The NRL's biggest names typically define finals football.
When you think of the finals game breakers, you immediately look at players like James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary and Isaiya Katoa.
But in truth, finals are decided by the players who have been consistent all year, get the job done when it matters and free up the space for the stars to go to work.
Here is the player from each team who will determine exactly how the next month of footy plays out.
Sydney Roosters: Hugo Savala
Hugo Savala is a young gun for the Sydney Roosters and has proved to be a significant force for the Sydney side.
Traditionally a halfback, Savala has predominantly played centre for the Roosters this season and, in only his second season in the NRL, has become a force within the competition.
This season, he has scored eight tries and has had 10 try-assists in 17 games. Savala has a 77.8 per cent win rate, with 14 of his 18 games being successful this season, and maintains an impressive 90.9 per cent tackle efficiency.
Although he may not be a main playmaker for the side, Savala has created his own attacking plays and has a demanding physical presence on the field and will now need to add plenty during the finals with Sam Walker out. Standing 194cm tall, he is one of the tallest playmakers in the competition.
His combination with Robert Toia in the centres has proved successful for the Roosters, as the club moved Billy Smith into the wing.
Growing up on the east side of Sydney, Savala extended with the Roosters through to the end of 2028; he looks to be the future of the Sydney Roosters.
