The 2018 NRL grand final will take place between the Storm and the Roosters in what will likely be a tough, physical match. It will likely take a few inspired performances to separate the sides and these 10 players may well be the ones to stand up for their team.
Cooper Cronk has not been included due to his injury which may prevent him from taking part in the match.
Though he has been named on the bench, Dylan Napa is sure to have a big impact on the grand final. The Queensland prop is known for his big hits and strong defence, and he will be looking to inspire his side by dominating the Storm forwards.
Despite a tough start to the season, Brodie Croft has returned to the Storm side and dominated. The young halfback’s finals series has been excellent so far, with some huge plays against both the Rabbitohs and the Sharks. Croft looks like he is much more in control of his game than he was earlier in the season and the Storm are reaping the rewards.
New South Wales captain Boyd Cordner has a habit of delivering excellent performances in big games and there is no bigger match than the grand final. Cordner is one of the best second row forwards in the NRL and has the ability to make a huge amount of metres with ease. The Roosters team will look to him to lead the way against the Storm.
Storm captain Cameron Smith may not be the fastest or most dynamic player but his ability to manage a match is crucial in big games. Smith is also an excellent defender and is clearly able to lead and inspire his team, making him one of the Storm’s best.
20-year-old Victor Radley has established himself as an NRL star in 2018 with many impressive performances. The back row forward has won over the NRL community with his incredible defence and try-saving tackles. Radley has been named at lock for the grand final match and will want to prove that he has earned his starting position.
Felise Kaufusi was one of the Storm’s best players in the 2017 grand final and will certainly be looking to replicate his performance in 2018. The strong back row forward is terrific at finding gaps in opposition defences and has a solid offload and quality defence. The Storm will likely go to him early and often.
Whether or not Cooper Cronk plays in the grand final, Luke Keary will have to take his game to another level for the Roosters. Cronk’s injury means that even if he plays against the Storm, Keary will have to control the game. The explosive five-eighth will do the bulk of the ball playing and kicking as the lead playmaker, and will likely succeed in the role.
After missing the preliminary final against the Rabbitohs, Latrell Mitchell will be chomping at the bit to return to the field. The destructive centre is one of the hardest players to tackle and the Storm defenders will have their hands full trying to stop him.
After successfully challenging his shoulder charge suspension, Billy Slater will be able to take part in the grand final against the Roosters. This is a huge boost for the Storm as Slater is such a key part of the team. The retiring fullback will be desperate to go out with a grand final victory and another premiership. Slater is a complete player, possessing great playmaking skills, an incredible running game and excellent defence – meaning the Roosters will have to shut him down.
Cameron Munster was named the 2018 Dally M five-eighth of the year and rightly so. Munster is rapidly becoming one of the best halves in the NRL and one of the Storm’s best players. The Queensland and Australian representative seems to be able to break the line at will and create many attacking opportunities for the players around him. A win for the Storm will cement Munster as the Storm’s future.