Key players for the 10 competing teams

The Raiders and the Tigers are currently sitting in ninth and tenth position on the ladder, on 18 points each. With the Broncos just inside the Top 8 on 22 points, teams on less than 18 points have a mountain to climb to reach the finals. By no means are teams like the Knights ruled out of contention, but it is highly unlikely they will make the finals so they will not be included on this list. Here are the players the remaining 10 sides are relying on to ensure they finish the season on a positive note. Rabbitohs – Sam Burgess It is difficult to pinpoint one player in the Rabbitohs' side that has led the way for them, due to the incredible team performances they continually put together. However, it is clear they are playing strong football through the middle of the field, and Sam Burgess is huge in that regard. The tough English forward is the kind of player that not only plays hard but inspires those around him to give 100%, which makes him invaluable to the Rabbitohs. [caption id="attachment_33170" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Samuel Burgess of the Rabbitohs is tackled by the Dragons defence during the round 10 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium on May 13, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Storm – Billy Slater It is no surprise the Storm continue to move up the ladder, as they boast great players such as Cameron Smith, Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi and Jesse Bromwich. However the Storm will look to their champion fullback to bring them home as the season comes to a close. Billy Slater was recently named the Wally Lewis medallist and is showing no signs of slowing down as he continues to tear teams apart with ease. [caption id="attachment_32928" align="alignnone" width="696"] WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Billy Slater of the Storm evades the tackle of Kurt Mann of the Dragons during the round nine NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Melbourne Storm at WIN Stadium on April 30, 2017 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Dragons – Gareth Widdop The Dragons have looked to their captain all year to lead the way and the run into the finals will be no different. Gareth Widdop has had an outstanding year for the Red V, perhaps his best in the NRL, and is a huge threat to opposition sides. Widdop’s ability to set up a try from anywhere with kicking, passing or running will be crucial in the remaining games. [caption id="attachment_32494" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Gareth Widdop of the Dragons in action during the round five NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at UOW Jubilee Oval on April 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Roosters – James Tedesco After an outstanding series for New South Wales, James Tedesco will turn his focus to helping the Roosters win as many of their remaining games as they can. At his best, Tedesco is a powerhouse in both attack and defence, with the ability to score tries, save tries and make huge metres. The Roosters now need their star fullback to stand up and deliver his best football for the team. [caption id="attachment_34930" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: James Tedesco of the Roosters uns as the ball as Isaah Yeo of the Panthers looks to tackle during the round 15 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)[/caption] Panthers – James Maloney With both of New South Wales winning halves in their side, the Panthers will be confident heading into their remaining games. While Nathan Cleary has been great, it will be James Maloney that the Panthers will lean on in the coming weeks. Maloney has experience going deep into the finals and setting up late season runs – he will no doubt look to do the same in 2018. [caption id="attachment_33204" align="alignnone" width="696"] PENRITH, NEW SOUTH WALES - APRIL 27: James Maloney of the Panthers prepares to catch the ball during the NRL round eight match between the Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs on April 27, 2018 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Sharks – Matt Moylan Matt Moylan has had some incredible solo performances throughout 2018, including a stunning six try assists in a single game back in Round 12. However as we head into the final regular season matches, Moylan must strive for more consistency in is game. If he can string together a number of strong performances the Sharks will almost certainly push for a stop in the Top 4. [caption id="attachment_34795" align="alignnone" width="696"] PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Matt Moylan of the Sharks celebrates scoring a try during the round 18 NRL match between the Panthers and the Sharks at Panthers Stadium on July 13, 2018 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Warriors – Issac Luke Issac Luke has enjoyed his best season in recent years and the Warriors are reaping the rewards. With some injuries to key personnel in the forward pack, the Warriors will require Luke to stand up and control the forward pack in coming games. Should he finish the season well, the Warriors could make a late run for the Top 4. [caption id="attachment_34931" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Isaac Luke of the Warriors celebrates scoring a try during the round 18 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Broncos – Anthony Milford After a big loss to the Warriors at home, some Broncos fans will be worrying about their team’s form. While the Raiders and the Tigers are not too close to overtaking the Broncos, the Brisbane team will certainly want to improve from where they are now. Anthony Milford will be key in this regard, as he is the go to playmaker for the side. At his best, Milford can win games by himself with dynamic playmaking and incredible speed. The Broncos will need Milford’s best to ensure they are playing finals football in 2018. [caption id="attachment_34932" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 16: Anthony Milford of the Broncos makes a break to score a try during the round 15 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Brisbane Broncos at Southern Cross Group Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)[/caption] Raiders – Josh Hodgson The pre-season injury to Josh Hodgson was a huge blow to the Raiders chances in 2018, but since returning in Round 15 they have been playing much better. In fact, the Raiders are three from four with Hodgson in the team and it is easy to see why. The English hooker is the complete package, with solid defence, quality kicking ability and dynamic ball playing skills which boost the Raiders in both offense and defence. If the Raiders are to make a late push for the finals, it will be off the back of Josh Hodgson. [caption id="attachment_30428" align="alignnone" width="696"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: Josh Hodgson of the Raiders in action during the round three NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium on March 19, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Tigers – Luke Brooks Luke Brooks has had by his best and most consistent season in the NRL in 2018 thanks to the changes in the Tigers roster. With Benji Marshall back and playing good football, and Robbie Farah returning to the club, Brooks has an opportunity to lead a late season run and potentially take the Tigers to the finals. [caption id="attachment_34933" align="alignnone" width="696"] TAMWORTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Luke Brooks of the Tigers runs the ball during the round seven NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Newcastle Knights at Scully Park on April 21, 2018 in Tamworth, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)[/caption]