Despite the ongoing difficulties and trying circumstances our second-tier leagues have faced, the development of young stars looking to burst onto the NRL scene has not slowed down.
Namely, with the NSW Cup's constant crop of future household names, it will be hard to draw our attention away from the next line of NRL stars despite the aforementioned setbacks.
With this in mind, we take a look at five of the best NSW Cup prospects to keep an eye on in the future.
3. Jock Madden
West Tigers - Halfback
The Wests Tigers rookie was able to play three games in the NRL this season and has been a key feature back in NSW Cup for a majority of the season.
Madden was able to score five tries in just nine rounds of the 2021 NSW Cup season as a halfback, emerging as a dynamic playmaker that often finds holes in opposition defences and breaks the line himself.
The 21-year-old has showed in reserve grade that he can be a threat when playing out of dummy-half around the ruck. His quick hands enabled the Western Suburb Magpies to move the ball with purpose.
Madden topped the points leaderboard in NSW Cup with 130 total points scored. He can kick for goal and has a high conversion rate and will look to put together more games for the Tigers and push to be a regular each week.
