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:
3Blaize Talagi (Penrith Panthers)
We all know what Nathan Cleary is capable of. There's a very real argument that he's already the best club halfback of all time.
All four of Cleary's Premierships, and five Grand Finals, have arrived with Jarome Luai by his side.
This season is different for this and many other reasons.
Penrith will have to go the long, long way. They have no home-ground advantage and will have to win it from outside the Top Four.
Blaize Talagi is entering his first Finals series as an NRL footballer. With less than 50 NRL games of experience to his name.
His first Finals appearances will come in New Zealand. A big ask for any young player, especially one in the halves.
He is very, very capable. He was signed away from local rivals the Eels for this very situation, to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves at the business end of the season.
I am backing him 100%, as are both Nathan and Ivan Cleary. That said, it's a huge ask considering the Warriors will be zeroing in on Nathan Cleary from the opening kickoff.
