A Unique Journey to State of Origin
Hudson Young’s path to State of Origin has been anything but conventional. Unlike many players who arrive in the competition with a clear trajectory, Young took three years and four series to truly make his mark. This unconventional journey is just one of the many ways he defies expectations.
The Canberra backrower made his Origin debut in 2023, but his early appearances were limited, often as a bit-part player on the bench. Despite this, there was always something special about Young. He possesses a rare combination of speed, strength, skill, and bravery that sets him apart from other backrowers.
Young’s style of play is both dynamic and unpredictable. He can run a strong line, deliver a powerful hit, and keep going all day. But what truly makes him stand out is his willingness to kick for himself or others, throw a flick pass when the defense least expects it, or jump into first receiver and launch the ball wide from deep in his own half.
His impact on the field is evident. This year, Young has one fewer try assist than Mitchell Moses but more assists off kicks than Blues five-eighth Ethan Strange. These stats highlight his unique contribution to the team.
A New Chapter
After being handed the chance to start for the Blues in the series opener, Young was determined to make the most of it. “I’ve been wanting this opportunity for many years now and I’ve finally got it. Now it’s up to me to play consistent footy and keep performing in this arena,” he said.
The jersey, he emphasized, is only yours to perform in. “I need to make sure every time I pull it on, I do the state proud.”
Young certainly delivered in the New South Wales 22-20 win over Queensland on Wednesday night. Alongside Strange and Nathan Cleary, he was among his state’s best, playing his own way regardless of the circumstances.
As the scoreboard mounted against the Blues in the first half, Young was at the forefront, showing the determination that defines his game. He scored a try chasing a Nathan Cleary kick, a move that has become a signature of his play. His efforts kept the Blues alive, and as they surged back into the match, he remained central to their comeback.
It was Young, at first receiver on tackle one, who fired the pass to Strange from deep in the Blues half, creating the space that led to the latter’s try. He also popped a smart short pass to put James Tedesco away later in the half and finished with a team-high 44 tackles after playing all 80 minutes.
Embracing His Identity
Young’s performance was a classic example of his style—tough, hard, mad, and defiant. Under the harshest scrutiny and on the biggest stage, he went to all his hits, and every one of them played loud and long.
“That’s what I wanted to do, I wanted to go out there and be Hudson Young. I don’t have to be anything else, just go out there and back myself and never doubt yourself,” Young said.
“You can’t hesitate, you have to walk towards it.”
A Contrast with a Teammate
Young’s arrival in Origin after six previous appearances contrasts with his Canberra teammate Strange, who enjoyed one of the best debuts in Blues history. The two Raiders were next to one another on the left edge, and as Young watched his club teammates’ ascension into Origin legend, he was not surprised in the slightest.
“It was incredible, but it doesn’t come as a shock to me. I see it every week,” Young said. “I knew he’d be built for this arena. I just told him to go out there and back himself and be Ethan Strange.”
“He doesn’t know what day it is half the time. But that personality he has, I think it helps him in the big moments.”
Looking Ahead
While Young’s performance in Game 1 was impressive, the job is far from done. One game does not a series make. Queensland might be down, but they’re far from out, and success has been hard for Young to find at Origin level.
Wednesday night was just his second win for New South Wales, and he was dropped before the Blues won the series in 2024. However, the prize Young craves—a leading hand in a Blues series win—is one step closer and can be claimed once and for all at the MCG in a few weeks.
With Laurie Daley’s side desperate to improve and bonded by the furious resurrection they experienced in Game I, Young is confident the best of New South Wales is still yet to come.
“The emotion, you ride it like the rollercoaster of the game. But we never lost belief and we did it for this jersey and this state and everyone in New South Wales,” Young said.
“Over the last two series, we’ve let ourselves down by giving them big leads, so we have to fix the way we’re starting games. We’ll go look at that and find a way to be better.”
