As far as Super League seasons go, it would be incredibly difficult to think of a year in which so many young players have set the competition alight.
2016 has seen numerous youngsters emerge on the Super League scene, with all the clubs that made the top eight having their younger players to thank for the success so far this season.
Over the years we have seen some fantastic young talent in the competition, and the future looks bright for Super League as it continues to help stars of the future flourish.
Mike Cooper and Sam Burgess are just two examples of players that impressed in Super League before hitting new heights in the NRL, while others such as Ryan Hall have tasted incredible success after years in Super League.
There are more players than ever being produced by Super League clubs now, so we’ve put together a team of players who were 23 or under at the start of this season.
Full-back: Jake Connor (Huddersfield Giants)
Connor has been in terrific form in the last couple of months, which resulted in a move to Hull FC at the end of the year.
The youngster has been on the scene for a while now, but his superb finishing, kicking game and deceptive strength have really shone through this year.
Winger: Dom Manfredi (Wigan Warriors)
Despite only being around for about a year, the Wigan flier is already being talked up for a spot on one of England’s wings in the Four Nations.
A strong carrier of the ball and a prolific try-scorer, Manfredi is a real talent.
Centre: Josh Jones (Salford Red Devils)
Already a Grand Final winner from his time at St Helens, Jones has been an excellent signing for Salford this season.
A real handful and a superb workhorse, Jones is vital for the Red Devils.
Centre: Mark Percival (St Helens)
Keiron Cunningham believes he is international class, and he could well earn that recognition at the end of the year.
Percival is reliable in all areas for Saints, and has proved to be a good goalkicker too.
Winger: Denny Solomona (Castleford Tigers)
A man who needs no introduction.
Super League’s top scorer by a mile and on his way to breaking the competition’s record for tries scored in a season. One of the game’s brightest talents.
Stand-off: George Williams (Wigan Warriors)
Although he missed the start of the season, Williams wasted no time returning to form.
An exceptional line-runner, the England international has been key for Wigan since his return and was superb in their recent Challenge Cup defeat to Hull FC.
Scrum-Half: Theo Fages (St Helens)
It’s hard to believe that Theo Fages is still just 21-year-old.
But the scrum-capped halfback has plenty of experience despite his age, and, although currently injured, has proved why Keiron Cunningham believes he can become a St Helens great in the years to come.
Prop: Ryan Sutton (Wigan Warriors)
Sutton has been one of Super League’s biggest unsung heroes this season.
He’s filled the void left by his injured teammates throughout the year and added some punch in Wigan’s attack down the middle
Hooker: Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves)
Already a Man of Steel, the Warrington hooker has been exceptional this season.
Although he didn’t have it his way in his maiden season at the Wolves, his performances this season make him a contender for England selection this year.
Prop: Gadwin Springer (Castleford Tigers)
You probably hadn’t even heard of this man before this season, but you do now.
The giant prop has been a revelation under Daryl Powell, coming off the bench to deadly effect. He’s still raw, but he’s also a major talent.
Second-row: Mike McMeeken (Castleford Tigers)
When you see the size of him, it’s hard to believe he is still 22-years-old.
A superb year has seen the second-row become a handful for defences. His ability to run and offload one-handed makes it impossible to defend against him at times.
Second-row: Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)
Although he has just gone 22, he has already made over 100 appearances for Warrington.
It has been clear for a very long time that Currie is a very special talent, and he has the potential to become one of Super League’s all-time greats.
Loose-forward: John Bateman (Wigan Warriors)
What was said about Currie can also be said about Bateman.
A natural athlete, Bateman looks light years apart from the rest at times, and has been tipped to captain England in the years to come.
Notable mentions:
Dan Sarginson
Jacob Miller
Tom Johnstone
Fouad Yaha
Matt Whitley
Lewis Tierney
Morgan Knowles
Max Jowitt
Andre Savelio