A lot of the current Cronulla first grade squad played A LOT of reserve grade with Newtown before debuting or becoming regular first graders (they won at least one reserve grade comp). They debuted or become regular starters when they were 22 to 24 e.g. Kennedy, Iro.Luck? They had a good batch all at the right time.
We had Farah, Marshall, Fulton, Gibbs Skando, and some others all a the same time.
But elite coaching certainly would count but I can't imagine we are too far behind with this