We are just about halfway through the 2025 National Rugby League (NRL) regular season, and things are starting to heat up. Seventeen teams are in contention for the top eight spots that will guarantee a place in the finals series, which kicks off in September.

Legends are made during this period as stars often step into the limelight. There are several young players who have made waves already, and it seems we could end up seeing the next Kalyn Ponga or Cameron Murray.

Which rookies could etch their names in NRL folklore when the finals begin? Let’s break down the top seven among the bunch.

Top Players to Look Out for When the NRL Finals Series Begins

Fans follow the best players for many reasons, and one of them is that it makes it easier to predict match outcomes and find the most promising rugby game odds at an online casino in New Zealand. Here are the “chosen seven” to watch.

1. Ezra Mam

Ezra has missed most of the season because of a suspension, but he is still one to watch. The 22-year-old was named the Intrust Super Cup Rookie of the Year as a member of Souths Logan Magpies in 2021.

Ezra can be described as a true playmaker. On his day, the defensive line of any other team in the league will struggle to keep up with his speed and footwork.

2. Isaiya Katoa

Isaiya is already an international at the young age of 21. He has been involved in all 12 of the Dolphins' games this season, earning him a national team call. His composure and skills have been instrumental in the team’s push for a top-8 finish. This puts him on our watch radar.

3. Xavier Coates

Coates is an exceptional winger who is familiar with the NRL, having previously played for the Brisbane Broncos. However, he made the switch to Melbourne in 2022 and has since become an integral player. He has racked up 10 appearances with 10 tries and five assists so far this season.

The Melbourne Storm currently sits fourth. and Coates has been instrumental in this accomplishment. His ability to break the line and finish in the corner makes him a constant threat to other teams in the finals series.

4. Jacob Preston

Not many defensive players this season have been as solid as Jacob Preston. He has appeared in eight NRL games and has made 304 tackles with a 95.9% efficiency rate. He has also scored five tries, which is impressive for a second-rower.

Preston is on suspension at the moment, but he will return to complete the regular season and help ensure Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs finishes first. He is one to watch!

5. Jacob Laban

Jacob Laban is one of the youngest players on the Warriors’ books at 21. It has only been a year since he made his debut for the Rugby club, and he has been stellar ever since. His game time this season has been short, but his numbers are still impressive. He has a 92.5% tackle efficiency from 135 tackles made as a second rower.

The Warriors currently sit in third position, and Laban could be the key to a strong finish.

6. Sunia Turuva

If there was a debate about the signing of the year, Sunia Turuva would certainly be part of it. After winning back-to-back NRL Grand Finals with the Penrith Panthers, he switched to the West Tigers. He has been impressive so far, whether on the wing or as a fullback.

Turuva has appeared in all of the West Tigers’ fixtures, with nine tries and 204 passing receipts. Could he lead his team to the finals series and win a third title in a row? We will wait and see!

7. Tyrell Sloan

Tyrell Sloan has been a revelation this season. In all nine appearances, the 22-year-old has shown his try-scoring ability and backline versatility. Sloan has nine tries alongside 12-line breaks. He also averages 132 running metres per game and has made 23 tackles.

Sloan's dynamic play and speed make him a constant threat to opposing defences. His form and confidence will be key factors in the Dragons' pursuit of success in the finals.

What Lies Ahead for the NRL Season

The NRL regular season is still taking shape. However, we already have a good idea of what the finals series could look like. The spotlight is currently on these rising stars, and they are ready to cement their legacies.

-Third party content