The first week of this season's NRL finals series promises to be hugely entertaining, with Goliath vs. Goliath clashes in almost every match.

While fans will be eager to watch the league's best sides go head-to-head this weekend, there are a few individual match-ups that demand extra attention.

These are the key match-ups in the finals, Week 1.

4Canterbury Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm: Viliame Kikau vs Eliesa Katoa

NRL Rd 26 – Bulldogs v Sea Eagles
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 30: Viliame Kikau of the Bulldogs reacts after having a try disallowed by the video bunker during the round 26 NRL match between Canterbury Bulldogs and Manly Sea Eagles at Accor Stadium on August 30, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Potentially, the match of the round kicks off this year's finals series, with second vs third headlining Friday night footy.

While there are stellar match-ups across the board, perhaps none are as highly anticipated as the backrow battle between Viliame Kikau and Eliesa Katoa.

Both forwards are pivotal to their squad's push forward, and have been arguably the two best second-rowers in the NRL this year.

Kikau is the flashier of the pair and will certainly be aiming to get some big hits on his opposing backrower.

Katoa, however, is the more consistent forward and will be playing the long game against Kikau throughout the 80-minute clash.

Back