Memorable Debuts - Round 23

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.

North Queensland Cowboys v South Sydney Rabbitohs
1300SMILES Stadium - Thursday 7:45pm

With the Cowboys seemingly out of finals contention in 2013, coach Neil Henry gave Kyle Feldt his first grade debut against the high-flying Rabbitohs. Playing on the wing, Feldt played a part in North Queensland crushing South Sydney in Townsville which subsequently lead to the Cowboys making a late surge towards the finals. Having struggled for game time over the past two season, Feldt has been a mainstay of the Cowboys backline reserves; blessed with pace and goal-kicking ability, Feldt has shown plenty of potential so far by crossing for 12 tries in just 15 games.

Brisbane Broncos v St. George Illawarra Dragons
Suncorp Stadium - Friday 7:45pm

While the history books show he debuted in first grade 15 years earlier, for Wendell Sailor his return to the NRL in 2008 can be considered his second coming. After spending years in exile due to prohibited drug use, the former dual international made his long-awaited return to rugby league for the Dragons against his former club. While the comeback was short lived due to a cheekbone injury sustained in the first half, Sailor reunited with Wayne Bennett in 2009 and was a major factor in the Dragons minor premiership win. Retiring after the inaugural Indigenous All Stars fixture, Sailor will go down as one of the most talented Indigenous athletes in Australian sport.

Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights
Campbelltown Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm

Injury may have prevented him from bringing up 200 first grade games this season, but back in 2005 an 18-year-old Jarrod Mullen made his debut for the Knights. Being on the wrong side of a 32-16 scoreline at home may not have been the introduction to the NRL Mullen was looking for, but as he has shown over the past decade, his talent is unquestionable. Representing New South Wales two years later, Mullen has been a mainstay of Newcastle's attack; currently sitting on 197 games, Mullen won't have to wait long to become only the eighth Knights player to bring up a double century.

Penrith Panthers v New Zealand Warriors
Pepper Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm

Having started his first grade career in 2008, it took a few seasons of development for Sam McKendry to find his feet in the NRL, but ever since he has been a driving force behind the Panthers success. Packing down in the front row at just age 18, McKendry experienced a terrific debut as the Panthers smashed the Warriors 46-22 at CUA Stadium. While a serious neck injury threatened to end his career in 2013, the Kiwi international has fought back to play 129 games for Penrith.

Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels
Allianz Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm

While best known for his incredible try against Melbourne in 2008, five years earlier Michael Witt started out in the NRL with Parramatta. Starting at halfback against the Roosters, Witt's introduction to the NRL didn't go to well, as the Eels copping a 44-12 hiding at Parramatta Stadium. After spending time with Manly and the Warriors, Witt appeared to be lost to the NRL following the return of Stacey Jones, but after stints with Celtric Crusaders and London Broncos in Super League, Witt returned to the NRL with the Dragons in 2014 before retiring due to injury.

Canberra Raiders v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
GIO Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm

With his first touch in the NRL, Kieran Foran made an immediate impact for the Sea Eagles. Scoring a try just three minutes into his debut in 2009 against Canberra at Brookvale Oval, Foran has gone onto become one of the premier playmakers in the game. Making his test debut for New Zealand the same year, he has achieved remarkable success at club and international levels, winning a Grand Final and Four Nations along the way. Due to join Parramatta in 2016, Foran looks set to go down as one of the greatest players of the NRL era.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Gold Coast Titans
Central Coast Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm

He may have struggled for game time in recent years, but Matt Srama has proven to be a class player when given an opportunity. Featuring in 65 games for the Titans since 2011, the crafty hooker made his debut against Canterbury in 2011 at Suncorp Stadium where he quickly emerged as the Gold Coast's best hooker. With the arrival of Beau Falloon, Daniel Mortimer and Kierran Moseley in the past two seasons, Srama has found himself on the outer, but as he has shown throughout his career he is a more than dummy half.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Melbourne Storm
Remondis Stadium - Monday 7:00pm

Starting out his first grade career as a centre, Beau Scott has developed into one of the best second rowers in the NRL, renown bruising defence and the ability to break the line open. Debuting with Cronulla in 2005, Scott made a scored a try in the Sharks 40-16 win at Toyota Park. Linking up with the Dragons in 2007, Scott quickly emerged as one of Wayne Bennett's favourite players, featuring in the 2010 Grand Final win over the Roosters, representative honours for New South Wales and Australia soon followed. Over the past three seasons, Scott has called Newcastle home, but due to family reasons he will join Parramatta in 2016 on a three-year deal.

That's all for this week, stay tuned for next week's edition of Memorable Debuts where we'll look at a Canterbury pocket rocket, Sam Moa's short-lived career at Cronulla and the Kiwi utility known as the Huntly Hurricane.