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If you are looking for an argument going into League’s penultimate finals round, simply declare who you think is the best tactical kicker still alive in the premiership race.
Of the four primary kickers on show, my No. 1 choice is Newcastle’s Jarrod Mullen from Adam Reynolds (Souths), Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly) and Mitchell Pearce (Roosters).
That’s the order in which I rank them. All can be match-winners on any day – feel free to chip in with yours.
Each of these players has been a driving force for his team in 2013 and another massive contribution will be needed to help snare a grand final berth.
Mullen, the Knights maestro, got my vote because he has more variety in his kicks than anyone playing the code.
He has worked incredibly hard to fine-tune his skill set over the past three or four seasons.
Jarrod is deadly when he kicks, short or long; his high balls are invariably bang on the money, while his banana kick looks far and away the best in the business.
Mullen is the Knights’ best hope of securing a place in the decider. On Saturday at Allianz Stadium, Newcastle will need him at the peak of his powers if they are to topple minor premiers, the Roosters.
A grand final finish would be a fairytale result for the Novocastrians, in particular the retiring Danny Buderus, but I suspect their giant-killing run will come to an end.
The Roosters look to have more potential match-winners on board and with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Boyd Corder returning, they might be a tad stronger up front.
It shapes as a tremendous contest between veteran coach Wayne Bennett and the exciting newcomer, Trent Robinson but I’ll tip the Roosters to power home by 10 points.
Friday’s Souths v Manly preliminary final at ANZ will be incredibly physical early on but don’t be surprised if it develops into a free-running spectacle.
The Manly team has come through searching tests against Easts and Cronulla and even though history shows the Eagles thrive under finals pressure, they will obviously be a little worse for wear.
Souths will try to tire the Sea Eagles with a combination of brute force up the middle and speed out wide.
I’m really looking forward to the battle of the halves in this one.
Adam Reynolds got hurt midway through the corresponding finals game last year and that was the end of the road for the Bunnies.
He will be keen to get over that disappointment and win his duel against the in-form Daly Cherry-Evans, the Eagles’ shining light last week.
John Sutton versus Kieran Foran! Each is a vital component of his team and their duel will be memorable.
The week’s rest would have been welcomed by Souths fullback Greg Inglis, who has been carrying a knee injury for much of the year. He will carry the hopes of the South Sydney faithful yet again and I’m hoping Manly’s spearhead, Brett Stewart, is cleared to play.
This will be one of the year’s most exciting battles. Forced to tip, I predict a Rabbitoh win by 6 points.
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