NRL Finals: Pacific powerhouses ready for finals run

The final teams are in, and there’s a lot to look forward to in this year's NRL finals.

The Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles secured the hotly contested 7th and 8th positions. The mighty Penrith-Panthers are eager to win their fourth-straight premiership, while the Bulldogs return to the finals for the first time in eight years.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said it’s going to be an exciting final series for all eight clubs.

“After 27 rounds the final position in the top eight came down to the very last match,” Abdo told NRL.com

“In 2024 we have seen spectacular football, the most tries since 1998, 10 golden point games and almost a third of matches decided by six points or less.

“We have some great match-ups in the final series week one and in this premiership anyone can win on the day.”

There are over 80 athletes of Pacific heritage spread across the eight 30-man squads.

Here is a look at the Pacific players I expect to make strong impacts for their sides over the next few weeks of competition.

Melbourne Storm -Eliesa Katoa:

The damaging back-rower has been outstanding for the Storm this year, featuring in 22 of 27 matches for the team. A try-scoring threat, Katoa’s strong ball carries have been a prominent feature for the Storms’ go forward in 2024. The Tongan powerhouse will star on the left-edge for their match against the Sharks.

Penrith Panthers - Jerome Luai:

In search of their fourth-straight, there will be only a few Panthers who have been around for the past three championships, and Luai is one of them. His maturity this year on the field has been crucial for Penrith who were without Nathan Cleary for most of the year. In his absence, Luai showed his class on the field without his halves partner. Against the Roosters, Luai will need to use his explosiveness and unorthodox play to expose the opposition's defence.

Sydney Roosters - Joseph Manu:

The 2023 international player of the year, Joseph Manu, who is of Māori and Cook Islands descent, will feature in his final NRL finals series, before he departs to play professional rugby union. The versatile back has been a strong addition to the Roosters outrageous points differential this year, contributing 10 tries for the season. His explosiveness on the edges will be important for the Roosters to penetrate the Panthers line, and to open the way for Joseph Suali’i to score on the outside.

Cronulla Sharks - Kayal Iro

Descending from Rugby League royalty, Kayal Iro has staked his claim as one of the best young outside backs of this season. Making 21 appearances for the Sharks this season, Iro has been a crucial piece to the side's back-line as a defensively sound player with attacking flair. His strong carries in open space has allowed him to average over 160 running meters per game. The Cook-Island representative starts in the centers for the Sharks clash against the Storm.

North Queensland Cowboys - Heilum Luki

Samoan-Niuean back-rower Heilum Luki will have a prominent presence in the Cowboys backrow, as they head into the first elimination final against the Newcastle Knights. The towering youngster has been strong on both sides of the pitch, and his defensive prowess will be on full-show against the Knights. Luki’s over 95 per cent tackle efficiency makes for a dangerous addition if the Knights head down the Cowboys left-edge. He will be a must watch!

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs - Stephen Crichton

It isn’t the first finals rodeo for the 23 year-old captain, only this time, it will be in the famous blue and white jersey. Crichton’s rise as captain for the Bulldogs in 2024 has brought out the best version of the youngster, inspiring his troops to victories and securing their first finals spot in eight years. Averaging over 100 running meters and scoring nine tries, Crichtons’ attacking ability will be a crucial part of the Bulldogs’ go forward.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - Lehi Hopoate

The Manly Sea Eagles’ backline is littered with Tongan stars this year, and young Lehi Hopoate has been an outstanding addition to the side. Hopoate, son of Tongan legend John Hopoate, will start on the right wing against the Bulldogs this weekend. The youngster has been a strong replacement at fullback in the absence of Tom Trobojevic in 2024, and moving back to winger he also had strong performances. Averaging over 130 running meters this year, Hopoates’ explosiveness will be an important feature for the side this weekend.

Newcastle Knights - Tyson Frizell

Veteran backrower Tyson Frizell will be a key addition to the Knights finals hopes this year. The locker room will surely look to the 32-year old veteran as a source of inspiration as they take on the Cowboys. Frizells’ experience has been key to the Knights success in 2024, having played 18 games for the side, Frizell has been a defensive nightmare this year. The Tongan representatives' experience will be the key to lead the team to victory this weekend.

Find the full NRL Finals schedule here:

Draw, NRL Scores, Results for 2024 NRL Premiership | NRL.com