After one month, 16 nations, and 30 games, it is less than one week until the next Rugby League World Cup winner is crowned.

Australia and Samoa will go head-to-head to find out who can arise to the occasion.

Entering the final both nations have had a separate journey as they get ready to battle it out against their opposition.

These are the three key match-ups that will help define the winner of the Rugby League World Cup final.

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1. James Tedesco vs Joseph Suaalii

The fullback match-up consists of two Sydney Roosters teammates. One has been a mainstay at the representative level, while the other is considered the best young player in rugby league.

James Tedesco and Joseph Suaalii will go up against each other for bragging rights once they get back home.

Tedesco is one of the Kangaroos to play in every match of the tournament. During his time at the back of the park, he has managed to break through the tackle 47 times, has six line breaks to his name, and three tries. In total he has run 935 metres, averaging 187 a game. Yet to play a major role in the attack, he will be a player to watch during the game.

The former premiership winner and Dally M medalist will surround Cameron Munster and Nathan Cleary as he looks to punch through the holes in the defence. His ability to find gaps has made him a crucial part of the Kangaroos set-up. As the Samoan forwards get tired, get ready to see Tedesco run past them, breaking through the line.

Going up against Tedesco is his Roosters teammate Suaalii who is known to play on the wing. The 19-yeard old has provided Samoa with 1107 total run metres, averaging 221 metres a game. He is most useful when returning the ball from the back of the field and can be seen lurking around the play-makers in the attack.

Supplementing the backs, his versatility on the field has made him one of the best players for Samoa. He can be seen anywhere from fullback to second-row. Suaalii plays a crucial role when Samoa is attacking on fifth tackle. His height allows him to gain a high vertical meaning he will have first crack at receiving the ball from the kick.

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