Each Club’s Key Player in 2018

Every NRL club has a player that they rely on to deliver them results. Whether it’s leading from the front, demonstrating brilliance or providing consistency every team needs a key player. These are the players that will need to perform for each club, from the New Zealand Warriors to the Wests Tigers. New Zealand Warriors - Shaun Johnson Shaun Johnson is a player that has incredible talent but lacks consistency. For many years the Warriors have relied on him to lead them into the finals, but have been disappointed come the end of the season. With the addition of Blake Green, Johnson will finally have a reliable halves partner that can help him run the team. It is now up to the Warriors halfback to show his brilliance all year in order to take his side deep into the finals. North Queensland Cowboys - Jason Taumalolo Jason Taumalolo has shown Cowboys fans that there is life after Jonathan Thurston. The Tongan lock is a devastating ball carrier, recording more than 4200 running metres in 2017. Taumalolo was crucial to the Cowboys finals charge last season, laying a great platform for Michael Morgan to play off the back of. Should he repeat his efforts from last season, North Queensland will be nearly unstoppable. Parramatta Eels - Clint Gutherson 2017 was a breakout season for Clint Gutherson, who wowed NRL fans with amazing speed and skill, game after game. The Eels missed the attacking prowess of Gutherson in the finals and will be keen to welcome him back in 2018. At this stage it is unclear what position Gutherson will be in at the start of the season. However, because he is so versatile Gutherson will make an impact from anywhere he plays. Penrith Panthers - Nathan Cleary Despite the Panthers acquiring James Maloney in the off season, much of their finals hopes rest on the shoulders of Nathan Cleary. The young halfback has already shown immense talent in his first few years and will continue to improve. Cleary must make sure his partnership with Maloney is strong for the entire year and consistently create chances for players around him. The Panthers number seven could even see himself selected for New South Wales if he starts the season off in style. South Sydney Rabbitohs - Greg Inglis Absent for almost all of the 2017 season, Greg Inglis will be eager to make his on field return. The Rabbitohs struggled without their star fullback in 2017 and will be hoping Inglis delivers a huge season. As one of the most threatening players with the ball in hand Inglis adds so much strength and leadership to the South Sydney team. Should Inglis remain fit for the entire season the chances of the Rabbitohs making the finals will dramatically increase. St. George Illawarra Dragons - Ben Hunt The Dragons have spent top dollar on Ben Hunt and will be expecting him to take them deep into the finals. Hunt fills the halfback void the Dragons suffered from in 2017 and his partnership with Gareth Widdop is crucial to the team. The challenge for Hunt will be maintaining good form. He was briefly dropped to Queensland Cup last season, but returned in excellent form. If the new Dragons halfback can play to the best of his ability the Dragons could go far in 2018. Sydney Roosters - Cooper Cronk The Roosters managed to pull off one of the biggest signings in NRL history when they managed to attract Cooper Cronk to the club. Every NRL fan knows that Cronk is one of the best halves in the NRL and his ability to control a game is almost unmatched. Cronk will combine with Luke Keary, James Tedesco and Jake Friend in an incredibly strong spine. As the most experienced player in that spine Cronk will be responsible for many of the wins the Roosters record in 2018. Wests Tigers - Josh Reynolds Josh Reynolds will be extremely important to the Tigers in 2018, especially after the loss of Mitchell Moses to the Eels. Reynolds is a dynamic and skilled five-eighth and will provide the energy and intensity that the Tigers have lacked. Ivan Cleary has recruited well for the coming season, bringing in the likes of Russell Packer and Chris McQueen. However, these players will all look to Reynolds to lead the team and control the game in 2018.