The Sydney Roosters have been one of the best teams over the past decade, but if they are to remain in premiership contention, they will need to rely on the next generation of young players coming through the ranks.
Over the past couple of years, the likes of Benaiah Ioelu, Salesi Foketi, Hugo Savala, Robert Toia and the Va'a brothers - De La Salle and Xavier - have been introduced to the NRL after successfully progressing through the club's ranks.
So...who's next?
8. Darcy Smith
A member of the 2025 Australian Schoolboys side, Darcy Smith has had a sensational last nine months in the Roosters' pathways system, which saw him help the club win the SG Ball Cup title, make his Jersey Flegg Cup debut and be named the Player of the Match in the 2025 U18s clash between City and Country.
Compared to Boyd Cordner, due to his hard work ethic and high IQ with the ball in his hands, Smith is regarded as one of the best forwards in rugby league under the age of 18 and still has plenty of time to develop.
"When I was young, nothing really went my way with footy, and then I just grounded it out and found my way into the Roosters system, and they gave me a chance," Smith told Zero Tackle about his rugby league journey.
"All I've wanted since I was a kid (is to play NRL), and that'd mean the world to me playing for the Roosters one day when I'm older.
"It'd mean everything to my family, too. I wouldn't be here without them and wouldn't be able to do what I can do if it wasn't for my parents."
