NSW Cup: We rank the top 10 gamebreakers as Rabbitohs and Bears face off in grand final

A host of big names and future NRL stars are on show this weekend in the NSW Cup grand final between Souths and Norths. We rank the top 10 gamebreakers in this weekend’s decider.

The key men in the NSW Cup grand final.

The stage is set for a memorable NSW Cup grand final this weekend.

Two foundation clubs of South Sydney and North Sydney will go head to head, with the Rabbitohs looking to end a 40-year drought and the Bears looking to add to their most recent success in 1993.

Both sides have a mix of youth and experience with plenty of names we’ve seen in the NRL previously.

These are the top 10 gamebreakers who can influence the result and end the NSW Cup drought for their teams this weekend.

10. FETALAIGA ‘JUNIOR’ PAUGA (BEARS)

A devastating runner of the ball from the wing and leads the NSW Cup tackle breaks despite playing just 17 games. Got a taste of first grade action and returns to the side after a 130m, five tackle break effort against the Storm in an elimination final.

Fetalaiga ‘Junior’ Pauga. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images

9. PETER MAMOUZELOS (RABBITOHS)

Sits third in the competition in tackles made at an exceptional 94 per cent. A young player with seven NRL games to his name, will be looking to impress and showcase why he deserves more of a crack in 2024.

Peter Mamouzelos in action for South Sydney Picture: Bryden Sharp

8. FLETCHER BAKER (BEARS)

A towering forward who will be looking to end his Roosters career on a high before heading to the Broncos. Played 15 games of first grade and will return to North Sydney to add plenty of punch from the interchange bench.

Fletcher Baker. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty Images

7. BLAKE TAAFFE (RABBITOHS)

Won a Jersey Flegg competition with the Bunnies in 2019, Taaffe has been in and out of first grade this season and giving his all when getting a shot. A livewire fullback who gets his side on the front foot, and set for regular first grade with Canterbury next year.

Blake Taaffe. Picture: NRL Images

6. ZACH DOCKAR-CLAY (BEARS)

One of the most experienced players at this level and has been one of North Sydney’s best this season. A nuggety player who has one of the biggest engines on the field, the New Zealander and captain of the Bears is their key to success.

Zach Dockar-Clay. Picture: NRL Images

5. TYRONE MUNRO (RABBITOHS)

Genuine X-factor. His rise from starting the season at SG Ball through to making his NRL debut was thoroughly deserved. A speedy winger who can make things happen out of nothing, look for the Souths halves to try and put him into open space.

Tyrone Munro. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

4. TERRELL MAY (BEARS)

Coming off a breakout year in first grade for the Roosters where he played 17 games. In his last six first grade games he averaged 140m and 30 tackles to help them make the finals. Will face off with Shaq Mitchell in the battle for the middle.

Terrell May. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

3. TALLIS DUNCAN (RABBITOHS)

There’s every chance this could be Duncan’s last game in reserve grade after impressing at the back end of the NRL season. The lock has a high workrate, averaging over 100m and 30 tackles in 18 NSW Cup games, and his ball-playing is a huge asset.

Tallis Duncan. Picture: NRL Photos

2. BEN STEVANOVIC (BEARS)

Enjoying a fantastic season for North Sydney to establish himself as one of the competition’s premier halves. In 25 games he has tallied 11 tries and 27 try assists to lead the Bears to the minor premiership. A leading contender for man of the match honours.

Ben Stevanovic. Picture: NRL Photos

1. DEAN HAWKINS (RABBITOHS)

The NSW Cup Player of the Year will be viewing this as the opportunity to make his NRL career. Has played second fiddle behind Lachlan Ilias and only played six first grade games. A strong showing here and potentially in the State Championship puts him firmly on the radar for an NRL shot next season.

Dean Hawkins. Picture: Sam Ruttyn