The Brisbane Broncos may have found their next young superstar in lock Jai Arrow.
At just 20 years of age Arrow looks a ready-made replacement for when Brisbane stalwart Corey Parker hangs up the boots.
The young lock burst onto the scene in 2015 - taking home best forward, player's player and player of the year for the Broncos under-20s in the National Youth Competition.
He led the under-20s in hit-ups for the season and his 157 running metres per game was the benchmark for the competition.
Imposing statistics for a young man who must now make the huge step up in class from the NYC to the NRL.
Although confident he can impress at NRL level, Arrow is keeping a level head and is humbled by the comparisons to Parker.
"I wouldn't say I could slot in and replace Corey. Corey's done pretty much everything I want to do in my career," said Arrow.
"I've got a lot of work to do and a lot of training ahead of me. He has done a lot more in his career then I have so far and I am trying to learn off him. I try and base my game around him because he's someone I look up to.
"I'm really enjoying having people I grew up watching around me. Having guys like Sam Thaiday and Parker around is pretty special and I'm really relishing it."
Arrow will play in Brisbane's trial against Souths Logan on Saturday in a side that features first grade hopefuls Caleb Timu, Elijah Alick and Aaron Whitchurch.
It is a depleted side with the rest of the Broncos' squad in England for the World Club Series.
For the young Broncos it will be their last trial to impress as Round 1 is less than two weeks away.
Arrow will look to show maturity well ahead of his years as he takes control of a young Brisbane forward pack hungry to prove their worth.
He is eager to impress this week, but there are still some aspects of his game he needs to work on if he is to become a regular starter in the Broncos' first grade side.
"I will definitely go out there and try and take control of the game and prove myself. Everyone that's playing this week is trying to impress," Arrow.
"I'm trying to prove a point and prove to Wayne [Bennett] that I can take the next step.
"I'm going to need to get used to playing with men because I haven't played any Queensland Cup. I'll need to work on my physicality and defensive skills with the step up to this higher level."
