Big-game experience always counts for plenty come finals time but the exuberance of youth will also be a powerful force in the opening week of the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series.
From red hot Roosters Sam Walker and Joseph Suaalii to electric Eel Will Penisini, NRL.com runs the rule over the six players aged 21 and under who are ready to make their mark in the race for premiership glory.
Joseph Suaalii (Roosters)
After debuting as a 17-year-old in 2021 and looking like he belonged from minute one, Suaalii has blossomed this year with 15 tries in 18 games. Only turned 19 in August but has the poise and power of men 10 years his senior and his filled highlight reels with his aerial skills and bone-rattling defence... just ask Ezra Mam, who was on the end of a Suaalii Special in Round 21. A real X-factor for the Roosters in their quest for a third title in five years.
Suaalii's cruncher on Mam wins tackle of the week
Will Penisini (Eels)
Having played in all 24 games for the Eels this season, the powerful Parramatta junior is well and truly ready to shine in his second finals campaign. The 20-year-old centre has scored 10 tries in 29 games for the Eels since his debut in 2021 and showed last Friday with his try-saver on a rampaging Justin Olam that his defence is also up to the mark.
How did he stop him?
Izack Tago (Panthers)
After getting his first taste of the NRL in 2021 when the Panthers' big guns were away on Origin duty, Tago has cemented his spot as Ivan Cleary’s first-choice left centre this season, racking up 12 tries, 15 line breaks and seven try assists in 23 matches. A key man on Penrith’s dangerous left edge along with Taylan May and Jarome Luai, 20-year-old Tago will look to add plenty of strike power to the premiers’ attack throughout the finals series.
Too good Tago
Sam Walker (Roosters)
With 45 NRL games now under his belt, 20-year-old Sam Walker certainly won't be overawed by whatever is thrown at him in the finals. The youngest halfback among the eight stepping out this weekend, Walker has the Roosters firing at the right time of the year and his combination with Luke Keary has been dynamic during their eight-game winning streak. The Ipswich junior has followed up his 2021 Rookie of the Year season with a superb 2022, notching seven tries, 15 try assists and 90 goals at a 79 per cent success rate.
Walker grubbers for Butcher
Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys)
One of the real breakout stars of 2022, Nanai is looking to add a premiership ring to his Origin series success with the Maroons. The 19-year-old edge forward is equally as dangerous in the air as he is on the ground and his tally of 17 tries has him just three shy of equalling Manly back-rower Steve Menzies' record for the most prolific try-scoring season by a forward in the NRL era. A key weapon in coach Todd Payten's arsenal as the Cowboys prepare for their first finals appearance since the 2017 decider against the Storm.
Nanai again takes flight
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Cowboys)
The 'Hammer' turned 21 this week and what better way to celebrate than by lighting up PointsBet Stadium with his trademark speed. Now in his third season at the top level, Tabuai-Fidow plays the game with passion and exuberance and boasts bucketloads of natural talent that have delivered him seven tries, 54 tackle breaks and nine line breaks in 2022. Give him an inch and he'll take a mile with a trademark smile.
Hammer time in Townsville
