The Raiders and the Tigers are currently sitting in ninth and tenth position on the ladder, on 18 points each. With the Broncos just inside the Top 8 on 22 points, teams on less than 18 points have a mountain to climb to reach the finals. By no means are teams like the Knights ruled out of contention, but it is highly unlikely they will make the finals so they will not be included on this list.
Here are the players the remaining 10 sides are relying on to ensure they finish the season on a positive note.
It is difficult to pinpoint one player in the Rabbitohs' side that has led the way for them, due to the incredible team performances they continually put together. However, it is clear they are playing strong football through the middle of the field, and Sam Burgess is huge in that regard. The tough English forward is the kind of player that not only plays hard but inspires those around him to give 100%, which makes him invaluable to the Rabbitohs.
It is no surprise the Storm continue to move up the ladder, as they boast great players such as Cameron Smith, Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi and Jesse Bromwich. However the Storm will look to their champion fullback to bring them home as the season comes to a close. Billy Slater was recently named the Wally Lewis medallist and is showing no signs of slowing down as he continues to tear teams apart with ease.
The Dragons have looked to their captain all year to lead the way and the run into the finals will be no different. Gareth Widdop has had an outstanding year for the Red V, perhaps his best in the NRL, and is a huge threat to opposition sides. Widdop’s ability to set up a try from anywhere with kicking, passing or running will be crucial in the remaining games.
After an outstanding series for New South Wales, James Tedesco will turn his focus to helping the Roosters win as many of their remaining games as they can. At his best, Tedesco is a powerhouse in both attack and defence, with the ability to score tries, save tries and make huge metres. The Roosters now need their star fullback to stand up and deliver his best football for the team.
With both of New South Wales winning halves in their side, the Panthers will be confident heading into their remaining games. While Nathan Cleary has been great, it will be James Maloney that the Panthers will lean on in the coming weeks. Maloney has experience going deep into the finals and setting up late season runs – he will no doubt look to do the same in 2018.
Matt Moylan has had some incredible solo performances throughout 2018, including a stunning six try assists in a single game back in Round 12. However as we head into the final regular season matches, Moylan must strive for more consistency in is game. If he can string together a number of strong performances the Sharks will almost certainly push for a stop in the Top 4.
Issac Luke has enjoyed his best season in recent years and the Warriors are reaping the rewards. With some injuries to key personnel in the forward pack, the Warriors will require Luke to stand up and control the forward pack in coming games. Should he finish the season well, the Warriors could make a late run for the Top 4.
After a big loss to the Warriors at home, some Broncos fans will be worrying about their team’s form. While the Raiders and the Tigers are not too close to overtaking the Broncos, the Brisbane team will certainly want to improve from where they are now. Anthony Milford will be key in this regard, as he is the go to playmaker for the side. At his best, Milford can win games by himself with dynamic playmaking and incredible speed. The Broncos will need Milford’s best to ensure they are playing finals football in 2018.
The pre-season injury to Josh Hodgson was a huge blow to the Raiders chances in 2018, but since returning in Round 15 they have been playing much better. In fact, the Raiders are three from four with Hodgson in the team and it is easy to see why. The English hooker is the complete package, with solid defence, quality kicking ability and dynamic ball playing skills which boost the Raiders in both offense and defence. If the Raiders are to make a late push for the finals, it will be off the back of Josh Hodgson.
Luke Brooks has had by his best and most consistent season in the NRL in 2018 thanks to the changes in the Tigers roster. With Benji Marshall back and playing good football, and Robbie Farah returning to the club, Brooks has an opportunity to lead a late season run and potentially take the Tigers to the finals.