Captain’s call: The players to watch in this year’s NRL finals

From rookies to veterans, five-eighths to forwards – each player has a crucial role to play for their team in the NRL finals.

As the first week of the finals gets under way, the Herald has spoken to the captains of all top-eight teams to find out which of their players poses the biggest threat, and which opposition player they’ll most be keeping their eyes on.

From Luke Brooks, who will play his first finals match after 12 years in the NRL, to Luke Keary, who will play his last, here’s what each captain had to say.

James Tedesco (Roosters)

Angus Crichton (left) and Luke Brooks (right) are Jams Tedesco’s picks for players to watch in the finals. Credit: Getty, NRL Images

Rooster to watch: “I’d probably have to go Gussy [Angus Crichton] because he’s been our most consistent and one of our best players all year. On an edge he’s been so dominant, so I know he’s going to bring his best this finals series, and he’s going to be a big part of us being successful.

Opposition player: “Another team? I’m going to go Brooks [Luke Brooks] from Manly. I feel like he’s had a good year. I feel like he’s been a big part of their success in their attacking weapons. He and Tommy [Trbjoevic] have been great together. So, I feel like if Manly are going to have a good crack, Brooksy is going to be a big part of that.”

Isaah Yeo (Panthers)

Jahrome Hughes and Jarome Luai are Isaah Yeo’s players to watch as we head into the NRL finals.Credit: Getty

Panther to watch: “Romy [Jarome Luai] has had a really good season. He’s had to play more on the ball than previous years which has helped his game. That’s given him confidence, and there aren’t many halves who can do what he does with ball in hand.”

Opposition player: “Jahrome Hughes [Storm] has had a wonderful season and [is a] deserved favourite for the Dally M.”

Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs)

Haumole Olakau’atu and Matt Burton are Stephen’s Crichton’s players to watch for the NRL finals.Credit: Getty

Bulldog to watch: “Matt Burton always stands up in big games, and is such a massive part of our team.”

Opposition player: “Haumole Olakau’atu has been killing it for Manly the past few weeks. He’s got that big body and drags five players across the tryline with him every time.”

Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm)

Daniel Atkinson and Xavier Coates are Ryan Papenhuyzen’s picks of two game-changing players this finals’ series.Credit: Getty

Storm player to watch: “Xavier Coates is back, so I reckon him. He’s a very good finisher, very good in the air, obviously we know how quick he is. He’s had a long lay-off with that hamstring, so he’s champing at the bit to get back.

Opposition player: “[From another team], Daniel Atkinson, I reckon. He’s worked really hard in our Storm system and gone to the Sharks now, and he’s playing a similar utility role as Wishy [Tyran Wishart]. Once again, [he’s a] very coachable kid, very confident kid, and he’s done the work to get to where he is now – so keep an eye on him.”

Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles)

Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans thinks Tom Dearden and Taniela Paseka are the two players to watch these finals.Credit: Getty

Sea Eagle to watch: “Taniela Paseka [is my choice], his best games as a front-rower are as good as anyone else’s in the game. He’s still learning how good he is. If we can unlock [that potential] for the finals series, he’ll be massive for us.

Opposition player: “Tom Dearden is still quite young in his career. It might be his second finals series, but his best footy is ahead of him and he’s in really good form.”

Tom Dearden (Cowboys)

Scott Drinkwater and Kalyn Ponga are Tom Dearden’s pick for player’s to keep your eyes on this finals’ series. Credit: Getty

Cowboy to watch: “Scott Drinkwater has the ability to really open up a game, and he’s up there with the most skilful players in the NRL. We know he’ll be there creating for us when it matters.

Opposition player: “Kalyn Ponga has led the Knights to the finals the past few weeks, he’s a great player and someone who can break open a game. It will take a massive job to shut him down.”

Kalyn Ponga (Knights)

Knights winger Fletcher Sharpe (left) and Roosters forward Angus Crichton are Kalyn Ponga’s two players to watch this NRL finals series.Credit: Getty, NRL Images

Knight to watch: “I think our young fella Fletcher Sharpe, he’s been awesome for us. He’s had such a good year for a rookie. He’s pretty exciting.

Opposition player: “From another team, Angus Crichton. I think the way he’s playing his footy at the moment is really exciting. I think he’s on another level at the moment.”

Cameron McInnes (Sharks)

Luke Keary and Nicho Hynes are Cameron McInnes players to watch heading into the first week of finals.Credit: Getty

Shark to watch: “Nicho [Hynes] knows all about big games and will thrive for us.”

Opposition player: “Luke Keary is a good friend of mine and is playing as well as ever for the Roosters.”

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