NSWRL Grand Final Day: 24 underrated talents to shine in Flegg, HNWP, NSW Cup grand finals
They mightn’t grab the headlines but they can lead their team to glory on NSWRL grand final day. We look at the 24 underrated talents set to shine in the Jersey Flegg, HNWP and NSW Cup deciders.
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NSWRL grand final day pits three thrilling games from CommBank Stadium as six teams chase their place in history.
Jersey Flegg, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership and NSW Cup silverware goes on the line as the big guns look to stand tall.
But then there are the underrated talents who will do their bit and can stand up on the big stage - we take a look at 24 across all three grades who fit the bill.
JERSEY FLEGG
LOGAN SPINKS (CANTERBURY)
A respected backrower, Logan is set make his second grand final appearance for Canterbury this season. The North Coast product and former Australian Schoolboys rep
played in the SG Ball decider, and will be out to reverse the result with a victory over Cronulla.
JONATHAN SUA (CANTERBURY)
A long striding winger with speed to burn, Jonathan started the season in Flegg before reaching the pinnacle with an NRL debut against the Cowboys in the final round of the season.
FAHMY TOILALO (CANTERBURY)
A menacing middle who knows all about playing in grand finals. Since coming off the bench in last year’s victory over the Roosters, Fahmy has become a cornerstone in Canterbury’s pack.
JOSEPH TEAUPA (CANTERBURY)
A scheming five-eighth who goes about his business with minimal fuss, Joseph’s combination with Roosters recruit Cassius Tia has flourished throughout the season.
RILEY POLLARD (CRONULLA)
A key signing from the Penrith pathways, the gun halfback has pressed all the right buttons since arriving at Cronulla. Started the season in SG Ball before making a successful transition to 21s. Had his kicking boots on in the prelim, landing seven goals to help sink Canberra.
SAMUEL MCCULLOCH (CRONULLA)
A regular through the Sharks pathways since picking up the Harold Matts player of the year award in 2021, the middle forward has continued to develop at a rapid rate. Tall and skilful, he bends the line and creates second phase.
MAX MCCARTHY (CRONULLA)
A damaging backrower, Max is a fierce competitor who lifts his teammates to another level. Had an outstanding SG Ball season and finished with the players’ player award. Will be chasing a big send off before heading to South Sydney.
MICHAEL GABRAEL (CRONULLA)
Earmarked for higher honours, since transferring from Canterbury the rising centre has trained full time with the Sharks. With sharp footwork and slick hands, Michael is a dangerous proposition on the left edge.
HARVEY NORMAN WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP
ISABELLA WATERMAN (NEWCASTLE)
Scored three tries in the preliminary final to help Newcastle cause an almighty upset to knock off minor premiers Wentworthville. A rugby union convert who was previously with the Hurricanes and has really found her feet.
GRACE KUKUTAI (NEWCASTLE)
While Limpic will add starch from the bench, Kuktai will bring it from the opening whistle. The rugby union convert has played three games of NRLW in her debut season and is very strong in defence.
SIENNA LIMPIC (NEWCASTLE)
Hails from Diamond Beach and has given a few diamond-standard performances to lock down her spot in the grand final side. Will come off the bench and the Tarsha Gale graduate will give plenty of impact.
CHELSEA LEHMAN (NEWCASTLE)
A success story for the strength of the women’s competition in the Newcastle region, Lehman was running around with Lakes United last year and has been a regular at the reserve grade level as an impact back rower.
TIARNA WEST (ILLAWARRA)
There’ll be a bit of feeling and extra motivation for West after a playing stint with Newcastle in Tarsha Gale Cup last season. She can keep the momentum rolling for the Steelers when it’s time for an interchange.
TORI SHIPTON (ILLAWARRA)
The Steelers have shown plenty of faith in their youth and Tori Shipton is no exception. The 17-year-old dummy half earned her shot through the year and she has taken it with both hands to feature in the biggest game.
INDIE BOSTOCK (ILLAWARRA)
Kept up her hot form with a hat-trick to swiftly take the game out of reach of Mounties and help Illawarra book a spot in the grand final. While some might get more accolades, Bostock looks a natural to follow her brother’s footsteps into first grade.
SHAE MUHLEISEN (ILLAWARRA)
Was playing in the Northern Territory last season before coming across to Queensland this year. Has proven to be a strong pick up for the Steelers as a hard-hitting player who can fill anywhere in the forwards.
NSW CUP
NIWHAI PURU (NEWTOWN)
To say he willed Newtown to victory last week against the Raiders would be an understatement. Took 26 carries, kicked for over 400 metres and his perfect 5/5 from the boot proved the difference in the end as the halfback stood tall when it counted.
TOM RODWELL (NEWTOWN)
His workrate coming out of Newtown territory will be crucial to helping the forwards get on the front foot. Rodwell is a winger who has run for at least 198m in his last three outings, and a similar output gives the Jets a great hope.
BILLY MAGOULIAS (NEWTOWN)
The hero of the 2019 season for the Jets, setting up tries to win both the NSW Cup grand final and NRL State Championship in consecutive weeks. Has dropped back to the bench but still capable of producing magic moments when the game is on the line.
RHYS DAKIN (NEWTOWN)
Has barely missed a game for the Jets over the past two seasons and was rewarded with selection for the Cook Islands last year. The Gymea junior has been a strong middle over that period and rewarded coach George Ndaira’s faith in him.
ISRAEL OGDEN (NORTH SYDNEY)
The former Magpie has recorded an incredible feat this season. In all 10 games he’s played, the Bears have won. They will be hoping for a similar result this weekend with the hard-running centre proving a lucky charm.
ALLAN FITZGIBBON (NORTH SYDNEY)
Keeps knocking on the door of NRL with 20 tries from as many games this season, including hauls of four and three. An absolute jet in open space and someone the halves will be targeting their attack through.
MATT STIMSON (NORTH SYDNEY)
Came across from Penrith at the start of the season and we’ve seen Stimson feature in both the centres and second row over the course of the year. Gets through his work every game and can score a try too.
BEN TALTY (NORTH SYDNEY)
Really cemented himself at this level in 2024 after showing some promise with the Knights in the past. A second rower who leads with his defence from the bench, making 537 tackles and missing just 25 for the season.
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