When your team is in trouble and you need someone to come up with a crucial play, who's going to make the big play? Here's the X-factor player at every NRL club, the player that has the talent and the ability to pull something special off for their team.
The speed-freak Roberts can bust open a defence out of nowhere and strikes fear in the opponent whenever he's in open space. Roberts has averaged a try every second game for the Broncos and he had a strong impact for his side last season, notching up 81 tackle-breaks and 1919 running metres.
Smith scored two tries on his debut in 2016 but never got another shot until last year when he broke into the team for the second half of the season, scoring 7 tries in 11 games. Smith showed his incredible potential when he produced a brilliant hat-trick in a 38-0 rout of the Dragons and the gangly winger also made a remarkable 1530 running metres in 2018
It's easy to forget Cotric has only been playing for two years. The winger/fullback has already scored 28 tries in 48 games for the Raiders and hasn't missed a game since his debut. He's fast become one of Canberra's most prized attacking weapons, earmarking him for an Origin debut in the near future.
Johnson has always been known for his potential to pull a rabbit out of the hat in the most crucial moments. There's a few players capable of having the X-Factor in the Sharks side but the player who's demonstrated it the most in the past eight seasons is the Kiwi halfback. Johnson is known for his killer step, that his opponents know will eventually come, but can find no way to prevent it.
The versatile utility heads to the Gold Coast after a strong five year spell with the Panthers. Peachey can virtually play anywhere in the side, and it's this unpredictability about him that makes him so unpredictable. Peachey ran for 114 metres per game in 2018, scored 12 tries and setting up eight, making 2018 a successful individual season for the 'Peach'.
'Tommy Turbo' has been one of the shining lights in recently bleak times for the Sea Eagles, with the younger Trbojevic brother consistently on form. The agile fullback scored or assisted 23 tries in 2018 and made a staggering 3851 running metres while securing an Origin berth for NSW. Tom has the ability to break open a game out of nowhere, just like the fullback who preceded him, Brett Stewart, did.
In the space of five years, Munster has turned into Billy Slater's understudy, to key playmaker and crucial cog in the Melbourne Storm machine. Munster has already received rep honours at Test and Origin level and is a dangerous player when he is close to the line. Munster's ability to read the game makes him an invaluable asset to his side.
There's not much more that can be said about Kalyn Ponga's growing potential that hasn't already been mentioned. Ponga is one of the brightest talents in the game, with his blistering speed and brilliant footwork striking fear into the opponents. Ponga enjoyed a breakout season in 2018 with 6 tries, 11 try assists and 140 tackle breaks (third) on his way to contending for the 2018 Dally M medal.
There's no forward that has an impact on their team in the game than Taumalolo does for the Cowboys. The Tongan lock has already played 162 games, scoring 31 tries in nine seasons with the club, and he's still only 25 years of age. He is one of the hardest players to tackle in the game, with his strong physique and bulldozing running style making him incredibly hard to stop, coming in second in post-contact metres in 2018 with 1744 metres.
Ferguson's signing is big for the Eels, adding more experience to the backline and a successful mentality too. Ferguson comes off the back of a Premiership-winning, career-best season, scoring 18 tries and coming first in post-contact metres with 1843. Ferguson also ran more than anyone in 2018 with 546 runs and 5400 running metres. He's a reliable ball-runner and could fill the large gap left by Semi Radradra at the end of 2017.
The Fijian back-rower enjoyed a breakout season where he featured in every game but one in 2018. Kikau flourished on the left edge, with the eye for the try-line and the ability to run into holes in the defensive line. Kikau built a strong relationship and almost telepathic connection with his two halves as he became penchant for running off a short ball.
Widdop has been a key performer for the Dragons and has been the man that the Red V have looked to for guidance and inspiration. In his final season at the Saints, Widdop is set for a shift back to fullback which can allow him to take pressure off his kicking game and focus on his running game and ball-playing. Widdop set up 17 tries last season and is arguably the most creative player in the Dragons side.
The NSW no.9 experienced a whirlwind 2018 campaign. He helped steer the Rabbitohs back into Premiership contention with some brilliant individual performances. Cook made 174 dummy half runs last year and each time he had the Souths fans on the edge of their seats with his ridiculous pace able to slip past a lazy defender or two. Cook's guile and determination paved the way for a maiden Origin jumper.
There's a number of players who can carry the label of the 'X-Factor' at the Roosters however I'm going for the young centre Latrell Mitchell. Mitchell improved his discipline and returned his focus to his football as he scored 17 tries (including a four-pointer in the Grand Final), set up 6 and broke 118 tackles. The powerful centre also took the pressure of the goal-kicking in his stride, kicking at a 77% percentage.
The reigning Dally M Medal is undisputedly the headline act of the Warriors 17. 'RTS' flourished in an outstanding 2018 season. A number of influential displays helped take his side back into the finals for the first time since their 2011 GF defeat. Tuivasa-Sheck has shown time and time again how he can break a game open with an exhilarating change of pace and silky footwork.
Mbye only featured in nine games for the Tigers in 2018 following a mid-season switch from the Bulldogs, however he quickly showed his value to his new club, seamlessly slotting into the fullback gig. Mbye hasn't fulfilled his full potential yet but with a full pre-season under his belt, he can finally use his speed and crafty ball-playing to the benefit of the Tigers.