The 17-year-old CYMS back rower started the rugby league season as an up and coming under 18s player hoping to crack the Premier League side by the end of the winter.

But, when Daniel Mortimer caught a glimpse of Williams running around in the pre-season, the former NRL playmaker snapped him up there and then.

Fast forward to round four, and Williams has already played three games for the top-tier side, and is fresh off a three-try performance in the Group 10 versus Group 11 under 18s match.

Translation? Kaden Williams is a hot stock right now.

"When I play first grade, I don't go out there thinking how much younger than everyone else I am, I just go out there and play with my heart," he said.

"The speed of the game is much faster, and physicality comes next after that ... playing against grown men is different."

The step-up isn't something that's daunted Williams, rather it's motivated him to strive for better each and every week.

Prior to 2021, Williams probably never imaged he'd refer to an under 18s competition being a step down in grade, but that's how it felt at Tony Luchetti Sportsground on Saturday.

"When I go back down to 18s now, I feel like I'm a step above," he said.

"It was really good to play there on the weekend, though. I got to play with the CYMS boys and some other guys my age.

"But it wasn't as physical as what I've seen in the last few weeks playing first grade."

If you haven't detected this by now, the sky is well and truly Williams' limit, but before he's able to focus on rugby league full time, he's got something else to wrap up first.

"I need to finish school this year," he said.

"After that, I can prioritise footy and training. I've had a chat with Mum about a few things I could do once I'm finished, but for now I'm just focusing on CYMS."

Williams' next assignment as CYMS is another trip to Mudgee's Glen Willow, a ground that the green and golds have already won at this season.

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