Smith names each remaining team’s x-factor going into finals

The 2024 NRL Final Series kicks off on Friday night with the reigning Premiers, Penrith Panthers hosting the Sydney Roosters.

With the Panthers and Melbourne Storm runaway favourites to make the Grand Final, the rest of the field has considerable ground to make up in order to cause an upset.

NRL legend Cameron Smith took an early look at the remaining eight teams and picked one player from every side that could make a winning difference in finals.

Melbourne Storm

Jahrome Hughes

“It’s got to be Hughes for me,” Smith said on SENQ Breakfast.

Penrith Panthers

Jarome Luai

“I’m going to go Luai, I think if he has a massive finals series they’ll be in the hunt.

“I’m not questioning his ability as a ball player, I’m just saying the standouts for Penrith have been (Nathan) Cleary and (Dylan) Edwards.”

Sydney Roosters

Connor Watson

“He’s going to go to number nine, I reckon if he can get his running game going they can make a huge difference to that footy side,”

Cronulla Sharks

Nicho Hynes

North Queensland Cowboys

Scott Drinkwater

“I was going to say Tom Dearden but he gives you a seven and a half/ eight out of ten every game but I think Drinkwater, he’s the guy if he has high involvement, gets plenty of touches, I think that’s when they’re at their most dangerous.”

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Viliame Kikau

“Watching the Doggies over the last month he’s been a bit up and down with his performances but if he gets back to his physical, aggressive best then look out.”

Manly Sea Eagles

Tom Trbojevic

“Turbo is their man, if he's creating opportunities and scoring points they are up and about.”

Newcastle Knights

Kalyn Ponga

“They’ve been off the back of KP the last couple of weeks, same as last year when he play an outstanding ten rounds going into the finals.”