NRL’s future: 20 gamebreakers set to shine in the U21s Jersey Flegg finals series

The Jersey Flegg finals are upon us with the elite U21s talent on show. We take a look at 20 gamebreakers across the five teams who are set to lead their teams to glory.

The key players set to shine in the Jersey Flegg finals.

The best U21 talent in the state is on show with the start of the Jersey Flegg finals this weekend.

With five teams remaining in the hunt for glory, we take a look at the 20 gamebreakers set to shine

CANBERRA RAIDERS

OWEN HROMOW

A previous captain with the Raiders at Harold Matthews and SG Ball this season, it’s no surprise that lock-forward Hromow has translated that leadership to U21s. Has been playing plenty of footy of late with a standout campaign for Erindale College.

JONAH ANDERSON

Another Erindale College product who had a strong Schoolboys Cup season, Anderson has taken great strides this season as a year young player in SG Ball through to making his Flegg debut. Will do the job if called upon.

TRAE BENNETTO

Hails from the border town of Goondiwindi and was identified by the Raiders as a young gun who could add some class to their underage ranks. In the first of a two-year deal, the Boars junior has certainly impressed as a fullback who can fill in the halves when needed.

KEAHN SKIPPS

The captain of the side who can light it up at fullback or in the halves, Skipps is a dynamic talent from Queensland who we’ve seen star in both league and union. Has risen through the ranks after a good season at SG Ball level.

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

JORDI MAZZONE

A tryscoring machine on the wing for the Bulldogs who was part of Canterbury’s premiership winning side in Flegg last season. The Moorebank Rams junior bleeds blue and white, and his ability to finish provides his halves with plenty of options.

CASSIUS TIA

A young halfback who came across from the Roosters at the start of the season. Tia has played NSW Cup and was one of the best for the tricolours in SG Ball last year. A Marist Saints junior from New Zealand with big wraps on him.

DAMON MARSHALL

The Queenslander continues to aim up and his hard work as a middle forward has been rewarded with a handful of NSW Cup games. Made the Queensland U19s side last year and the Townsville native can make a huge impact in the finals.

LARRY MUAGUTUTIA

Has turned into a strong pick-up for the Bulldogs this season after coming through the earlier pathways with the Eels. A devastating runner of the football who was named in the 2020 Schoolboys Cup team of the year.

PENRITH PANTHERS

JAXEN EDGAR

It’s not an exaggeration to suggest the Panthers view Edgar as their future NRL fullback. Last year’s Harold Matthews Cup player of the year rose straight to Flegg after a year-young season in SG Ball. Signed up until 2026 and Penrith will be looking to keep him longer.

JETT CLEARY

The younger brother of superstar Nathan, it’s been confirmed he’s heading off to New Zealand next year, so will be looking to go out in the best possible way. Cleary has looked good at halfback since coming up from U19s.

ASTON WARWICK

A success story of the Panthers’ recruitment in the west, the Dubbo local has progressed through the grades and continues to impress officials. Warwick is a force on an edge in the back row and has stepped up as captain of the side.

JIRAH LIDDIARD

The Glenmore Park junior has been an absolute flyer out wide for the Panthers as he continues to build through the ranks. Blessed with speed and evasiveness, he’s an excitement machine in open space.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

MYLES MARTIN

Captained the SG Ball side to a grand final appearance last year and has made the transition to secure a spot at lock in U21s. Is currently in the Knights’ top 30 and represented the NSW U19s last season.

LIAM SUTTON

Brings a wealth of experience against older men to the side having played 11 games of NSW Cup after a dozen games at that level last season. A talented halfback with a great kicking game, he’s always hunting out 40-20s.

FLETCHER HUNT

Hails from Warren in the west and has proven a superb scout from the Knights. He was among their best in the SG Ball Cup season in the halves and is backing it up at both fullback or in the halves, depending on what they need.

JACK CULLEN

The captain of the side has picked up valuable NSW Cup experience, including starting in the front row. Went to school at league powerhouse Palm Beach Currumbin and won a Mal Meninga Cup competition with Tweed before moving south.

CRONULLA SHARKS

NIKORA WILLIAMS

Made waves at the ASSRL event earlier this year and has continually stepped up to whatever grade is put in front of him. The Endeavour High student is playing well above his age but you wouldn’t know it judging by his dominance in the centres.

RILEY POLLARD

Came across from Penrith at the start of the season and hasn’t missed a beat with a great campaign in SG Ball Cup. He’s been able to make the leap to U21s and has looked the goods with every outing.

MAX MCCARTHY

Such is the belief in the talent of the second rower, South Sydney has moved to snap him up for next season. A hard-running player on an edge who plays well on both sides of the ball, the Sharks are hoping he has a few more games to play in their jersey.

DYLAN COUTTS

Brings plenty of size into the back row as a 195cm weapon. Came across from Manly at the beginning of 2023 and the Narrabeen Sharks junior has proved to be a good asset and looks a likely type to progress through the grades.

Originally published as NRL’s future: 20 gamebreakers set to shine in the U21s Jersey Flegg finals series