SG Ball, Harold Matthews, Tarsha Gale Cup Finals: Players to watch
It’s finals time in the SG Ball, Harold Matthews and Tarsha Gale Cups and a new generation of stars are ready to make their mark.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It’s finals time in the SG Ball, Harold Matthews and Tarsha Gale Cups and a new generation of stars are ready to make their mark. Check out the players to watch.
FINALS FEVER
SG BALL CUP
Sydney Roosters
Regular season finish: 1st
Status: Qualified for semi-finals.
Players to watch: Jordan Swann scores tries that other kids simply cannot — the strong centre has crossed 11 times this season and he’ll be difficult to stop in the finals. Great service from hooker Thomas Deakin and five-eighth Sandon Smith has helped too.
Manly Sea Eagles
Regular season finish: 2nd
Status: Qualified for semi-finals.
Players to watch: Lightning centre Tolutau Koula is an exciting prospect. The track and rugby union star is part of Manly’s top 30 and he’s been almost unstoppable. Kaeo Weekes, Jamie Humphreys and Krystian Mapapalangi have also been standouts.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Regular season finish: 3rd
Status: Will play Illawarra in an elimination final on Saturday.
Players to watch: They’ve got talent across the park, but Souths’ left edge attack will challenge the Steelers. Winger Evan Manning has already scored 12 tires, including three hat-tricks, and he’ll look to continue finishing for his team.
Canberra Raiders
Regular season finish: 4th
Status: Will play the Bulldogs in an elimination final on Saturday.
Players to watch: Skipper Clay Webb, who is on an NRL development contract, will be determined to take his side all the way. Centre Josh Billing is also bound to add spark, after strong games against the Roosters and Dragons.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Regular season finish: 5th
Status: Will play the Raiders in an elimination final on Saturday.
Players to watch: Dogs skipper Danny Ghantous will be key through his leadership and strong running out of dummy half. Five-eighth Khaled Rajab is also more than capable of creating something out of nothing.
Illawarra Steelers
Regular season finish: 6th
Status: Will play the Rabbitohs in an elimination final on Saturday.
Players to watch: Five-eighth Junior Amone impressed in an NRL trial for the Dragons against Cronulla and second rower Jackson Shereb has also been strong. The experienced heads were part of the Steelers 2019 SG Ball-winning squad — they know how to get it done.
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP
Manly Sea Eagles
Regular season finish: 1st
Status: Qualified for semi-finals.
Players to watch: Manly are the team to beat. Young five-eighth Latu Fainu is one of the most exciting players in the competition. His ability to orchestrate both set and free play is truly special. Centre Josh Feledy, who scored a whopping 17 tries, will also be key.
Parramatta Eels
Regular season finish: 2nd
Status: Qualified for semi-finals.
Players to watch: Parramatta have emerged as genuine title contenders. Second rower Saxon Pryke has been a workhorse for the Eels, he’s consistent, has a great attitude and has a knack for finding the line. Crafty dummy half Yehya Ayache will also be crucial in attack.
Penrith Panthers
Regular season finish: 3rd
Status: Will play an elimination final against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday.
Players to watch: Halfback Tyler Bunting and No.1 LiamIson have built a strong combination and they’ll look to create ample opportunities for Penrith. Young guns Isaiya Katoa and Jesse McLean have been out balancing rugby league and union commitments — if they’re available to play on Saturday, they’ll certainly make an impact.
Western Suburbs Magpies
Regular season finish: 4th
Status: Will play the Central Coast Roosters in an elimination final on Saturday.
Players to watch: Magpies prop Jordan Miller is up there with the best front rowers in the competition and coaches expect him to have a big game against the Roosters. Skilful hooker Tallyn Da Silva will also be key, he scored the matchwinner for Wests’ last week.
Central Coast Roosters
Regular season finish: 5th
Status: Will play Western Suburbs in an elimination final on Saturday.
Players to watch: Hooker Benaiah Ioelu signed a two-year development deal with the Roosters in 2019 and this year he’s shown his worth. The young Kiwi’s combination with halves pairing Ethan Strange and HaydanRitchie will drive the Roosters’ attack.
Sydney Roosters
Regular season finish: 6th
Status: Will play Penrith in an elimination final on Saturday.
Players to watch: Outside back Cooper Toy is difficult to stop — not only can he run a good line, but offers good support play and finishing. Kiwi halfback Cassius Tia’s organisation of the side will also be key.
TARSHA GALE CUP
Newcastle Knights
Regular season finish: 1st
Status: Qualified for semi-finals.
Players to watch: There’s plenty to like about the minor premiers, but bench dummy half Sophie Clancy has absolutely terrorised oppositions. So far, she’s scored nine tries — coming off the bench.
Illawarra Steelers
Regular season finish: 2nd
Status: Qualified for semi-finals.
Players to watch: Track star Teagan Berry is a star of the future. Last year, she scored a try on debut for the NRLW Dragons. This year, she’s dominated the Tarsha Gale Cup in the No.1 jersey, crossing on 11 occasions.
Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy
Regular season finish: 3rd
Status: Will play an elimination final against the Sharks on Saturday.
Players to watch: The Roosters have hit form in recent weeks and have been boosted by the return of KeileeJoseph, who played in the Women’s Indigenous All Stars side earlier this year. It’s a matter of time before Joseph cements her spot in Sydney’s NRLW side.
Wests Tigers
Regular season finish: 4th
Status: Will play an elimination final against the Dragons on Saturday.
Players to watch: Skipper Jessica Kennedy has been in the Tigers system for four years. The lock is a real workhorse and leads from the front. Versatile centre Hope Tevaga is also one to keep an eye on.
St George Illawarra Dragons
Regular season finish: 5th
Status: Will play an elimination final against the Tigers on Saturday.
Players to watch: Prop Fatafehi Hanisi hails from a talented rugby league family, she is the younger sister of Roosters NRLW stars Filomina and Tangikina
Cronulla Sharks
Regular season finish: 6th
Status: Will play an elimination final against Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy on Saturday.
Players to watch: After scraping into the top six, the Sharks will be looking for guidance from halves partners Zali Hopkins and Alexandra Weir. The side tryscorers Ella Barker and centre Chloe Boston have proven.
More Coverage
Originally published as SG Ball, Harold Matthews, Tarsha Gale Cup Finals: Players to watch
Three words spark Nathan Cleary rumour
The speculation surrounding the future of Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler continues to grow with one comment pouring fuel on the fire.
Market Watch: Broncos part ways with club legend
Red Hill cult hero Corey Oates’ time with the Brisbane Broncos has come to an end with the Biloela product set to be formally honoured at the annual club ball on Thursday night.
Broncos favourite quits amid club revamp
A Brisbane Broncos veteran has opted for retirement ahead of coach Michael Maguire’s entry to the club and a raft of changes.
‘This is definitely it’: Corey Oates announces retirement
Brisbane Broncos winger Corey Oates has announced his retirement from rugby league.
Buzz’s off-season predictions: Feud of the Year, Bennett’s Souths fizzer
With our attention now turning to 2025, PHIL ROTHFIELD reveals his 11 bold predictions for the NRL season – from Reece Walsh losing his Maroons jersey to Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs return falling flat.
Australia’s richest schoolkid spurns rugby union for Wests Tigers
Heamasi Makasini, a powerful 17-year-old centre, has rejected the bundles of cash offered to him by rugby union scouts to sign a massive new deal with the Wests Tigers.