KEY MATCH-UPS

Two young backrowers who in a short time in the NRL have proven they are the future of the game. Nanai has impressed since making the step up to the top grade, showing he has a wicked step, good turn of pace and impressive ballplaying ability. Schuster has been one of the form rookies of the season, with his ballplaying skills a revelation in the backrow. But the most impressive trait both players have is their confidence. They back themselves.

TOM DEARDEN v DALY CHERRY-EVANS

It’s the battle for the Sugar City.

Two Mackay Brothers juniors who have made it to the bright lights of the NRL albeit at opposite ends of their careers.

Dearden has struggled under the weight of expectation, but his tenacity to become better is undeniable. He admitted this week he had always looked up to Cherry-evans. While he might want to follow in the Maroons half’s footsteps that doesn’t mean

Dearden will go easy on his rival.

HAMISO TABUAI-FIDOW v TOM TRBOJEVIC

It is a battle that ignited the Origin dead rubber earlier this season. Now, Turbo Tom and ‘The Hammer’ get to go head-to-head in their favoured positions. Payten is showing the faith in Tabuai-fidow that fans have been calling for all season. For the teenage flyer to push a marquee player like Valentine Holmes out to the centres shows he has an undeniable ability with the ball in hand. But he still has a way to go before he reaches the level of Trbojevic. The Manly fullback is the odds on favourite for the Dally M Medal and has arguably surpassed James Tedesco as the greatest player in the game.

The last time Trbojevic was in Townsville he was a man possessed as he tore apart the Maroons in the State of Origin opener.

He will aim to emulate those antics as the Sea Eagles search for a top four finish and guaranteed second chance in the finals.

But the man opposite him has just as much ability to break a line open from a standing start.