After impressive campaigns in the Harold Matthews Cup, Jock Madden and Harry Duggan have made the final cut for the under-16s State of Origin side.

The duo will play the match as a curtain raiser to Origin 1 at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, on June 1.

They both contested the state cup final earlier this month on opposite teams, with Duggan’s Parramatta Eels prevailing 16-14 over Madden’s Newcastle Knights.

Despite the loss, Madden’s electric form also saw him named Knights’ player of the year at a presentation this year.

The St Joseph’s High School, Aberdeen, student is now looking forward to playing alongside his friend and being mentored by a former NRL superstar.

“I was very surprised to get it [the award],” he said.

“I’m really excited to be competing at a high level with some of my Group 21 mates, especially Harry.

“We’re at the same club and go to the same school.

“I head off to camp on Saturday and will catch up with all the boys there.

“To have Brad Fittler as a coach can only help me as well.”

In a further boost for the Thoroughbreds, Cade Cust has been picked for the second time in the under-18s’ Origin squad.

The final side will be named in the coming week, with the match to be played as a curtain raiser to State of Origin 2 in Queensland.

Cust has been making a strong impression during his time at the Manly Sea Eagles.

The young star was promoted to the club’s under-20s outfit last month and made his Holden Cup debut against the New Zealand Warriors.

Fellow Group 21 player and Singleton Greyhounds junior Tom Baker also made the final cut for the under-16s Origin side after impressing for the Knights during the Harold Matthews Cup final.