Battle of the speedsters: Ferguson, Addo-Carr chasing glory

Two of the game's biggest speedsters and personalities go head-to-head on the wing in Sunday's NRL Telstra Premiership grand final at ANZ Stadium on Sunday in a match-up that could hand both an Australian jersey in October.

Melbourne Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr will mark in-form Sydney Roosters winger Blake Ferguson in a battle for the ages with a tense contest expected.

Both players offer a level of X-factor and game-breaking ability for their sides and cannot afford to be kept quiet.

Both Indigenous men have had impressive seasons, with Addo-Carr capping off last year's premiership victory with a State of Origin debut in May.

The season has been a rollercoaster one for Ferguson, who lost his spot in the NSW side this season under Brad Fittler's new regime, but has arguably put in his biggest year yet with career-best numbers.
Ferguson finished on top of all players in 2018 in run metres and post-contact metres.

He also finished third behind Valentine Holmes and Nick Cotric in line breaks with 20, and scored 18 tries. In defence the 28-year-old has just 19 missed tackles for the season, a new career low for the Roosters winger.

"I'm proud of the season I've had," Ferguson told pan66.com.

"To get within reach of a premiership, I'll be doing everything I can do get us home. The Fox and I are almost the same height, I think he's a little bit shorter. He's younger but that's OK.

"I have to contain him with his speed and can't let him into any space. He's had a great year at Melbourne and Blues but I'm confident if me and Joey (Manu) can mark up on him well we can contain him. We need to mark Cameron Munster down our edge as well."

After an eye-catching start to 2018 Addo-Carr has not scored a try since round 21.

He hasn't lost his cool in the process though, with three line breaks, a try assist and just one missed tackle in the last five games.

"On the back of Origin I feel like I've matured after last year's season and stay patient," Addo-Carr told pan66.com.

"Fergo has been unreal this year. He's got through a lot of work this year and leads in carries, great in the air. I'll have to pin the ears back if I get into any space.

"We both have family in Wellington and talk occasionally. I haven't looked into it but down the family line we could even be related."