NRL’s young playmakers ranked: Dolphins star Isaiya Katoa headlines list of young halves aged 21 and under
While a certain future State of Origin star has dominated the spotlight in 2025, the NRL is actually flush with young playmakers. We rank the competition’s best young halves and take a look at the future stars waiting in the wings.
Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa has dominated the spotlight in recent weeks but the NRL is flush with rising playmakers.
In Canberra, Ethan Strange is enjoying a breakout season with the ladder leaders in the No.6 jumper with his electrifying running game.
While the likes of Cowboys livewire Jaxon Purdue and Parramatta’s Joash Papalii have the all the hallmarks of future stars in the halves at their respective clubs.
We take a look at the NRL’s class of five-eighths and halfbacks aged 21 and under, ranking them based on their 2025 season and future potential.
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