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?
2. Isaiya Katoa (The Dolphins)
The hottest young half in the league, Isaiya Katoa, took major strides in his development this past season. At only 21 years of age, he is already the driving force behind The Dolphins attack and has been given the keys to the franchise for the foreseeable future.
Katoa was handed the reigns to The Dolphins in the club's inaugural match in the NRL. Immense pressure for any player, whether a vet or a rookie, but Katoa not only performed well but also helped his side win against the contending Sydney Roosters.
Fast forward two years and the 21-year-old has cemented himself as the go-to guy in this Dolphins squad. His footy IQ and calm composure are leaps and bounds ahead of most his age, with the fresh halfback only entering his third season as a first-grader.
Although Katoa hasn't reached the star level of some players on this list, the young halfback will be 26 in five years, only just entering his prime.
If he is this calm and composed in just his first two NRL seasons, I think it's safe to say that Katoa will be yet another all-time gem unearthed by Wayne Bennett.
