Which THREE players could be the biggest X-factor in 2025?

The 2025 NRL season is less than a month away and every team will look to rely on their X-factor players to lead them to victory. Ahead of the season's opening match in Las Vegas, Zero Tackle examines which three players could become the biggest X-factors during the 2025 NRL season. Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos) Entering his prime, Haas will want to dominate in 2025. 2024 was a year to forget, as Haas coped with off-field personal issues and injuries. Predicted to make the Dally M team of the year, he fell short as Addin Fonua-Blake and Joe Tapine took the honours. With another year of hardened experience under his belt, Haas could be set for his best season yet in 2025. [caption id="attachment_155251" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Payne Haas of the Broncos celebrates with team mate Reece Walsh of the Broncos after scoring a try during the round five NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium on April 01, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers) With a long-term contract, Tago is set to be a cornerstone of Penrith's future. Tago built on his breakout 2023 season with another decent campaign in 2024. But, he had periods of low output in the absence of Nathan Cleary through injury, and as the Panthers explored the right edge more often. The Panthers will look for him to take on plenty of responsibility in 2025. [caption id="attachment_160016" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 16: Izack Tago of the Panthers is congratulated by team mates after scoring a try during the round 20 NRL match between the Dolphins and Penrith Panthers at Kayo Stadium on July 16, 2023 in Redcliffe, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos) A key player in Brisbane's pack, Carrigan will be crucial to their success. Carrigan's 2024 season was a continuation of his upward trajectory - in a team that surprisingly underachieved. All year he had strong performances at club, state and international level. His leadership and work rate will be vital to the Broncos' premiership aspirations in 2025. [caption id="attachment_79619" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Patrick Carrigan of the Broncos looks to pass the ball during the round 15 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium on August 21, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)[/caption]