With the 2018 finals series finally upon us it is time for the big match players to stand and deliver. These 12 players will be instrumental in shaping the finals and delivering their team a premiership.
Recently re-signed Rabbitohs forward Sam Burgess will be hoping to lead his team deep into the finals. Burgess was a huge part of the Rabbitohs success in 2014, and if he can repeat his heroics, South Sydney will be a major threat.
For the Dragons to have any hope of success in the finals series they will need a huge performance from their forward pack. With Paul Vaughan injured for the remainder of 2018, Tyson Frizell will have to inspire his side. The powerful forward is capable of huge runs and will his leadership will be required.
Coming off a four-try performance against the Sea Eagles, Corey Oates has reminded the competition what a huge threat he is. The hulking winger has been unstoppable with the ball in hand and is a constant threat. Opposing teams must figure out a way to stop Oates or they will have a tough time beating the Broncos.
After an excellent State of Origin series, James Tedesco will be looking to end the year with a number of strong performances in finals games. On his day, Tedesco can be huge in both attack and defence which allows him to completely change a match.
The 2018 finals will provide Nathan Cleary with a huge opportunity to show the NRL community that he is a top level halfback. The Panthers have been struggling in recent weeks and Cleary will be the player the team looks to in order to return to their winning ways.
Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has hit top gear heading into the finals series, with incredible performances each week. The powerful fullback recently ran for more than 300 metres in a single game, showing that he is ready and willing to take his team as far into the competition as he can.
Cameron Smith is very experienced with finals football, and will be looking to guide his team to back-to-back premierships. As the Storm are not settled on a main halfback yet, Smith will need to stand up and manage the game for his team. Without his influence the Storm could certainly struggle in the finals.
Blake Green has been one of the best buys of the season, providing the Warriors with some much needed stability. Green’s style of play has allowed his more flamboyant teammates to flourish as he manages games and provides consistency. The Warriors will rely on Green’s influence to take them into the last game of the year.
Cooper Cronk won the competition with the Storm last year and will be hoping to do it again with the Roosters in 2018. The veteran halfback is the complete package, and his influence on his team is massive. Cronk keeps a cool head in pressure moments which makes him invaluable in high pressure matches like finals.
Valentine Holmes is having his best season to date, and has been lethal at fullback for the Sharks. If Holmes isn’t scoring tries for fun he is setting them up, and it is clear opposing sides have no way to stop the carnage he creates. Sharks fans will be hoping that Holmes can continue his run of good form in the finals and take them all the way.
Damien Cook has been one of the very best players in 2018 and will be the Rabbitohs' key team member in the finals. Cook’s dynamic attacking play has proven extremely difficult for sides to counter, and will likely cause problems in the finals.
Billy Slater is one of the most prolific try scorers in finals football and has been in great form in 2018. Slater was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal in the 2017 Grand Final and would love to claim the award for a second straight year. Slater has everything to play for in what will be his final NRL games.