 2002 against Penrith, Thurston came off the bench in the Bulldogs 38-24 win over the Panthers. At age 32, Thurston has endured a tremendous career, achieving tremendous success at club, state and international levels.
Newcastle Knights v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Hunter Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm
For many players making their debut in the NRL is a victory in of itself, but for Jye Mullane, the full-time scoreboard held extra significance for the Cronulla playmaker. Coming in late as a replacement for former Knight Matthew Johns, Mullane played the first of 24 matches in the Sharks 64-14 demolition of Newcastle at Toyota Park in Round 22, 2002. Establishing a 42-0 lead inside the opening half, the Sharks maintained their attacking prowess to obliterate the defending premiers.
Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos
AAMI Park - Sunday 4:00pm
For all but one Broncos player, the Qualifying Final against Melbourne in 2007 was a game to forget. Without 8 representative players, including captain Darren Lockyer, Brisbane were helpless to stop the Storm in a 40-0 demolition at Olympic Park. The one bright spot for the Broncos was the rare finals debut of Alwyn Simpson. Making his only appearance in the NRL against the eventual premiers, Simpson holds the distinct achievement of being one of a select few to debut in a finals match.
St. George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters
Allianz Stadium - Monday 7:00pm
After playing for the Dragons and Broncos on over 100 occasions, Anthony Mundine shocked the rugby league world announcing his retirement from the sport following the Dragons 24-20 victory in Round 10, 2000. Opting to pursue a career in professional boxing, Mundine hinted at an NRL comeback several years later, but instead focused on achieving success in the ring. A genuine natural athlete on the playing field, Mundine scored 69 tries along with representing New South Wales on 3 occasions in 1999.
That's all for this week, stay tuned for next week's edition of Memorable Debuts where we'll look at Luke Burt's first game, the Tigers and Sharks prop who had to overcome a remarkable try-scoring drought and the man dubbed RTS.