KIERSTEN DUKE: Tyran Wishart, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ethan Strange among The Nightly’s fateful eight

Storm: Tyran Wishart

Heartbreak hit Storm fans last week when star halfback Jahrome Hughes fractured his forearm, but picking up those broken pieces is Wishart, who is likely to partner Cameron Munster at the scrumbase. Wishart has often been the first cab off the rank when one of Melbourne’s established halves have been missing and he’s enjoyed a superb season for the Storm in several different roles. A versatile playmaker, Wishart is a hugely damaging ball runner who’s known for taking on the line and exposing holes in a tiring defensive side.

Bulldogs: Jaeman Salmon

Known for his questionable hairstyle decisions and try-scoring digs at oppositions coache, Salmon has made his presence well and truly felt at the Bulldogs since signing on in 2024. A premiership winner with the Panthers in 2022, the 26-year-old, who is nearing 100 NRL games, brings experience and confidence into the improving side which has suffered a late season wobble.

Warriors: Te Maire Martin

Known for being one of the most reliable men in league, Te Maire Martin truly epitomises the next man up mentality that’s held in such high regard at the Warriors. At one time or another the 29-year-old has been used in most positions when the team has lost players through injury. Since 2016 Martin has played at four different clubs, bringing valuable experience to the side, in particular to the younger halves coming up through the NZ pathways. In finals footy a calm, confident, supportive presence is crucial. Martin brings exactly that and I’m far from surprised to see the Warriors extend his contract into 2026.

Penrith Panthers: Blaize Talagi

An exciting player to watch these finals comes in the form of 24-year-old Blaize Talagi. The youngster got his NRL career off to a good start showing his versatility at the Eels as centre, fullback and winger and has since improved shed loads after making the move to Penrith. Now predominantly playing as five-eighth, Talagi, surrounded by marquee players has been set up to thrive in his designated area. His natural confidence sets him up perfectly to play well in these big games.

Sydney Roosters: Mark Nawaqanitawase

Who doesn’t love a fast, athletic winger rocketing through the air to score a try? “Marky Mark” as he is affectionately known has been that player in recent games for Roosters fans and dare I say it, rugby league fans in general. Making his NRL debut this year, the former Wallaby had to work hard to thrive in his role as a winger. The errors he’s cut out of his game have been noticeable and it’s clear he’s found that balance of coming up with the right plays without overplaying his hand.

Sharks: Blayke Brailey

The in-form hooker has thrived at the Sharks since day dot. For 13 years he has run out in that light blue shirt and just days ago, after extending his contract, he proudly stated that there was nowhere else he wanted to play. He was always determined to make it at Cronulla and have his family name on the number nine jersey. A respected leader at the club, Brailey’s passion and professionalism rubs off on the rest of his team members, making him the perfect leader into the heat of finals footy.

Canberra Raiders: Ethan Strange

Canberra’s five-eight is having a standout year. One of the club’s youngest regular first graders at just 21, Strange has progressed strongly since winning the Raiders rookie of the year award in 2024. His brute strength and ability to run the ball even caught the eye of Penrith star Nathan Cleary when the teams clashed the other week.

Brisbane Broncos: Billy Walters

After previous seasons as Brisbane’s first-choice rake, Walters is chomping at the bit to silence critic with his move to the halves finally putting him into his famous father’s old jersey. The change came following injuries to first-choice halves pair Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds - a devastating blow that’s left a significant void which Walters is determined to fill alongside veteran Ben Hunt. So far, the job he’s done has been outstanding. He’s playing with a level of confidence that makes the decision-making process among his teammates a lot easier.