NRL 2024: The unsung heroes behind every contender’s push to the finals
Behind every Tom Trbojevic, James Tedesco and Nathan Cleary stands a team of lesser names without which finals are impossible. These are the unsung heroes who have impressed in 2024.
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Time flies when you’re having fun.
And Luke Brooks is definitely having a lot of fun, in his one home.
Two weeks before his anticipated return to Leichhardt Oval, the former Wests Tigers star took a swipe at his former club when he credited part of his form to having just one home ground.
In a previous life, Brooks’s commute to work has included trips to Campbelltown, Lilyfield, Concord, Homebush and Parramatta. Plenty of time has been saved at the Sea Eagles.
“Everyone is familiar with it,” he said of life at Brookvale Oval.
“We train here everyday, and I think it makes a massive difference having one home ground you play at, train at, and everyone is familiar with,” he said.
But that’s only part of the reason why Brooks is relishing being the other guy.
Surrounded by a team full of superstars, Brooks has learned that simpler is better as he aims to break his unwanted streak of the most games without a single finals appearance.
The once heavily-scrutinised Tigers playmaker expressed that being out of the spotlight has helped him find his career-best form and enjoy rugby league once again.
“You probably don’t realise how much it weighs on you until you are out of that scene,” Brooks said.
“It’s been good for me to just worry about my job and play footy, because at the end of the day, that’s what I’m here to do.”
Since joining the Sea Eagles, Brooks leads the club with 15 try assists.
“We have some big boys that really laid the platform for us and allowed me to do my thing,” he said.
“Having (Daly Cherry-Evans) and (Tom Trbojevic) in the spine allows that as well, but more than anything, I’m not getting opportunities if the forwards don’t get quick play-the-balls.”
Soon he gets an opportunity against his former club. On one of his old home grounds.
The Sea Eagles travel to Leichhardt in Round 25, which marks the first time Brooks visits his old stomping ground since his emotional departure.
“To be honest, it was the first game I was looking forward to when the draw was announced, and I’ll definitely be ready when that comes,” Brooks said.
Brooks leads a list of the “other guys” — the players crucial to their team’s title hopes outside of the obvious superstars.
This masthead has evaluated all clubs in legitimate title contention and identified the key players needed to help lift the Provan-Summons Trophy on October 6.
STORM: TYRAN WISHART
An unsung hero for the Storm this year, Wishart has seamlessly filled multiple positions for his club and proven vital in their pursuit of the minor premiership.
Stepping in for an injured Cameron Munster for most of the season, Wishart is tied with Xavier Coates for the second-most tries at the club and ranks equal third for line breaks (10).
PANTHERS: LINDSAY SMITH
Known as a ‘softy’ by his teammates, Smith has stepped up to fill the boots of starting prop James Fisher-Harris, who will depart Penrith at the end of the year.
Smith leads all props at the club with the most tackles (551), and his impact off the bench could determine if the Panthers secure their fourth consecutive premiership.
ROOSTERS: LINDSAY COLLINS
Consistently appearing in crucial moments, Collins is pivotal to the Roosters’ premiership aspirations.
Maintaining an average of at least 80 running metres and 25 tackles for a fifth consecutive season, Collins sets the standard for the Eastern Suburbs forward pack.
SHARKS: KAYAL IRO
After earning a two-year contract extension, Iro has proven essential to Cronulla’s success with his explosive play. Among starting centres, Iro ranks third in post-contact metres, underscoring his importance to the team.
BULLDOGS: CONNOR TRACEY
Initially overlooked, Tracey has flourished as part of the Bulldogs’ dynamic spine.
Tracey leads the club in try assists (12) and ranks second in running metres, tries, and tackle breaks.
COWBOYS: CHAD TOWNSEND
In his final stint with North Queensland, Townsend’s experience and game management are crucial to ending his tenure on a high note.
Townsend is tied for fifth in try assists, and his contributions could elevate the Cowboys’ attacking prowess.
DOLPHINS: MAX PLATH
While looking like a Tom Flegler doppelganger, Plath has carved his own niche in the Dolphins’ forward pack. Leading the team in tackles (618), Plath’s relentless effort could secure the Dolphins’ maiden finals appearance.
RAIDERS: KAEO WEEKES
Tasked with bolstering Canberra’s finals hopes, Weekes has thrived since moving to fullback.
Averaging 150 running metres and 4.5 tackle busts per game, Weekes’ speed and explosiveness add a spark to the Raiders’ attack.
DRAGONS: RAYMOND FAITALA-MARINER
Once unwanted, Faitala-Mariner has emerged as a standout signing for the Dragons.
Becoming Mr. Consistent at the Dragons, Faitala-Mariner is enjoying his best season since 2020, averaging 27.6 tackles per game, second only to his 29.4 in 2020.
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