Newcastle Knights legend Matty Johns has highlighted Fletcher Sharpe as the key player who can prove to be the difference in the NRL Grand Final.
The Knights head into the decider as underdogs, but still hold danger across the park who can make something happen out of nothing.
It includes Sharpe, whom Johns believes holds the "X-factor" needed to relocate the Provan-Summons trophy to the Hunter.
Sharpe had a relatively quiet game by his standards in the preliminary final victory over Penrith, with seven runs for 31 metres.
Despite still having a good performance in Week 3, it was his halves partner Sandon Smith dominating the contest with two tries and massive game-changing plays.
Johns has urged Sharpe to run the ball as much as he can during the Grand Final as opportunities begin to appear with his blistering acceleration and agility.
“He's that kind of guy that it would not surprise me if by half time he pinches a couple of tries,” Johns said on Fox League's Matty and Cronk on Monday.
“Yesterday he played a more controlled game. He focused on his kicking and passed the ball. I would urge him in this game to just roam the field, pop up and drive them crazy.”
Former premiership-winning Roosters half Cooper Cronk echoed his sentiments, and if the Knights are to have any chance of shutting down his old team, he must continue to test the defensive line.
“He needs to have 15 runs,” Cronk said.
“He needs to have a lot of runs because if he runs 15, he'll break 10 tackles. I don't care where he runs it — dummy half, near the line, two passes wide — just run.”
Sharpe has been electric since he burst onto the NRL scene, with his physical attributes making him a threat with the ball in hand, perfectly built for the increased pace of the modern game.
His recognition as one of the most dangerous attacking players has put him in selection conversations for Australian Kangaroos honours.
The Knights and Roosters will battle it out for the 2026 title on Sunday at 7:30 pm.
