The 2025 NRL finals are upon us. As always, September football isn’t just about the strength of the squad but about the influence of key players who can step up in the big moments.
Here are the men who could make the difference for their clubs.
Canberra Raiders
The obvious one is Jamal Fogarty. The departing halfback is crucial in unlocking his rapid and powerful backline, as well as giving Ethan Strange the freedom and opportunity to showcase his ability – which we’ve seen so clearly, especially in recent weeks. Fogarty’s kicking game and composure will be vital if the Raiders want to go all the way.
Melbourne Storm
With the absence of key players, especially in the spine, all eyes fall on Harry Grant. Few hookers in the game control the ruck as well as he does, and his ability to make the right choice, whether darting himself or linking with his halves, is what can give Storm the edge.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
For the Bulldogs, it’s not so much a player but a position that’s crucial in unlocking their attack. Bailey Hayward’s shift to hooker changes the balance and leaves behind the ball-playing lock role he filled so effectively. That puts pressure on Jaeman Salmon and Kurt Mann to play their roles almost flawlessly. If the Dogs’ lock forwards get it right, they could unleash with ball in hand.
Brisbane Broncos
Although Adam Reynolds is fit in time for the finals, it’s the dominant voice of Ben Hunt that will elevate the Broncos. Whether in the six or seven jersey, Hunt’s leadership and game management are of the highest order, and he has found the right balance between directing traffic and unleashing Brisbane’s strike weapons.
Cronulla Sharks
Nicho Hynes is a huge inclusion, but finals footy will be won or lost up front. Addin Fonua-Blake needs to bully the opposition, lay the platform with his signature barnstorming runs, and ensure the Sharks are the ones dictating terms. If he dominates the middle, he’ll give his halves space to create.
New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors are perhaps the biggest underdogs without Luke Metcalf, but Kurt Capewell looms as their inspiration. Whether in the centres or back row, his leadership and work ethic can spark this side. His impact was clear in Origin this year, and the Warriors will look to him to provide that same drive in the finals.
Penrith Panthers
Nathan Cleary is the obvious key, but Dylan Edwards faces huge pressure this finals series. By his standards, the regular season was underwhelming, but September is where champions rise. If he sharpens up his handling and discipline, Edwards has the ability to be the difference in Penrith’s push for a fifth straight title.
Sydney Roosters
It’s hard to believe the Roosters only scraped into the eight, given their talent and recent form. Their inconsistency has hurt them, but if Sam Walker can hit his creative best, he’ll unleash the strike players around him and make the Roosters a genuine threat.
Finals football has a way of revealing not just talent, but character. It’s about standing up under pressure, stepping into responsibility, and giving your all for the team – which in many ways mirrors the Christian life.
No matter who lifts the trophy, these players remind us that the biggest stages often bring out the deepest character.
