Can you tell which State of Origin star is pictured in a TV ad with two footy greats when he was just 10 years old?

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An NRL star who is poised to make his Origin debut for NSW on the hallowed turf of the MCG began dreaming big almost two decades ago after appearing in a TV commercial alongside two Blues greats, Nathan Hindmarsh and Matt King.

In 2006, the in-form utility and his younger brother Fletcher were part of the advertisement for NRL footy cards alongside the NSW duo plus Queensland pair Petero Civoniceva and Justin Hodges.

With long, blond hair, the star looked like he belonged in the surf rather than on a footy field - and now, in a full circle moment, the 28-year-old has been reminded of the TV commercial by King, who is one of Michael Maguire's assistant coaches in the Blues camp.

Roosters star Connor Watson (pictured, front right) appeared in a 2006 TV commercial for footy cards alongside two Blues greats, Nathan Hindmarsh and Matt King (pictured, main)

His name? Connor Watson. 

'The Origin ad was epic, it was filmed in a car park of this big industrial complex,' Watson told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'We had the Matt King footy card, and then 'Kingy' sprinted past. Those guys were legends. I loved Kingy and Hindy even more after that.'

Hindmarsh fondly remembered taking part in the commercial and recalled Watson - who later was an extra on Home and Away - being a 'very polite and chatty kid.'

The decorated backrower - who represented NSW in 17 games - also has no doubt Watson will handle the Origin arena after he finally cracked the side this week.

Fast forward to 2024 and Connor Watson is poised make his Origin debut for NSW on the hallowed turf of the MCG on June 26

The Roosters utility has been in outstanding form after missing all of last season with an injury that left him behind the eight ball when this year's campaign kicked off

Watson is relishing the opportunity to represent his state - and given he started the year in reserve grade and missed the entire 2023 season due to a patella injury, his rapid rise is impressive.  

'I have always dreamt of playing [Origin],' he said this week.

'It just shows you how fast things move in footy. And if you're playing well you just never know what can happen.'

Watson also believes his patience in returning from last year's knee injury has been a factor when it comes to his form in 2024.

'It has definitely helped put me in a better position,' he said.

'The fact it [recovery] was so slow meant that by the time I came back, I was ready to go.'

Watson was one of several changes to the side that lost game one, with another replacement in Mitchell Moses claiming Nicho Hynes was a 'scapegoat' for the defeat.

Game two is in Melbourne on June 26, with the Blues needing a win to keep the Origin series alive.