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.
The final spot on this list was a toss-up between Luki and Jordan Riki, but in the end, Luki won out.
Sitting on the opposite side (or sometimes coming off the bench) to another young second-rower in Jeremiah Nanai for the Cowboys, Luki is a force on his edge.
At 195 centimetres, Luki is already a huge man and will get only become harder to handle as he adds more strength to his already huge frame.
With two tries already to his name, Luki gets through the hard yards too, averaging 74 metres, 32 post-contact and 20 tackles at 97 per cent efficiency in only 45 minutes a game.
There is no doubt Luki has the potential to be one of the best forwards in the game and is already one of them in his age bracket.
Wilton might be lacking the shine and finesse of some other names in this list, but there is no doubting the talent.
Controlling the edge for the Cronulla Sharks in the absense of Wade Graham, Wilton has made it his own.
Playing 16 games for the Sharks last year after debuting in 2020, Wilton looks much better for the run this year. Solid and dependable in both attack and defence, while Wilton might lack the flair of the names above him, he is also without the errors and mistakes that often come with it.
For a team like the Sharks who just need someone to have his runs, make his tackles and pass the ball to Siosifa Talakai or Nicho Hynes when needed, Wilton is perfect.
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.
Playing only four games in 2021, this season has been Jeremiah Nanai's coming out party.
Starring on the edge of a surprising North Queensland Cowboys outfit, Nanai has excelled for the Cowboys this season and is one of the biggest reasons they sit 5th on the ladder.
With six tries from his seven games in 2022, Nanai is a crucial attacking weapon for the Cowboys, whether it's targeting him with a kick, or hitting him with a good ball near the line. Having just turned 19 in February, Nanai still has plenty of football ahead of him.
If this is what he looks like at nineteen, I can't wait to see him at 24.
I have my issues with his game and perceived attitude, but there is absolutely no doubt that David Fifita is the best edge forward in the game at this age bracket. It is almost unbelievable that Fifita is still only 22. While he hasn't hit his peak as a player and still has plenty to learn and adapt, he's only 22!
The talent, raw physicality and physique of a rugby league Adonis has had Fifita earmarked for greatness since he stepped foot on the NRL field.
That has seen him represent his state and country and earn over a million dollars as the marquee signing for the Gold Coast Titans. It has also seen him become one of the most maligned (and at times disappointing) players in the competition.
If Fifita can ever keep his natural ability and game-breaking X-factor and eliminate his nature to float in and out of games and look disinterested, he could very well be one of the best edge forwards ever.