An array of new-age talent has exploded onto the scene or taken a huge leap in their development in 2021.
And through Therabody's Theragun Young Gun series, many freshly established and future stars have been highlighted this season.
Starting in round six, two standouts aged under 25 with fewer than 25 first-grade games of experience were pitted against each other in a social media poll, with the weekly winner decided by the fans.
Rookie of the year contenders like Warriors fullback Reece Walsh, Roosters playmaker Sam Walker and Wests Tigers custodian Daine Laurie were among the Young Guns to be celebrated.
They impressed supporters with composure and skills far beyond their years, often demonstrating a thrilling brand of attacking play.
Second- and third-year players including Storm pair Harry Grant and Nicho Hynes, Panthers centre Matt Burton and Raiders hooker Tom Starling were also deservedly popular with voters.
Therabody providing recovery relief in NRL hub
The Theragun Young Gun Player of the Year will be crowned in week three of the finals with a Team of the Year to come after the decider.
There's 18 players who won weekly awards
Here’s the list of winners we named during the season:
- Harry Grant
- Sam Walker
- Jason Saab
- Reece Walsh
- Matt Burton
- Nicho Hynes
- Daine Laurie
- Jake Averillo
- Tyrell Sloan
- Tesi Niu
- Tom Starling
- Xavier Savage
- Morgan Harper
- Jaxson Paulo
- Stefano Utoikamanu
- Josh Curran
- Tom Dearden
- Jayden Campbell