Four new faces will pull on the NSW colours for the first time this week, as the state’s Junior Interstate Teams welcome a crop of talented young players hungry to make an impact at the 2026 Australian Junior Interstate Teams matches, which get underway tomorrow at Moonah Links on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Blake Cranston, 15, of the Central Coast, joins the boys’ squad, while the girls’ team receives three additions: Jordyn Deen, 16, and Alicia Luo, 13, both from Sydney, and Mimi Thomsen, 16, from the Illawarra.

For Mimi, the week carries a meaning that goes beyond her own debut. Her older sister Lara was a NSW Junior Girls team regular for four years, and Mimi has spent much of that time watching from the stands, absorbing everything, waiting for her turn.

“I watched my sister play the last four years, some of them as captain,” she said.

“I kind of know how the week goes, but I’m excited to be in the action instead of watching.”

Making the team alongside Lara had always been the ultimate goal, and while the timing didn’t align, that hunger hasn’t gone away.

“It was my ultimate goal to be in the state team with my sister, but sometimes it doesn’t work out like that. I’m happy I got selected this year, and hopefully, maybe we could be in the open team together in the future.”

Her path to selection came through steadiness rather than fireworks, she believes.

“I’ve definitely become more consistent with my scores. I wouldn’t say the start of summer was my best golf, but I kept it very solid and safe all summer. I think that got me my selection.”

At just 13, Alicia Luo is the youngest player in the girls’ squad, but don’t expect her to play like it. A run to the semi-finals of the NSW Amateur announced her as one of the state’s most exciting young talents, and she relishes match play precisely because the stakes are high and the competition is fierce.

“Especially when I’m playing against really good players, which is pretty much this whole field this week, I find I bring my best game, which is always really good.”

Her mental growth has been the standout shift in her development over the past year.

“I think I’ve matured so much more, and I’m really good under pressure now.”

Asked about carrying the tag of youngest on the team, she barely blinks.

“I just want to work as a team, hopefully win, and play my own game.”

Blake Cranston arrives at Moonah Links in the kind of form every debutant dreams of: a top-10 finish at last week’s Australian Junior firmly in his back pocket and a clear sense of what has driven his rapid rise.

“Just taking it more seriously. More serious practice and actually knowing what I’m there to do and knowing what to do when I’m in that moment.”

He has the match play credentials to back it up too.

“I’m pretty good at match play. I won the Fore Golf Junior Matchplay at Magenta, which is pretty similar to this, similar layout, similar type of golf course. So definitely confident, ready to go.”

The team environment, he adds, is something he has particularly embraced.

“Being a part of teams is always good in an individual sport. I always look forward to winning, but also being a part of a team and representing the state.”

Jordyn Deen rounds out the debutants with a point to prove and the results to justify the belief. She too arrives off the back of a strong Australian Junior performance and insists selection came down to more than just her scorecard.

“Probably my performances and my attitude, the way I carry myself around the course. I think that’s probably the main reason, along with getting some results.”

Matchplay, she says, is where she thrives.

“I really prefer it over stroke play. You just go out there, play your own game, and everything will work out.”

And she is direct about what she wants from the week.

“I want to be undefeated. Just go out there, have fun, support all the other girls, and get the win for New South Wales.”

With the experience of watching her sister captain the side for years, Mimi perhaps sums up the collective mood of all four debutants best.

“Just to enjoy it as much as possible, not put too much pressure on myself or the team. Play with no regrets, and hopefully the team will go well.”

The matches will get underway at 7:30 tomorrow morning.