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.
Newcastle Knights: Sandon Smith
Sandon Smith has been an attacking force for the Newcastle Knights since his arrival.
With players such as Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young and Bradman Best, Smith's presence in the Knights has been extremely underrated.
The half has produced 19 line-break assists and 14 try assists this season; he consistently creates opportunities for the Newcastle side. Smith's adaptability is one of his biggest strengths as a player; with Dylan Brown's injury, Smith has jumped into the halfback position.
If Newcastle lose another player, Smith can adjust his role without disrupting the structure of the team. His kicking statistics may be the winning piece for Newcastle; he averages 232.9 metres a game and has forced eight drop-outs.
In finals, this will be key for field position. Sandon Smith's kicking can earn a repeat set, force an error, put Newcastle's defence in a better position and turn a poor attacking set into territorial advantage.
He may not be Newcastle's biggest star, but Sandon Smith will shape the finals for the Newcastle Knights.
