Top 10 players to watch in the grand final

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. Dylan Napa 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. [caption id="attachment_37007" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Dylan Napa of the Roosters leaves the field after being sin binned during the round 24 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos at Allianz Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Brodie Croft 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. [caption id="attachment_34430" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Brodie Croft of the Storm passes the ball to a team mate during the round four NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Melbourne Storm at Southern Cross Group Stadium on March 30, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Boyd Cordner 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. [caption id="attachment_29389" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Boyd Cordner of the Roosters and team mates celebrate winning the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos at Allianz Stadium on September 8, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Cameron Smith 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. [caption id="attachment_36104" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 17: Cameron Smith of the Storm runs with the ball during the round 23 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park on August 17, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Victor Radley 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. [caption id="attachment_34049" align="alignnone" width="696"] GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - MAY 26:Victor Radley of the Roosters in action during the round 12 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans at Central Coast Stadium on May 26, 2018 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Felise Kaufusi 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. [caption id="attachment_33286" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - MAY 06: Felise Kaufusi of the Storm watches on during the round nine NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Melbourne Storm at UOW Jubilee Oval on May 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Luke Keary 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. [caption id="attachment_37006" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Luke Keary of the Roosters passes the ball during the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Sydney Roosters and the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)[/caption] Latrell Mitchell 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. [caption id="attachment_32584" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Latrell Mitchell of the Roosters scores a try during the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Sydney Roosters and the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Billy Slater 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. [caption id="attachment_36551" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Billy Slater of the Storm thanks the fans following the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at AAMI Park on September 7, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)[/caption] Cameron Munster 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. [caption id="attachment_36478" align="alignnone" width="696"] Cameron Munster during the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at AAMI Park on September 7, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia.[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	+/-
1	CBR	24	19	5	44	148
2	MEL	24	17	7	40	212
3	CAN	24	16	8	38	120
4	BRI	24	15	9	36	172
5	CRO	24	15	9	36	109
6	NZW	24	14	10	34	21
7	PEN	24	13	10	33	107
8	SYD	24	13	11	32	132

Top 10 players to watch in the grand final

2. Billy Slater

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