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.

Next

1. 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.

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)
Next