Across the entire competition, one of the strongest positions in terms of young players would appear be the second row.

Or, so you thought.

It takes time for young players to cement themselves in one of the most crucial positions on the field. Players like Isaiah Papali'i, Haumole Olakau'atu and Keon Koloamatangi are all setting the world alight this year, but it took them time to find their feet.

23-years-old now, the aforementioned trio sit just outside the parameters of this list.

While they all played excellent football last year, all three are showing further improvement in 2022. They have had time to develop their game and add pieces to their arsenal.

The majority of the list below haven't had that time, making their play on the field in their first and second years in the NRL all the more exemplary. All that being said, here are the best edge forwards in the NRL aged 22 or younger.

3. Josh Schuster - 20

His biography on the Manly Sea Eagles website reads "Josh Schuster is one the best young players in the NRL", and I can't argue with them.

While he has spent the first part of this season injured, only managing a single game in the first nine rounds, Schuster did more than enough to put himself in the conversation with last year's performances.

While five-eighth might be his preferred and (possibly) best position, Schuster excelled on the left edge for a team that made the preliminary finals in 2021.

Schuster still shows the regular markings of a young star; forcing passes, making them "no-look" passes when unnecessary and just generally making silly mistakes.

However, it is hard to see a future in which Schuster isn't one of the best at his position, whatever that may be in the years to come.