After 27 amazing rounds of NRL action, we have reached the greatest time of the year: Finals time!
I would argue that we have three games this weekend that rest on a knife's edge. The other could see us all end up with egg on our face if the Warriors upset Penrith.
The Sharks/Roosters looks like the closest game of the weekend. The betting odds back that up.
It could come down to one play. One bounce of the ball. One decision.
Below, we're going to look at five players, I believe, who will help decide fixtures this weekend.
This won't necessarily be a list of the biggest names. Of course, Nathan Cleary is important to Penrith's chances, but he's entering his first Finals series without a certain halves partner for many years.
Simply put, if the player listed below doesn't fire, then their respective team cannot win.
With that said, below are five players who will decide their Finals match-up:
5Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)
Ethan Strange has had a magnificent season. I believe he'll pick up the Dally M five-eighth of the year award in a week's time.
The 21-year-old has completely transformed the Raiders this season. He was very good last year, even better this year.
The Raiders, as Minor Premiers, enter the Finals series under a lot of pressure and expectation.
Strange has had some massive moments this season, but will have to lift to another level if he wants to take his side all the way.
I think Strange has earned the right to travel to England in the Ashes. A huge performance in this game may secure that.
The Broncos are coming off one of the wins of the season and have nothing to lose in this contest. They will be gunning for the young five-eighth.
We all know that Finals footy is a different beast. No Raider will have a more important role to play on Sunday afternoon than Strange.
