The NRL captains nominated which players will dominate the finals. One name stood out

Reigning premiers Penrith finished outside the top four, but not one rival finals team is prepared to dismiss their title hopes, especially if Nathan Cleary remains fit.

As the NRL launched its finals campaign at Barangaroo, this masthead spoke to the captains of the eight remaining clubs to find out which teammate would shine brightest in the coming weeks, and the opposition player they most feared.

While Canberra young gun Ethan Strange and returning Melbourne skipper Harry Grant received honourable mentions, four-time premiership winner Cleary is the man most are tipping to dominate the finals.

For the record, Cleary, 27, did not receive a single mention when we conducted a similar poll on the eve of last year’s finals.

Here’s what the captains said:

Joe Tapine (Canberra Raiders)

Raiders player to watch: “Kaeo Weekes can produce something out of nothing. He’s been unreal for us, and can score from anywhere on the field.”

Opposition player to watch: ”Nathan Cleary has been there and done that. He’s been that ‘iceman’ during plenty of finals.”

Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)

Storm player to watch: “Xavier Coates has been the one who has stood out for me. He’s winning our player of the year by a mile.”

Opposition player to watch: “I missed the game against the Raiders, but Ethan Strange just looks like he’s a footy player. He pops up at the right place at the right time, he looks tough and likes to get into the gritty stuff.”

Stephen Crichton (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Bulldogs player to watch: ”I can’t go past ‘Burto’ [Matt Burton]; he’s such a key aspect to our team.”

Opposition player to watch: “Nathan Cleary has been there and done that; he’s played in all the big games. If you put the ball in his hands, he’s not afraid to make mistakes. That’s what makes him the player he is.”

Adam Reynolds (Brisbane Broncos)

Broncos player to watch: “Everything good we do comes off Reece Walsh. He’s electric with the ball, sets up his outside men extremely well, and is always a threat when he’s running the ball. Our discipline has been better, we’re giving away less penalties, not turning over the ball as often, which makes it easier for Walshy to do his thing.”

Opposition player to watch: “Harry Grant has proven his worth when a few other players have been out for Melbourne this year; he’s stood up and got the job done for them. He brings their forward pack on to the ball really well, and defensively he gets through so much work.”

Blayke Brailey (Cronulla Sharks)

Sharks player to watch: “Our new recruit Addin Fonua-Blake has been that enforcer in the middle, and showed his class on the weekend with how dominant he can be.”

Opposition player to watch: “James Tedesco is honestly getting better with age. He’s such a key figure for the Roosters and been in great form and touch.”

Mitch Barnett (New Zealand Warriors)

Warriors player to watch: “Leka Halasima can score a try from anywhere, he’s a generational talent, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in the finals. He’s just a freak of nature.”

Opposition player to watch: “I can’t go past Nathan Cleary. He’s won a few comps, which helps. We’ve got [Cleary’s younger brother] Jett, and the way they play, they look identical. Nath is just a bit more solid.”

Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)

Panthers player to watch: “I’m really excited to see Blaize Talagi in the finals. Without putting pressure on him, he has the confidence, he’s kept improving, and he’s primed to play well in these big games.”

Opposition player to watch: “Ethan Strange has had a massive year. His style of footy is suited to the finals. Coming up against him the other week, he was so strong, ran the ball really well, and he has that confidence.”

James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)

Roosters player to watch: “Who doesn’t love Mark [Nawaqanitawase] lighting it up? We’re used to all the freakish stuff, but all the defensive work, the movements, he’s cut a lot of errors out of his game, which he had at the start [of the year]. But he’s found that balance of coming up with the right plays and not overplaying his hand.”

Opposition player to watch: “Nathan Cleary has been outstanding. He’s got them [Penrith] hitting form, and if they win, it will be on him.”

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