The favourites for the Clive Churchill Medal

The NRL grand final is here, and in what could be an exceptionally close-run battle between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Penrith Panthers, there are a handful of players who could take out the Clive Churchill Medal.

In some instances, you'd suggest they are almost certain to take out the medal if their team gets up on the weekend.

On one foot, you have the Panthers, looking to avenge the grand final loss to the Melbourne Storm last weekend. They did that in part by knocking the men from Melbourne out of the competition last weekend, however, Ivan Cleary's side aren't going to be satisfied until they have won the ultimate prize.

On the other foot, the Rabbitohs will be well rested, having had Week 2 of the finals off before blowing the Manly Sea Eagles off the park in a one-way demolition job last weekend.

That all leads to the first grand final in Queensland. Read on to find out who are the favourites for the Dally M Medal, then you'll be in the best position to use superbettingsites to tip the winner.

Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)

Nathan Cleary is the favourite, and you'd almost have to say he would need to have an actively bad game if the Panthers won and he didn't get the medal.

In saying that, it's difficult to see the Panthers winning if Cleary doesn't have a good game.

His kicking game has steered them around the park all season, and Penrith have only lost a single game when Cleary has been on the park.

You wouldn't want anyone else controlling things, and with big-game experience under the belt from two big Origin wins earlier in the year, Cleary is the red-hot favourite.

Adam Reynolds (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Cleary's opposite number can't be discounted if the Panthers win, particularly if this game is played in the same physical nature that their qualifying final was three weeks ago.

When that happens, kicking games become of paramount importance, and there can be little doubt Reynolds has one of the best in the competition.

He doesn't have the standout flashy skills of his halves partner (more on that soon), but he does have all the experience and coolness under pressure that you'd expect from a veteran.

It would also be the perfect exit to the club if he was to leave with the medal draped around his neck.

Apisai Koroisau (Penrith Panthers)

The Penrith rake is so important to his team, and yet he will only come into the reckoning once forwards get tired.

Koroisau defends with the best of them, and while his running game wasn't what it once was, he is still among the best hookers in the competition.

You'd almost say for Penrith to get over the line, Koroisau would have to outplay his opposite number Damien Cook.

What a fascinating battle that promises to be.

Cody Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Cody Walker finished in the top three of this year's Dally M race and has broken every try assisting record known to man this season.

His running game is simply phenomenal, and makes him difficult to control at the best of times as he orchestrates a left-side attack which has laid waste to countless victims this year.

Don't be at all surprised to see him light up the decider.

Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

There is a fairly common trend among the players who might be able to take out the big award - they all have representative experience.

The bottom line is this: The Rabbitohs' game plan falls apart without Murray. He is the key component behind their pace of play, quick play the balls, and as a result time and space for Damien Cook and Cody Walker to set up try and after try on the left edge.