Andrew Johns has revealed his top-five NRL players under 21, highlighting the next wave of talent that's emerged in 2025.
The Immortal's list features a mix of outside backs, halves and forwards who have already built a reputation in first grade.
The list inevitably raises debate, particularly around the omission of Bulldogs young gun Lachlan Galvin.
On a recent episode of Freddy & the Eighth, Johns admitted Galvin isn't in the elite bracket just yet.
"I haven't got him in the top five," he said.
"I'm sure he will go to the top - but at the moment, on form, I haven't got him."
With Galvin missing out, Johns instead settled on five standout prospects who he believes represents the best under-21 players in the competition right now.
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Andrew Johns top-five players under 21
5. Casey McLean - Penrith Panthers
McLean sneaks into Johns' top-five list after hitting a purple patch of form which has coincided with the revival of Penrith's season.
The rangy outside back has made the left centre position for the Panthers his own, scoring 12 tries in his 18 outings so far this season.
McLean really announced himself as one of the game's brightest young prospects when he went toe-to-toe with Stephen Crichton in his side's blockbuster win over the Bulldogs in Round 17.
4. Robert Toia - Sydney Roosters
Toia's rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After overcoming two ACL ruptures and a broken jaw, the 21-year-old is now thriving at the Roosters.
After being selected for the Maroons after just 10 NRL games, his ability to bounce back from serious setbacks and establish himself as a genuine strike centre, warrants his place on the list.
3. Ethan Strange - Canberra Raiders
Strange has quickly developed into one of Canberra's most important players during their run to the 2025 minor premiership.
The 21-year-old has already produced many big performances, including multiple try-scoring efforts this year.
His form has gone so far as to put him in the frame for Kangaroos selection in the upcoming Ashes tour.
2. Leka Halasima - New Zealand Warriors
The lone forward on this list, Halasima has quickly emerged as one of the Warriors' brightest young stars, and someone who Johns is buying a lot of stock in.
His raw athleticism and power give him an ability to break tackles and cover ground like not many other humans his size.
Debuting in 2024, he has already become a game-changing player, most notably, when he scored the match-winner against the Knights in Round 20.
1. Isaiya Katoa - Dolphins
Katoa has deservedly taken the top-spot on the eighth Immortal's list as he's become the face of the Dolphins' franchise.
Making his debut in the club's inaugural 2023 season, he's already played 64 NRL games after being poached out of Penrith's junior pathways system.
An international with Tonga since 2022, Katoa seems destined for many more big moments in his career. Johns sees him as a cornerstone of the Dolphins' spine for years to come.