Sterling, Stuart, Clyde, Lockyer, Johns, Inglis, Slater, Cronk, Thurston - the list of Clive Churchill Medal winners is a thing of beauty.
Another name will be added to that list on Sunday night, with some stars of the modern era attracting attention from the experts at pan66.com.
The halves on both sides and rival locks Cameron Murray and Isaah Yeo have attracted attention from the experts at pan66.com.
Will the medallist come from the winning side or will there be another member of a defeated side leaving Suncorp Stadium with something to smile about.
Experts' view - Clive Churchill Medal winner
Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)
Cody Walker has great form coming into this game and will dominate on the back of a strong display by the South Sydney forward pack.
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Brett Kimmorley (former Test halfback)
Isaah Yeo. The big-name players such as Nathan Cleary will do their thing, but it will be the hard work of a player like Isaah Yeo that will be crucial, He knows when to pass, when not to pass and will probably make 45 tackles. That would be a pretty awesome show of leadership.
Jamie Soward (Premiership winner)
James Fisher-Harris. If the Panthers win the forwards battle they'll go a long way to winning the match. Front-rowers don't often get it but I think that he could get it done if he runs for 150m with his usual aggression.
Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers legend)
Cameron Murray. I know Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker get a lot of the accolades but that comes off the back of the hark work of players like Murray. His play-the-ball speed, his ball-playing ability and the amount of defence he is going to do will be great.
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Nathan Cleary. His kicking game will ensure that Penrith keep Souths down their own end and he will be the person that controls the game from start to finish for Penrith.
Brad Walter (pan66.com senior reporter)
Nathan Cleary. His kicking game and organisational skills are likely to play a key role if the Panthers are to win.
Paul Suttor (pan66.com editor-in-chief)
Jarome Luai. He is a big-game player and there's no contest of greater magnitude than this one. He has the skill and footwork to cause carnage out wide if South Sydney's defence give him an inkling of room to move.
Alicia Newton (pan66.com reporter)
Nathan Cleary. He just missed the Dally M on Monday night but won’t miss stepping up on this stage. A shoulder injury has threatened his season since July but he’s still the Rabbitohs’ biggest threat.
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Paul Zalunardo (pan66.com senior journalist)
Cody Walker. I've tipped the Panthers to win, but Cody Walker could still be the best player on the field. Get ready for more tries - and try assists - from this wonderful player.
Martin Lenehan (pan66.com senior journalist)
Cody Walker. The freakishly talented No.6 is ready to cap a stunning season with a command performance. Walker will grab a try of his own and set up a couple as he takes the Bunnies to the promised land.
Isaah Yeo. Nathan Cleary is the star, Jarome Luai provides the flare and Dylan Edwards is safe but Yeo is the key. He’s the Panthers on-field leader, their link man in attack and their heart in defence. He needs the best game of his career on Sunday.
Troy Whittaker (pan66.com reporter)
Isaah Yeo. The Panthers lock’s influence through the middle will pave the way to a premiership.
Chris Kennedy (pan66.com reporter)
He’s been one of their unsung heroes all year and big games are won in the middle so I’ll back Isaah Yeo to be rewarded with the Medal.
Grand final player focus: Nathan Cleary
Dan Walsh (pan66.com reporter)
Dylan Edwards. Is playing with confidence never seen from him before and was best on the paddock against Melbourne. In absolutely everything and starting to show why Penrith types rate him so highly.
Everything appears to be falling into place for Nathan Cleary. He gets as involved as any halfback, can produce moments of brilliance like last week’s try assist for Stephen Crichton, and his right boot may just be the deciding factor.
Kenny Scott (pan66.com podcaster)
I think the game is going to be won in the middle and I’m predicting a couple of inspirational efforts from Panthers hero Isaah Yeo will see him named as the best player on the field.
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.
