The NRL lost more than 4000 games of experience in one of the most decorated retiring classes rugby league has ever seen in 2018, but the game's future is in steady hands with a crop of youth already making in-roads at representative level.

We farewelled Johnathan Thurston, at the same time introducing Kalyn Ponga as the next generational player.

Brisbane aren't reeling at the loss of Sam Thaiday, handing on the mantle to David Fifita, Payne Haas and Jaydn Su'A.

Those are only a few names to get excited about.

Sporting News has compiled a team of the game's top tier under 21 athletes, which includes three Origin stars and three premiership winners.