The NRL has never been as skilled as it is right now, with the majority of its big dogs under the age of 30.
Nathan Cleary has four premierships at just 27 years old. Tom Dearden is the incumbent five-eighth of the Queensland Maroons as a 23-year-old. Stephen Crichton, who is only 24, is one of the best captains in the league.
With so many premium footballers already cementing themselves as the best of the best at such a young age and a few emerging superstars rising through the ranks, who will be leading the charge come 2030 in the NRL?
3. Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys)
Tom Dearden's NRL career got off to a shaky start. After being discarded by the Broncos and struggling to find form at the start of his tenure with the North Queensland Cowboys, the young half's potential seemed to be fading away.
However, he has not only met his early expectations but exceeded them, becoming the Maroons five-eighth and the go-to guy for a contending Cowboys squad.
What Dearden lacks in size, he doubles in heart, showcasing extreme courage in game-changing situations. His cool head and calm demeanor have earned him the captaincy at the Cowboys, an impressive feat for a 23-year-old.
His tremendous footy IQ and natural rugby league ability have made him the core of not only his side but his state, knocking Maroons legend Cameron Munster out of his Queensland jersey.
For a young player to come back even better after the media and critics alike wrote him off shows a heap of resilience most senior players don't possess.
Dearden will be 28 in 2030, entering his prime with a plethora of experience under his belt. The Cowboys skipper will be the best five-eighth in the NRL by then if he isn't already.
