Memorable Debuts - Round 25

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Brisbane Broncos
Allianz Stadium - Thursday 7:45pm

Since making his first grade debut on ANZAC Day last year, Alex Johnston has gone onto make a remarkable rise in less than 50 first grade matches. Taking the place of South Sydney veteran Nathan Merritt, Johnston crossed for a try on debut in the Rabbitohs 28-26 victory at Suncorp Stadium. Scoring 21 tries in just 18 games in his rookie season, Johnston was a part of the record breaking Premiership win over the Bulldogs and included in the Australian squad for the 2014 Four Nations. Making his test debut earlier this season, Johnston looks set for a big career in the NRL and will be out to join an elite group of players to score 20 tries in consecutive seasons.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters
Brookvale Oval - Friday 7:45pm

At the start of 2011, few predicted the success the Sea Eagles would experience by seasons end, but the earliest indication of their Grand Final victory occurred in Round 2 against the Roosters. With a side featuring six players with fewer than 10 first grade matches, including debutants Tim Robinson and Daniel Harrison, Manly recorded a memorable 27-16 victory at the Sydney Football Stadium. Since debuting in 2011, both Robinson and Harrison have struggled to cement a place in first grade; Robinson was named in an extended squad for the Grand Final, but has since moved to Cronulla where he has provided forward depth. Similarly, Harrison was unable to make an impact at Parramatta in 2013 and has since joined with the London Broncos in England.

Parramatta Eels v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Pirtek Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm

While Cronulla may have been on the wrong end of a 36-6 scoreline in Round 15, 2001; the Sharks were able to hand a debut to one of their future club legends. Coming off the bench, Paul Gallen managed just two games in his rookie season before establishing himself as one of the tireless forwards in the NRL. Not unfamiliar with controversy, Gallen experienced heavy criticism for his aggressive style in State of Origin, but was able to write himself into New South Wales folklore for his 80 minute effort in Game Two, 2011 as well as leading the Blues to their first series win since 2005 last year. Having recently celebrated 250 games for the Sharks, Gallen looks set to fall short of breaking Andrew Ettingshausen's record for most games, but will go down as one of the best Cronulla players in their illustrious history.

Newcastle Knights v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Hunter Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm

There have been many one-game wonders throughout the history of Australian Rugby League; but few are as remarkable as Newcastle Knights' winger Greg Smith. Touted as a former NFL payer for the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith debuted against Canterbury in 1999. With the Knights establishing a seemingly match-winning lead, the Bulldogs targeted Smith mercilessly under the high ball resulting in a come-from-behind 28-26 win. After that performance, Newcastle coach Warren Ryan never selected the American sprinter again, relegating him to history books for a one game career.

Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys
AAMI Park - Saturday 7:30pm

Having been soundly beaten by Newcastle the previous week, North Queensland coach Neil Henry opted to hand James Segeyaro his NRL debut in Round 3, 2011. Coming off the bench as an impact hooker, Segeyaro played a role in the Cowboys 34-6 demolition of Melbourne in Townsville. Going onto become a pivotal part of the Cowboys lineup, the Papua New Guinean representative signed with Penrith for 2013 and has since gone onto become a major factor in the Panthers resurgence. Set to play his 100th match early next season, Segeyaro has become renown for his blinding speed as well as being one of the leading dummy half try scorers in the game.

Wests Tigers v New Zealand Warriors
Campbelltown Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm

The Wests Tigers 2005 Premiership win can largely be attributed to the groundwork laid by Tim Sheens when he took over as head coach in 2003. Handing debuts to Grand Final players Chris Heighington, Dene Halatau, Robbie Farah, Benji Marshall and Bryce Gibbs; the experience provided by Sheens played a major factor in the ultimate success produced two years later. Another of the young Tigers to debut in 2003 was Liam Fulton; coming off the bench in the final round 32-16 loss to the Warriors in New Zealand, Fulton initially struggled for game time, but by the end of his career was considered one of the best players to represent the Wests Tigers.

Gold Coast Titans v St. George Illawarra Dragons
Cbus Super Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm

Round 1, 2007 marked the first NRL game for the Gold Coast Titans, but for Josh Morris, Keith Lulia, Richie Williams and Dan Hunt the match also marked the beginning of their professional careers. Both Williams and Lulia scored in the Dragons 20-18 win at Suncrop Stadium, but it was Morris and Hunt who went onto make the biggest mark in first grade. Both Morris and Hunt have gone onto play over 150 first grade games and play representative football; Lulia holds the joint record for most tries in a game for the Wests Tigers (4), while Williams fell largely into obscurity after a failed move to Penrith mid-way through 2007.

Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers
GIO Stadium - Monday 7:00pm

In 2015 Blake Austin has been instrumental for the Canberra Raiders, but on debut in 2011 he was able to come away with a win over his current club for the Panthers. Coming off the bench, Austin helped lay on a try as Penrith spoiled Alan Tongue's farewell appearance at Canberra Stadium by snatching a 19-18 win. After failing to break into the Panthers first grade side, Austin shifted to the Tigers in 2014 where he was given an opportunity to feature regularly throughout the season. Gaining an early release to join the Raiders, Austin hasn't looked back since joining the Green Machine and looks set to play representative football in the future after an impressive display for City Origin earlier this year.

That's all for this week, stay tuned for next week's edition of Memorable Debuts where we'll be changing things up in honour of the final round by taking a look at the final matches for players, ranging from Grand Final sendoffs, career ending injuries and a 17-match suspension.