It’s NRL finals time. These are the players rivals are tipping to dominate

He was nowhere to be seen at Monday’s NRL finals launch, but Nathan Cleary was front of mind with his rival captains.

This masthead polled all eight club representatives at the function held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and while they were happy to discuss the teammates they expected to shine in the coming weeks, Cleary, along with Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth, figured most prominently when it came to those most likely to have the final say.

Cleary was also tipped to be Mr September during last year’s finals launch, before the Panthers fell one game short of the grand final.

Cleary has already collected the Wally Lewis Medal and Brad Fittler Medal for his efforts in the representative arena this year, and is a firm favourite to win the Dally M en route to a potential fifth premiership in six seasons.

Farnworth has been unstoppable in the centres for the finals newcomers.

Here’s what they said:

Scott Sorensen (Penrith)

Panthers player to watch: “Nathan Cleary has had an incredible year, and he has to be right up there for all the biggest awards at the back end of the year. There have been stages in certain years he’s been on fire and killing it. But his consistency this year has been exceptional.”

Opposition player to watch: “James Tedesco is getting his body right and doing what he needs to do at the right time of year. When his game is on, he’s dangerous and so hard to handle. Like Nathan, he did an incredible job during the Origin series, and it doesn’t feel like he’s slowing down [with age], that’s for sure.”

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (NZ Warriors)

Warriors player to watch: “Te Maire Martin is really calm, and coming into the finals you need someone with a calm head. He’s not structured, he can kick off both feet, he can run; he’s almost played finals at each club he’s gone to. Because he had time away from the game, footy isn’t everything, and he plays like that.”

Opposition player to watch: “I love the way Isaiya Katoa plays and handles the ball. He understands he’s got so much strike outside him, and the way he draws the middles so he can give ‘Hammer’ [Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow] and Herbie space, and Selwyn Cobbo space … he draws the middles, that’s what makes him so dangerous.”

Tom Gilbert (Dolphins)

Dolphins player to watch: “Herbie Farnworth has established himself as one of the best centres in the game, and established himself as one of the best players in the game. There isn’t a week when the opposition isn’t doing as much video as they can on him. You hear his name being called out every week, yet he still comes up with the players and moments to help us win games. He loves pressure and loves a challenge.”

Opposition player to watch: “If Latrell Mitchell hits his straps, the comp is in a bit of danger. He’s coming in fresh, he would have played Origin [had he been fit], he’s just a big-game player. Nathan Cleary is also that big-game player.”

James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)

Roosters player to watch: “Salesi Foketi has been great. He’s playing with a lot of confidence, and he’s going after it – he went after David Fifita last weekend and he’s not afraid to go after the big names. He’s also got a great tackle technique, and gets under guys really well.”

Opposition player to watch: “I like watching Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors) play. His development as a fullback has been really impressive. He’s elusive, has good support play, and regularly makes defenders miss.”

Blake Brailey (Cronulla)

Sharks player to watch: ”We know how ‘Tricky’ [Braydon Trindall] can play and what he brings to our side, but the way Will Kennedy is playing, how hard he is running, how committed he is, I think he’s in for a big finals series.”

Opposition player to watch: “Nathan Cleary plays well every year. He prepares so meticulously, and I know going into each week, he’ll have every box and everything ticked off to give himself the best chance to play well.”

Cameron Murray (South Sydney)

Rabbitohs player to watch: ”Cody Walker is a big-game player who can do freakish things. The last couple of months, he’s been locked in and focused and playing some great footy. I love playing with Cody.”

Opposition player to watch: “Herbie Farnworth is great most weeks, he’s a big leader for the Dolphins, he’s dangerous, strong and a competitor – he’s always fighting hard.”

Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle)

Knights player to watch: “Fletcher Sharpe has all the tools to [light up the finals]. He’s been so consistent, and at such a young age, to go into a different position, and be such a vital part of this team, hopefully he can win us a few games. He’s got speed, his ability to put himself into positions – he’s all around the footy – hopefully he can work some magic.”

Opposition player to watch: “It’s inevitable Nathan Cleary will light it up. He’s done it time and again, he’s that guy, and it would be nice if he can have a day off. You’re not surprised now by what he does. That’s probably the bad thing about how good he is – he does [great] things, and you’re just used to seeing it.”

Tom Dearden (North Queensland)

Cowboys player to follow: “Heilum Luki is a big back-rower who runs hard lines. He’ll be damaging for us. He’s had a few injuries the last few years, so it’s been great to see him put a season together.”

Opposition player to follow: “Kalyn Ponga can light it up for the simple fact he’s built for the big games and moments.”

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Christian Nicolussi covers rugby league for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.AdvertisementAdvertisement